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Many people now live in situations where having an actual vegetable garden isn't possible anymore. That doesn't mean you have to stop gardening. It means you'll have to start to garden a new way, and a way I think you're going to enjoy. Any vegetable can be grown in a con- tainer. I've seen everything from corn being grown in a bathtub, onions and beans grown in a window box, garlic grown in a shoe, hot peppers in an old tractor tire, tomatoes in old nursery pots and potatoes in a grow bag. There are some basic factors to look for in a good container: ■ The size of the container should match the plants you are growing. ■ Make sure it has adequate drainage. ■ Color can make a difference. Cool weather crops do better in light-colored containers and warm-weather crops do better in dark. ■ If you're using hanging baskets, which are great for strawberries, line them with sphagnum moss to help retain moisture. Now, what kind of soil should we use? First, never use soil from an existing gar- den or flower bed. It can contain insects and disease. Look for a mix that is well- drained, yet still holds water well. I use a mix of a good sterile, soil-less container mix with a healthy portion of compost. The container mix provides great drainage and the compost both fertilizer and moisture retention. What about maintenance? Let's start with water. Containers dry out quicker than plants in the ground. When the plants are young and small they probably won't need much water. When they get bigger, you may end up watering twice a day, especially in hot weather. The best way to keep an eye on the water is to check it daily and water as necessary. What about fertilizer? Since containers are well-drained, nutrients wash away as fast. The compost in the soil mix is going to be a big help because it is a slow release fertilizer in itself, but additional fertiliz- er will probably be necessary. Since we're dealing with vegetables, an organic, slow- release granular fertilizer works best. Now the best part of container veg- etable gardening. There is almost no weeding, and the weeding that needs to be done is very minimal. Last year, I had around 40 containers of hot peppers (I'm a bit of a hot pepper fanatic) outside my back door, and it took me about five min- utes to weed all of them. I've only scratched the surface here. Every year I try something new, and I haven't found anything that doesn't grow in a container so far. It only takes a pot, some soil and a little experimentation to grow your favorite vegetables. Happy gar- dening! JUNE 2014 HOMES PLUS 11 FULL SERVICE • Spring Clean-Up • Fertilization • Lawn Reseeding Free Estimates Competitive Pricing LANDSCAPE 262-337-2600 238559005 238611006 PEWAUKEE: RANCH CONDO AVONDALE 2BR/2BA w/full basement. Unit is only a short distance from the Community Clubhouse, pool & tennis courts. All appli- ances included. Master suite has French doors, cathedral ceiling and a WIC. 1st floor laundry. 2 car GA. LL rec room. $209,900 PIN 41837 firstweber.com/1364293 VICKI MARCINIAK (414) 243-5584 or (262) 646-6800 OCONOMOWOC: OPEN CONCEPT RANCH Former Westridge Builder model. Open concept, split bedroom ranch. Foyer w/HWF, opens to the den/office/formal DR. Large Great Room w/vaulted ceiling, GFP & patio doors to concrete patio. Lg cook pleasing kit w/HWFs, large snack bar. $309,900 PIN 37652 firstweber.com/1344702 LEO FITZGERALD (414) 350-9091 or (262) 782-3110 ASHIPPUN Oconomowoc Schools. This 2-3 BR farm house features many updates from interior to exterior. Cozy FR w/NFP open to KT w/quartz counter tops, 2 new BAs, spacious living room, 3 car GA all on 4.76 private acres. $229,900 PIN 40101 firstweber.com/1356608 ANGELA RITONIA-PEOT (414) 333-1305 or (262) 646-6800 WAUKESHA Updated duplex near Carroll College. All appliances included plus washers & dryers. Heated 2.5 car garage plus more parking. Updated KIT'S with tiled floors & new cabinets. Newer siding, windows & deck. 3 bedrooms in each unit. Call Today! $185,000 PIN 40665 firstweber.com/1359232 DEBBIE J0HNSON (262) 522-7706 or (262) 544-8560 SUMMIT: LOWER NEMAHBIN LAKE Have you ever thought of owning a lake home? Well here is your opportunity! This home is looking for someone to give it new life. Offers 2BR/2BA with 66' of frontage on Lowert Nemahbin (not in channel) with beautiful lake views. $297,900 PIN 34658 firstweber.com/1333772 LINDA JOHNSON (414) 640-9091 or (262) 646-6800 WALES Privacy abounds in this 3BR, 3BA Contemporary, designed by Laverne Lantz. Unique design with the use of natural mate- rials, cedar, quarry tile and stone. Many floor to ceiling windows to bring nature in. Exposed lower w/2nd FP. 1 OF A KIND! $277,000 PIN 41995 firstweber.com/1365059 ANGELA RITONIA-PEOT (414) 333-1305 or (262) 646-6800 HARTLAND: LANNON STONE RANCH AHS Well maintained 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home w/eat-in Kit open to LR thru French doors. SS appliances, tile backsplash, pantry & oak floor. LL rec room with bar. Bedrooms with HWF's. Furnace 2012. Screened porch along side of garage. $205,000 PIN 41863 firstweber.com/1364422 VICKI MARCINIAK (414) 243-5584 or (262) 646-6800 SUMMIT: LOWER NEMAHBIN LAKE Come in & be prepared to be SURPRISED! 3BR/2BA updated in 2012. Foyer opens to large LR & stairway. Large KIT w/ backyard door. New dining room & full bath. Storage room w/ door to side yard. Main floor laun- dry. Large family room upstairs. $190,900 PIN 40440 firstweber.com/1358151 LINDA JOHNSON (414) 640-9091 or (262) 646-6800 MUKWONAGO Cozy & inviting stone ranch in convenient location close to shopping, dining, schools & recreation! Remodeled KIT w/cherry cabinets, granite counters & marble floors. HWF's, new CT BA & glass dr knobs add to the charm. LL rec & laundry rms. $179,900 PIN 39101 firstweber.com/1351759 DEANNA LENTZ (414) 640-1897 or (262) 646-6800 DELAFIELD: SALES PRICE WOW! When location is important..this 3+ acre mature lot sits at the end of the cul de sac and provides privacy yet convenience to shopping, dining and I-94. Kettle Moraine schools, utilities to lot, perc for mound, Build your dream home. $135,000 PIN 80013 firstweber.com/1335464 ANGELA RITONIA-PEOT (414) 333-1305 or (262) 646-6800 Contain those vegetables MICHAEL TIMM (Michael Timm is the head horticulturist with Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia. He can be reached at mtimm@ebertsgreen- house.com.)