Sunday, February 20, 2011

Container Vegetables: Carrot, Cucumber, and Eggplant

Well, you probably think I'm crazy.  Carrots, cucumbers, and eggplant?  In a container?  No way!


Yes way!  This is the Paris Market Carrot.  Isn't it lovely?  It's a 19th Century French heirloom, only one to two inches in diameter, very sweet, early harvest, does well in shallow soil and containers!  Amazing!  Their shape and size are just ideal.  Once again I'd suggest a long, window-box style planter to allow them plenty of room and for the largest crop possible, but as always, use whatever you have on hand.  Carrot seeds are teeny tiny.  Sprinkle them on top of the soil and then cover with a very thin layer of soil.  Be sure to keep them moist.


Check out these little cuties!  They are Miniature White Cucumbers, and they are adorable!  Now for these you'll need a round pot large enough to hold a tomato cage - these guys need something to climb on.  (Putting the pot next to a trellis or railing would work, too.)  Just plant a few seeds after danger of frost has passed - Some people plant them in a little hill, but you don't have to.  Unlike most cucumber vines, which will grow until they've taken over the garden, these vines should only grow to about three feet in length.  Pick the little cukes when they're about three inches long, they should be mild and sweet with very thin skin.  As with all cucumbers, wear your garden gloves while picking - they're spikey!


This is a Round Mauve Eggplant.  Originally from China, these are thin-skinned and round, and can be harvested when they're about the size of a tennis ball.  The plants are compact and perfect for your container garden!  These are a little more difficult, as you'll have to start the seeds inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost.  (Or you could buy a regular eggplant seedling from your local nursery.)  Just one plant per medium sized pot, please.  I have recently developed quite a taste for eggplant:  grilled, sauteed, or breaded and deep fried of course.  Even if it's not your favorite, you can't deny that it would be impressive to have these purple beauties growing on your balcony!


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