If you’ve ever planted up a container with high hopes—only to be met with sad lettuce, yellowing leaves, or a tomato plant that just gives up—you are not alone.
Trust me, I’ve been there. In fact, some of my early container gardens were more like sad experiments than thriving food bowls. Back then, I thought: “It’s a container… how hard can it be?” Well, as it turns out—a little pot can hold a lot of problems if you’re not sure what to look out for.
These days, I grow a big chunk of our weekly food in containers (yes, really!). But getting to that point took a fair bit of learning, unlearning, and adjusting.
Here are the biggest reasons your veggie containers might be struggling — and what I’ve learned from fixing my own flops:
1. The Container’s Too Small
It’s the most common mistake. We plant a full-sized tomato in a tiny pot and wonder why it’s grumpy.
Plants need space for their roots to grow, to access nutrients, and to stay cool in the heat. If your container is too shallow or narrow, the plant gets stressed fast. A good rule of thumb? Bigger is always better when it comes to food crops.
2. Soil That’s Just… Tired
Container soil doesn’t have the same life as garden beds unless we give it love.
Old potting mix, compacted soil, or lack of organic matter can lead to poor drainage and unhappy plants. Your soil should be loose, rich, full of compost, and alive. We refresh ours regularly with worm tea, bokashi compost, and mulch — even in pots.
3. Inconsistent Watering
Containers dry out fast. Especially in wind or sun. One day they’re flooded, the next they’re bone dry.
Most struggling containers I see are either waterlogged or constantly thirsty — both stressful for plants. I started using a simple finger test: poke your finger in up to the second knuckle. If it’s dry, water. If it’s damp, wait. And mulch your containers — it makes a huge difference!
4. Not Enough Sun (or Too Much)
Leafy greens can handle some shade. Tomatoes? Not so much. They need at least 6–8 hours of direct sun.
Watch where your containers live — they may be in a “bright” spot, but not getting actual sun. I’ve had better luck moving mine around every season to find the sweet spot.
5. Pests Still Find You
Yes, even in containers. Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and even snails love pots. Because containers are usually clustered and off the ground, they can be inviting hiding spots.
Companion plants like basil, marigolds, and chives can help — and regular sprays with our garlic-chilli mix keeps most baddies at bay.
So What Changed for Me?
I stopped winging it and started gardening with intention. I learned how to build the soil, match the right plant to the right container, and create little micro-climates that work in my space.
And now? We grow spinach, spring onions, lettuce, radishes, cherry tomatoes, herbs, and more — entire meals
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t give up! Our Container Gardening eBook was written for gardeners exactly like you.
It’s filled with:
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Practical layout ideas for small spaces
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Tips for choosing the right container for each crop
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DIY watering systems
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Pest solutions for pots
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And soil recipes that work (without costing a fortune)
It’s what I wish I had when I first started — and it’s helped so many of our VanZylStead community members fall in love with container growing again.
You can grab it here: www.vanzylstead.com
You don’t need a big yard or fancy equipment. Just a bit of knowledge, the right setup, and some support from gardeners who’ve made the same mistakes — and kept going.
Your containers can feed you. Let’s get them thriving.
Happy Gardening Friends
Tash & Family
We love Rain Queen containers because they’re locally made, incredibly durable, and built to thrive in South African gardens. Their elegant, handcrafted look adds beauty to any space, while the smart design ensures excellent drainage and healthy root growth. Whether you’re planting veggies or herbs, Rain Queen containers bring both style and strength to your garden.
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