Save money on groceries—grow your own vegetables and herbs in your container garden. Almost all vegetables and herbs can be grown in planters—from single planters, to larger plant groupings in special planters designed just for a vegetable garden or raised garden planters. Here’s some creative ideas for growing vegetables in planters:

1. Salad Bowl Planter: Choose a shallow, wide planter and mix different salad greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula and kale. Plant them densely to create a lush and colorful salad bowl. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, and they will continue to grow back.
2. Hanging Tomato Planter: Hang baskets or upside-down planters from a sturdy support structure and grow cherry tomatoes or small-sized tomato varieties. This method saves space and also keeps the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
3. Tiered Planter Tower: Build a tiered planter tower using stacking planters or by arranging planters of different sizes on a shelving unit. This allows you to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and even trailing plants like strawberries or trailing tomatoes in a compact space.
4. Recycled Containers: Get creative with recycling containers such as old buckets, metal tubs, crates  or barrels. Make sure to provide drainage holes and proper soil, and you can grow a variety of vegetables like peppers, carrots, radishes or even small root crops like potatoes.
5. Vertical Herb Wall: Create a vertical herb garden by attaching several small planters to a wall or fence. Use herbs like basil, parsley, thyme and mint. This not only saves space but also adds an attractive and aromatic element to your outdoor or indoor area. It’s also a great way to prevent mint varieties from taking over your garden. Or, make watering even easier with the VegTrug Self-watering Herb Planter Box from Gardener’s Supply (right).
6. Window Box Herb Garden: Utilize window boxes outside your kitchen window or balcony to create a mini herb garden. Plant a variety of herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano and chives. They’ll be within easy reach for cooking and will add a lovely aroma to your living space.
7. Trellis Planter: Select a planter with a built-in trellis or attach a trellis to a larger planter. Grow vining vegetables such as cucumbers, peas or beans—training them to climb the trellis. This maximizes vertical space and makes harvesting easier.
8. Hanging Basket Strawberries: Plant strawberry plants in hanging baskets, ensuring they have good drainage. Hang them in a sunny spot, and you’ll have a beautiful and productive display of sweet strawberries cascading down.

Remember to choose planters appropriate for the size and needs of your chosen vegetables, provide adequate sunlight, water and nutrients, and consider companion planting to maximize growth and deter pests.

Elevated Vegetable Planter Box, Gardener’s Supply

Happy container gardening!