To get the best yield from a small space, buy only seeds in packages marked with the date of the current year. Since 100 percent of the seeds seldom germinate, plant more seeds than are needed in each container. After the seeds have sprouted and the foliage of the seedlings touch, thin the plants to the desired number. Put your containers where they will get at least five hours of sunlight a day. Vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes need the most sunlight.
Root vegetables get by with a little less.
Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, cabbage and greens, can get along with more shade than root vegetables. Watering plants properly is the trickiest and most important job of a container gardener. If you give your plants too much or too little water, you may kill them. Depending on the size of the container and the weather conditions, some vegetables may need watering every day. The best way to water is by hand, using a watering can or a garden hose sprayer attachment.