Hello, Karen.

Thank you for reaching out with your container soil question. It sounds like you’re off to a good start. One simple recipe for container soil is 

• 2 parts peat moss
• 2 parts compost
• 1 part vermiculite 

If you have no compost on hand, it may be found at your local nursery or retailer. Just make sure the label includes the term compost. Garden soil is not a good option for containers.

Mix well, stir in some moisture, fill your containers and you’re ready to go. An all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer may be added just prior to planting. If this is your first experience with container vegetables, these links with success tips may be helpful.

https://www.almanac.com/content/container-gardening-vegetables

https://extension.osu.edu/today/container-gardening

https://u.osu.edu/growingfranklin/2023/07/10/herb-of-the-summer-basil/

Happy planting and please let us know of any additional questions you may have.

Best wishes,

Good morning, Karen.

Your kind words are very much appreciated.

Our options for fertilizing vegetables are endless. Fortunately, there’s no need to purchase a fertilizer collection. All-purpose fertilizer minimizes the need for multiple bags of different fertilizers for different plants. 

Choose one at your local retailer or nursery that is clearly marked “all purpose" and "slow release." You may see them in pellet, or granular, format or in water soluble format. The choice is yours. You may find fertilizer pellets good for stirring into your soil during the planting process and then water soluble for mixing in your watering can as you maintain your vegetables over the summer.  

Be sure to read and carefully follow label instructions. Less is more when it comes to fertilizer. Too much will burn your plant roots, undoing all your good work.

This publication includes more information on container gardening, including fertilization:

https://chemung.cce.cornell.edu/resources/container-gardening

We are always here for additional questions you may have.

Happy planting,