Yes, kohlrabi container gardening works great for this crop. You can grow tasty bulbs on a balcony, patio, or small deck. Growing kohlrabi in pots gives you fresh vegetables even without a yard. The compact plants fit well in tight spaces.
I grew my first container kohlrabi when I lived in an apartment. Three plants in a 5-gallon bucket gave me enough for several meals. The bulbs came out smaller than my ground grown ones but tasted just as good. That success got me hooked on container vegetables.
Kohlrabi suits pots better than most vegetables because of how it grows. The root system stays near the surface and spreads wide instead of going deep. The plant itself stays compact with the bulb forming above soil level. You do not need a huge deep container like you would for carrots or tomatoes.
Pick the right kohlrabi container size for best results. You can fit 4-6 plants in a standard 5-gallon pot. Alabama Extension says to use pots at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep so roots can spread. Wider is better than deeper for this crop. A window box can hold a whole row.
Fill your containers with quality potting mix, not garden soil. Garden soil packs down too tight in pots and drains poorly. Add some compost to your mix for extra nutrients. A ratio of 3 parts potting mix to 1 part compost works well for kohlrabi.
Watering takes more attention with containers than in ground beds. Pots dry out faster than garden soil. Check your containers every day during warm weather. Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, water until liquid runs from the bottom holes.
I learned to move my pots around based on the season. Spring plants went on my sunny south facing balcony. Summer crops moved to a spot with afternoon shade to stay cool. Fall plantings went back to full sun. This mobility is a big plus for container vegetables.
Feed your container kohlrabi every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid food. Nutrients wash out of pots faster than garden beds. A half strength mix prevents burning while keeping plants fed. Stop feeding about two weeks before you plan to harvest.
Start with one container your first time and see how it goes. You can always add more pots next season once you know what works for your space. Kohlrabi makes an ideal starter crop for anyone new to growing food in containers.
Read the full article: Growing Kohlrabi: Beginner-Friendly Guide
