Mid-February Gardening of Vegetables in Containers

This gardening column is directed to the community of Falls County. Whereas I am still relatively new to this area, I have quickly learned its unique weather patterns and have developed an appreciation of its expansive planting and growing seasons.

Mid-February is an ideal time to start a container vegetable garden in Falls County, Texas. It marks the beginning of the Spring gardening season. Plus, container gardening allows one to easily move plants or cover them, in case of a late freeze.

A look at containers and what and how to plant vegetables in mid-Febru-ary shows planting similarities amongst root vegetables, leafy greens, brassicas, alliums and others, and potatoes.

All you need to get started is some quality potting mix, a few containers of the right size, and a little green thumb know-how. Gardening gloves and a hand spade are always useful.

First, select and prepare by thoroughly cleaning containers that are five gallons or larger and 10”– 12” deep with drain holes.

Second, moisten the potting soil first, then sprinkle seeds over the surface, covering them with roughly 1/4 inch of soil, then tamp down gently.

Third, keep in mind that even in mid-February, container soil can dry out. Soil in containers dries out faster than in the ground; check daily and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering during cold, wet spells.

Fourth, place containers in a spot that receives full sun.

Last, fertilize every two weeks with a lowernitrogen, higher-phosphorous fertilizer to encourage root growth, because nutrients leach out quickly in containers.

Root crops like beets, carrots, radishes, and turnips, can be directly sown into deep containers (at least 12 inches deep). Note: Because root vegetables do not transplant well, it is best to directsow seeds directly into the container.

Leafy greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard greens, and kale are perfect for container growing in mid-February in Falls County. Thin broadcasted spinach seeds as needed when seedlings appear. To have a continuous supply for several weeks, plant spinach seeds in various containers (or in the garden bed) every 1 to 2 weeks until the temperatures become too warm, about 80 degrees F.

Kale requires a nutrient- rich, well-draining soil with a pH range of about 6.5 to 6.8. Note: the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Laboratory tests soil nutrients for a fee, providing comprehensive analysis for lawns, gardens, and agriculture. They measure pH, salinity, and essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.), and offer tailored fertilizer recommendations based on results. For kale, sow seeds directly into the potting mix.

Seeds for legumes such as sugar snap peas and English peas can be sown directly in containers.

And mid-February is prime time to plant seed potatoes in containers or grow bags. “Seed” potatoes are not actually seeds. The fully grown potatoes are used for planting and growing even more potatoes. Cut your seed potatoes into one to two-inch chunks, making sure that each piece has at least one eye, or dimpled area. Each piece must have an eye to sprout! “You can put them on a baking sheet and leave them out to “callous over” for 24 hours to develop a harder skin which may help prevent the potato from rotting if the soil is very wet,” (thepioneerwoman. com) Or you can simply plant the pieces right away. For potatoes, select the largest size container, preferably 20inches in diameter or larger. Fabric bags are another form of container. They can be placed anywhere, also increasing gardening space.

Next week: Herbs (Best for Pots) and Transplanting Early Spring Flowers.