The Pursuit of Food Security: Starting a Modest Container Garden

Did you know that you can use SNAP benefits to buy seeds and seedlings? People who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can also use these funds to purchase seeds and plants that produce food. This is not a widely known fact. Participation in this USDA program has increased and encompasses individuals from ever-expanding backgrounds and age groups. While food pantries have increased all over the nation, they often do not offer training or assistance with home-gardening, a more self-sustainable/self-sufficient practice, even if it is just one piece of the puzzle.

The need to provide nourishment for ourselves and families is a major component in how we conduct our daily lives. Not all of us have equal access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention, that it is often more expensive to purchase fresh produce versus alternate preserved options. The question of purchasing organic is an even greater expense. More than 10% of American households (~35 million) were considered food insecure in 2019, alone. Studies estimate that these numbers doubled with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Access to a home garden evens the playing field in this regard. With the exception of natural events, you have more control over what and when you feed yourself and/or your family when planting. You can choose where your seeds/seedlings come from, how they are grown, and how they are cared for.

The cost of a packet of seeds that you should be able to continue to grow from for five years on average, versus purchasing produce in-store, is clearly more economical. For example, organic bell peppers may cost $2-$3 each while conventional bell peppers may cost $1-$2 each. You can purchase a packet of organic bell pepper seeds for $4-$7, which could include anywhere from 25-300 seeds, dependent upon the brand or source. While all of these seeds may not germinate, one plant can produce numerous peppers, up to a dozen or more if the plant is a variety that produces medium or smaller fruit.

If starting from scratch, meaning you do not have seeds, appropriate planters, potting soil, etc, the average cost to start a modest but fruitful container garden is under $75! Here is the breakdown. Unless seeking exotic options, seed packets are $5 each on average. The most budget-friendly food safe planters (5-7 gallons), whether fabric or plastic cost approximately $3-$5 per unit. You can pay as little as $10-$15 for 2 cubic ft of potting soil, which should allow you to fill up to four 5 gallon planters. Straw or wood mulch ranges $5-$10 for 2 cubic ft (more than you would need for four 5 gallon planters), and organic plant food/fertilizer, $10-$15.

Is the cost too steep for you? Don’t be discouraged. Find a gardening partner(s) and split the cost and maybe the labor.

Assuming you use the same planters and seed, the cost of replanting/repotting and organic fertilizer should cost about $25-$40 each year. This garden should provide you with multiple harvests, some of which can be canned, blanched and frozen, or dried for use after the season has ended. If your climate and gardening plan permits for a fall crop/harvest, you can reap even more benefit. Stay tuned for details regarding planning a fall garden, when late summer approaches.

Planning a Basic, Modest Four-Planter Container Garden (based upon use of 5 gallon pots/containers)

Materials: Four 5-gallon planters placed in saucers/water-catch trays (if using); potting soil suitable for your plant types and outdoor use; natural mulch or plastic mulch sheeting; slow-release organic dry/granular potting soil; water soluble/liquid fertilizer; seedlings and/or seeds (*See our sowing seeds page for information regarding starting seeds indoors if you live where there are shorter growing seasons)

1. After last frost, when temperatures are at least 50 degrees, first harden-off your seedlings. Begin by ensuring your seedlings are watered well before they first venture out. Set them outdoors for an hour on day one, in indirect sunlight, protected from strong winds, and at a time in which the heat of the day is not the most intense. Gradually add one to two hours to their time spent outdoors, and increase exposure to direct sunlight, over the course of the next 5-7 days. Water only as needed. Once your seedlings have experienced night temperatures, as well, they should be adequately hardened. *Monitor for extreme temperature changes and high winds, bringing plants indoors as needed. Row covers or mesh sacks can be used for additional protection from insect pests or for shade, if desired.
2. Position your planters, adding your selected potting soil with dry slow-release fertilizer mixed in according to fertilizer directions, leaving 1-2 inches for your natural mulch/straw. Fertilizer may not be necessary at this point if included in your potting soil. Fill nearly to top if using black plastic mulch sheeting/cover.
3. Transplant your seedlings according to recommended spacing and quantity on a partly cloudy day. Reference the Planting Guide as needed.
4. Water thoroughly and gently at soil line for transplanted seedlings (stopping when water drains from bottom), and water with light stream to remove air pockets and moisten for seeds.
5. Top with 1-2 inches of your mulch selection. *If direct-sowing your seeds into your planters, I recommend using the black plastic sheeting to mulch and cutting holes (crosswise) for seed insertion, or starting with a lighter layer of natural mulch/straw. *You may cover with a fine mesh plant cover to protect from insects or other animals or a fleece plant cover for additional warmth, until plants are established.
6. Add liquid or soluble fertilizer according to package directions (when fruit/vegetables begin to appear, ~ 4 weeks after transplant)
7. Feed with diluted liquid or soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season.
8. Water your plants when the top inch of potting soil is dry when tested with your finger.

For help determining how much soil you will need for your chosen planters/containers:

https://harvesttotable.com/container-and-pot-sizes-how-much-soil-do-i-need/

See our Garden Toolkit for more about garden accessories and supplies.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is labeled with an N-P-K ratio, referencing its ratio of nitrogen to phosphorous to potassium. Most references will tell you that if in doubt, to select an organic fertilizer with an evenly balanced ratio. I myself, have done this in the past when using Dr. Earth Premium Gold Organic All-Purpose Fertilizer (4-4-4) and Happy Frog All-Purpose Fertilizer (5-5-5), and Espoma Garden-tone (3-4-4). These have all worked just fine, and can be found in local nurseries, nursery departments in popular hardware and big box stores, and various online retailers.

If straying from this strategy, it is good to know what nutrients will best support your plant types. For example, leafy greens, many flowers, and many fruit trees and vegetables thrive with higher levels of nitrogen. Nitrogen helps plants form chlorophyll and build energy stores for growth. It also gives plants their rich green color.

Potassium is important for rapid growth, strong stems, production of flowers, and larger, ripened fruit, and leaves. Most root vegetables also prefer higher levels of potassium.

Plants that bear fruit and vegetables need phosphorous to promote blooming, seeds, fruit and root growth. Tomatoes and peppers thrive with higher levels of phosphorous, potassium and magnesium. This combination results in more blooms, which are eventually replaced by brighter, larger, more flavorful fruit. Some gardeners, myself included at times, add epsom salt to the hole when transplanting bell and chili pepper plants. The extra magnesium can give them a boost in growth.

There are numerous fertilizers out there that claim to be designed for specific plant types (i.e., tomatoes, citrus, trees, etc.) as well. I recommend reading the N-P-K label, growing details, and consumer reviews to decide if these are right for you.

We look forward to seeing and hearing about your progress. Remember, gardening is a journey. Enjoy it!

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