Compact & Container Gardening

In this talk, you will learn how to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits on a patio, balcony, or in any small space using containers--in time for fall crops! We will help you consider the best containers to use and which plants to grow for your microclimate. We will also discuss soil needs, pest prevention, and watering options.

UC Master Gardener Presenters
Karen Flores is an avid gardener and loves growing roses, edibles of all types, and unique plants and flowers to use in flower arranging. She has gardened all of her life and two of her passions are flower arranging and growing vegetables in containers. Karen became a UC Master Gardener of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties in 2022. She is excited to share her knowledge on how to create healthy, bountiful vegetable gardens that will grow successfully in containers.
Susan Houston became a UC Master Gardener in 2024 after a career in Aging Services. Before retiring, Susan and her organization partnered with the UC Master Garden program to create a demonstration garden in Redwood City. The garden provides hands-on education and fresh produce to older adults at the community center. Susan’s interests include native plants, soil, soil blocking, container gardening, and gardening with underserved populations. Susan is fluent in Spanish.

Photo credit: Ann Gahagen, UC Master Gardener