How much dirt (depth) do vine plants need?

I want to grow some cucumbers in containers. They are about 10 inches deep. I'm thinking vine plants don't have a lot of roots so that should be ok?





If not, I'm just going to plant some herbs in them.

How much dirt (depth) do vine plants need?
10 inches deep is deep enough, but there are a couple of things that make growing cucumbers in a smallish pot like that somewhat challenging. One is that the soil in the pot will dry out a lot quicker than the soil in the ground, and cucumbers don't do well if the roots get real dry. The other thing is that you will probably want to provide some sort of trellis or something for the cucumber vines to grow up. Even in the garden, where I have a lot of room, I do this. It keeps the plants more contained, neater, and although I don't have scientific evidence to prove this, my experience indicates that I get more cukes on a trellised plant than an untrellised one.


You didn't say where you live, but you ought to get started ASAP. If you are starting from seed, you will need at least 6 to 8 weeks before you see any cukes. If you put in starter plants, it will still be probably a month or more. And cucumbers will die with the first frost, so get busy!


On the other hand, there are lots of herbs that are perennial and will live on through the winter and for years to come. But if you have your heart set on cucumbers, go for it. Gardening is always a learning experience, no matter how many years you've been at it.
Reply:it is deep enough. If they are deeper the plants will grow better because of bigger roots.
Reply:Vines don't need a lot of depth to their soil, they just need room to spread. You can grow cucumbers, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, and any flowering vine in a container, you'll just need to be sure to give them room and something to grow against or up. Be certain to water them regularly as they will dry out quickly being in containers. Good luck! :)