Grow Veggies In Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Growing vegetables in a camper is a great way to enhance your holiday experience and make better use of your vehicle. It can be challenging to grow vegetables in a moving vehicle, but with some creativity and innovation, it is possible. Vertical gardening techniques, such as shelving, hanging gardens, and built-in containers, can help maximise limited space. Using non-breakable and flexible pots, such as fabric pots, is ideal for a moving vehicle as they can be placed in various locations and secured with magnets or seat belts. Growing vegetables in a camper also requires considering legal restrictions, weight issues, and mess prevention during transit. Water supply and sunlight are other important factors, with rainwater harvesting and fluorescent light fixtures as possible solutions. Dwarf varieties of vegetables, such as tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots, are suitable for small spaces. Herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley are also great choices. With the right planning and creativity, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of having a mobile vegetable garden in a camper.

Choosing the right vegetables

If you are constantly on the move, you will need to choose plants that can be grown in small pots and transported easily. Herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, and chives are great options, as are microgreens, lettuce, and dwarf varieties of tomatoes, carrots, and radishes. These plants don't take up a lot of space and can be grown in containers that can be moved with you as you travel.

If you have a little more space and time to let your plants grow, you can consider larger vegetables such as cucumbers, green beans, squash, and summer lettuce. You can also get creative with your planting methods, such as using fabric planters or hanging gardens to maximize your space.

When choosing your vegetables, it's important to consider the amount of sunlight, water, and fertility each plant needs. For example, fruiting vegetables like tomatoes need at least six hours of direct sun per day, while plants like lettuce prefer more indirect light.

In addition to the practical considerations, don't forget to choose vegetables that you actually like to eat! Growing your own food can be a rewarding experience, and being able to enjoy your harvest is an important part of that.

Vertical gardening

Choose the Right Plants

Select plants that grow vertically and don't require a lot of lateral space. Herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, chives, and mint are excellent choices for vertical gardens. Dwarf varieties of vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots are also suitable for vertical gardening. These plants have the same fruits as their full-grown counterparts but are smaller in size, making them perfect for a camper setting.

Select Appropriate Containers

When vertical gardening in a camper, it is essential to use containers that can be easily moved and don't take up too much space. Fabric pots or grow bags are ideal as they are flexible, reusable, and can be hung or moulded to fit in various spaces. Look for containers with good drainage capabilities, as this is crucial for healthy plant growth.

Provide Adequate Light and Water

Ensure your vertical garden receives sufficient sunlight or artificial light. Most plants require at least six hours of direct sun per day, but more is often preferable. If your camper doesn't get enough natural light, consider investing in fluorescent light fixtures or a hydroponic system with built-in grow lights. Regarding water, keep the soil moist for most plants, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to fungus and root rot.

Get Creative with Space

Make use of all available space in your camper. Hang pots from hooks under cabinets, allowing them to sway with the movement of the vehicle. Utilise magnets to attach pots to surfaces, providing a secure and flexible option. If you're travelling solo, the passenger seat can be a great temporary spot for a plant or two, secured with the seat belt.

Consider a Hydroponic System

Hydroponic systems allow you to grow plants without soil, eliminating the risk of soil contamination and the hassle of dealing with dirt. These systems often include built-in grow lights and come in various colours and sizes to fit your camper. While they may be subject to border control scrutiny when travelling across borders, they offer a convenient and mess-free way to garden vertically in a camper.

Container gardening

Choosing the Right Containers

Select containers with good drainage capabilities and ensure they are made from non-breakable materials. Rigid plastic pots can be used, but they may only fit in certain spaces. Fabric pots are a better option as they are flexible, reusable, and can be hung or moulded to different spaces. Choose pots with a size of 1-5 gallons, depending on the plant's needs.

Selecting the Right Location

When choosing a spot for your container garden, consider the amount of sunlight and temperature range your plants require. If you're on the move, place your plants in a secure location, such as the passenger seat or cup holder, or hang them using hooks or magnets. If you're staying in one place for a few days, take advantage of the outdoor space and let your plants get some sun, fresh air, and rain.

Plant Care

Water your plants regularly, allowing the water to drain out. You can also collect rainwater or use water from streams or rivers to hydrate your plants. Ensure your plants receive adequate sunlight, either through direct sun or fluorescent grow lights.

Vegetable Options

When choosing vegetables to grow, consider those that thrive in containers, such as lettuce, kale, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, green beans, and squash. Herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, chives, rosemary, and mint are also great options for container gardening.

Watering and light

Watering:

• Watering your plants regularly is crucial for their growth and health. Make sure to water them when the soil begins to dry out, ensuring that the soil is moist several inches below the surface.
• Consider using a spray bottle to mist the soil, especially when waiting for seeds to sprout or when dealing with delicate seedlings.
• If you are off-grid or have limited water access, harvesting and storing rainwater in your camper is an excellent way to ensure a consistent water supply for your plants.
• When growing plants that require deeper soil, such as carrots, ensure the soil is moist down to at least 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• Some plants, like lettuce, require consistently moist soil, so be sure to water them frequently.
• To conserve water, consider using self-watering containers or implementing a drip irrigation system.

Light:

• Most vegetable plants require ample sunlight to thrive. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, though 10 hours is preferable for fruiting vegetables like tomatoes.
• If your camper has large windows that receive direct sunlight, place your plants near them to maximize their sun exposure.
• If natural light is insufficient, supplement it with artificial light sources such as LED or fluorescent grow lights. These lights are designed to provide the specific wavelengths of light that plants need to grow.
• When parked for extended periods, consider placing your plants outside to take advantage of natural sunlight.
• If you're frequently on the move, fluorescent light fixtures can help ensure your plants receive adequate light while in transit.
• Remember that light intensity decreases as it passes through a window, so direct sunlight is always best when possible.

Transporting plants

Planning and Preparation:

• Call ahead: If you're crossing state or country borders, check the regulations for transporting plants. Some states, like California, have strict rules. The USDA website provides specific information on plant transportation laws.
• Choose the right plants: Select plants that are not finicky about humidity and can tolerate climate changes. Succulents, ZZ plants, and Philodendrons are good options for easy-to-care-for varieties.
• Use proper materials: Old bedsheets can protect leaves from the elements during transport. Pruners help keep plants healthy, and a spray bottle is ideal for misting delicate plants. You may also need boxes, trash bags, and tree netting.
• Prep your plants: Avoid moving plants when they are in bloom. Prune away dead branches and leaves a few weeks before the trip, and remove any bugs and weeds.
• Load plants last: Make plants the last items to load into your camper. If moving in winter, load and unload them through the garage to minimise cold exposure.
• Use protection: Cover larger plants with a light sheet and smaller plants with newspaper to protect them from wind and freezing temperatures during transport.
• Water in advance: Two to three days before the trip, water all plants adequately so that the roots are damp. Avoid drenching the plants or the soil.
• Store plants inside: Keep plants inside the camper with you, where the air circulation is better. Avoid leaving them in the trunk or direct sunlight.
• Secure plants: Place plants in the sink or shower during transport to prevent them from moving around and reduce the risk of pots breaking.
• Maintain good ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation inside the camper to provide adequate airflow for the plants.
• Be mindful of temperature: Avoid extreme temperature changes, as they can harm your plants. Keep them away from direct heat sources or cold drafts.

Frequently asked questions