Expert: nick mccann - 4/4/2009

Question
I have just purchased 12 pots, each of which have 6 planting ports (think "giant daisy shape"), which will reside in two stacks of six pots each.  Vertical gardening seems great for my situation, with full sun just on one side of my house.  What can I grow in these?  I was hoping for lettuce and other herbs, maybe some strawberries, peppers, could I hope for beans and tomatoes, too?  How early can I plant small seedlings of lettuce outside in northern Door County?

Answer
Hi Eileen, These containers are meant for smaller root systems, I wouldn't be thinking of putting Tomatoes or Peppers in them, but herbs (all the choices..)lettuce (leaf style..), strawberries, and bush beans are fine; Just bear in mind the small root area, and don't try to overcrowd each pot, one per pot will reap much better benefits then trying to put 2 or 3 and have them stunt. I am not familiar with Door County? so I would need to know your climate zone to help you with when to plant outside. Nick