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Growing a themed garden, say, a pizza garden, is a fun family activity that not only gets everyone outside, it also offers talking points about where food comes from. And the best part is, you don't need a ton of space. Check out a handful of pizza toppers that are easy to grow in containers and get all the supplies you need at your Hy-Vee Garden Center.
Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are not only great pizza toppers, they can be roasted and pureed into a savory pizza sauce. Easy to grow in containers, cherry tomato plants can be placed on a deck, patio, balcony, or driveway, as long as they’re getting at least six hours of sunlight. Once you’ve transplanted your plant to its permanent container home—something about the size of a 5-gallon bucket with drainage holes will do—be sure to top it with a tomato cage to support the plant as it grows. Depending on the weather, plants may need to be watered around 5 times per week. You want the soil to always be slightly damp, but not saturated.
Basil
Another easy-to-grow container plant is basil—the ultimate pizza ingredient. Plus, if you have several plants, you can make pesto. Like tomatoes, basil needs at least 6 hours of sunlight, so stash it next to your tomato pots. It also needs plenty of water, and should be given a drink when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are another favorite for growing in containers. But they also need plenty of sun, so position them wisely. It’s best to use a pot with good drainage that’s at least 15 inches wide and deep. You can even prop up the pot on bricks to further promote drainage. Don’t forget to feed them with fertilizer about once every 10 days to two weeks and make sure they get plenty of water.
Oregano
This aromatic herb is what gives Italian seasoning it’s pungent, spicy flavor, and it’s easy to grow your own. Oregano plants prefer containers that are at least 12 inches in diameter placed in an area that gets partial to full sunlight. Water them only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Thyme
Thyme adds a subtle Italian flavor that simply elevates pizza’s savory side. Like many other kitchen herbs, it’s a breeze to grow in containers. It loves sunny spots and doesn’t demand a lot of attention. Most varieties are drought-resistant but still need a drink when the soil’s dry. Try it as a garnish, along with oregano and basil, on top of your next slice, and taste the difference.
