My dad is perhaps one of the last typewriter repairmen on the island. He would often bring home the plastic-foam containers that served as protection guards in new typewriter shipping boxes. With a little potting soil, fertilizer and holes for drainage, my parents transformed these into containerized vegetable gardens.

Container vegetable gardening has come a long way.

It's ideal in locations with limited space such as condominiums, apartment patios or in areas with poor soil conditions. The keys to success include sufficient growing space, drainage, aeration, sunlight, adequate nutrients and irrigation.

Select a container which allows for full root development. Crops such as cucumber, eggplant, daikon, soybean, ginger, taro, squash, rosemary, ung choy, corn or pepper should be placed in a 3- to 5-gallon container. Medium-size plants such as green onion, lettuce, spinach, basil, beans, mint, cabbage, kale or radish can be placed in a 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-gallon container. Mizuna, chives, parsley and other small herbs can thrive in 1/2- to 1-gallon containers.

Clay or cement pots are excellent for herb production. It is typically better to place crops in a larger container than in a container which limits root development. Be sure there are sufficient half-inch, evenly spaced holes for drainage.

There are many commercially available potting mixes. Potting mixes generally do not contain soil but different materials that promote drainage, aeration, moisture, plant support and nutrient absorption.

Commercial potting mixes can be added to containers directly or mixed thoroughly with garden soil. A 1:1 ratio should be used for soil and organic compost mixtures.

Potting mixes generally do not come with fertilizers included. Incorporate into the media a general-use fertilizer at a rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon of soil at planting. Apply the same rate of fertilizer every other week for optimum productivity. Foliar fertilizers can also be utilized. To avoid salt accumulation, replace the growing medium in vegetable containers after each planting.

Containerized vegetables are vulnerable to the same pest and diseases as vegetables grown in the soil. In high-risk, soil-borne disease areas, "soil-less" potting mixes should be used.

Daily watering is sufficient for container vegetable gardens. Avoid overwatering to minimize root-rot diseases. Water thoroughly at least once a week to flush out excess salts.

Whether you're a natural green thumb or a green thumb in training, find your favorite seeds, get outside and get dirty.