Growing a Garden in an RV: Your Guide to Grow Great Foods on the Road in 2024.

Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Jeremy

As one who has been living in an RV for the last couple of years, there have been many opportunities to enjoy delicious wholesome fruits and vegetables without the aid of a grocery store. I’m talking about growing a garden in an RV and how convenient and plentiful the produce could produce.

For what it’s worth, one summer I built 2 extremely light, spur of the moment garden boxes out of some scrap wood we came across from a lumber mill, and we lugged those things with us up to the Shuswap campground for our summer job. They supplied fresh herbs and tomatoes whenever the time was necessary and they did not disappoint.

Then I thought about it some more for this season and wondered, how you could grow something year round instead in an RV, especially in the winter. The results that I’ve come up with were that of the Garden Tower Project, in which you can grow 50 plants in just 4 square feet of space, all vertically.

You can read more about the Garden Tower Project here: What is The Garden Tower Project?

But then I contemplated other unique possibilities, only to come up with this article. My goal is to walk you through the process in which I feel would be 100% the correct way to grow a garden in an RV. In doing so, you’ll read about first choosing the right plants.

Next I’ll discuss about picking the right containers for said plants, as well as inform you which soil and fertilizer that should be used in planting said plants. Of course, we’ll have to consider the water and drainage methods, while figuring out ways to utilize the natural sunlight.

Finally I will inform you on how to deal with pests and disease, while finishing off with the enjoyment of your harvested labors. Let’s not waste anymore scraps of time and plant the seed as to how you can be the next green thumb in your RV, shall we?

Choosing the Right Plants

First things first, what food do you love to eat in your RV? For us, we loved to BBQ, grill, and cook anything and everything in the outdoor kitchen space, especially when weather cooperated. So naturally, you’ll want to grow plants that continuously produce over and over if possible.

And of course there are other factors to consider when selecting plants for an RV garden. You’ll want to keep in mind their size and growth habits. Obviously, potatoes would be a BAD option to consider, however maybe something like basil and oregano herb plants would be more beneficial, because you can cook with those plants more so.

As well, you wouldn’t want anything that would grow extremely large taking up too much space like cucumbers where the vines would sprout all over. Instead, opt for something like chives or onions where it’s a single plant. Other factors to consider would be to look for compact and bushy varieties of plants.

Examples of such plants that thrive in small spaces would include:

• – Cherry Tomatoes
• – Dwarf Peppers
• – Thyme
• – Parsley

Obviously you could also try choosing the plants in a different growing situation as well. Instead of choosing one’s that would sit on your counter or tabletop, consider vertical gardening techniques using trellises, hanging baskets, or even a wall-mounted planter. This would help maximize your growing space throughout your RV.

Picking the Right Containers

The next step in your guide to grow on the road is to pick the right containers. As there are different types of containers we need to look at and their pros and cons before making that selection.

Below let’s look at some container examples and give you the tips within each:

• – Plastic containers – These are lightweight and inexpensive which is a pro, but they may not be as durable as metal or ceramic options. Tips for this type of container is to start seedlings in them in a smaller plastic container first. Pending your plant size, you can upgrade to something sturdier.

• – Self-watering containers – Can help regulate moisture levels and prevent over watering. The downside would be its availability only in a counter top version. This can be a good option for herbs.

• – Fabric pots – Are another option that allows for better air circulation and drainage. In the end this might be a better choice of all three options, but again it all depends on your choice of plant.

Not only are we considering the container types, we should also be looking at the size and shape of your containers as well, and make sure they fit in the space you have available.

Stackable containers or those with built-in brackets can be a great space-saving solution, if you don’t have any other option for container to utilize inside your RV.

Soil and Fertilizer

Now let’s talk about the importance of using high-quality soil and fertilizer, and give you suggestions for soil and fertilizer types that work well for RV gardens.

It’s important to use a high-quality soil and fertilizer because you want to make absolutely positive that you have healthy plants. Strategically, you’d probably keep your eyes out on the market for organic options from a reputable gardening supplier.

What comes to mind off the top of my head are 3 suppliers, they are:

1. ~ Miracle-Gro – A leading brand of soils and fertilizers available at many home and garden centers.
2. ~ FoxFarm – Has extensive soil and fertilizer products that are greenhouse tested.
3. ~ Espoma – Manufacturer of organic plant foods and soils.

Another option is to create your own compost using kitchen scraps, yard waste (depending on the RV park your at), and other organic materials. This can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to provide your plants with the nutrients they need.

Watering and Drainage

Now that you’ve chosen your plants, and have a container choice filled with the soil and fertilizer, you’ll want to include the strategies you need for effective watering in an RV garden. This is where it can get tricky.

For super effective watering, the self-watering container system is probably the easiest container solution one could imagine. I’m talking the container systems that come from suppliers like EarthBox or City Pickers that naturally absorb the water and utilize less drainage.

This picture above is that of the EarthBox Organic TerraCotta planter box that is self-watering via a tube in which in the bottom has a reservoir. These don’t require a lot of space, and use only 2 cubic feet of growing materials.

To ensure proper drainage with this type of container, you’ll want to consider using a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite for improved drainage. Every little bit of change now will get you growing your garden in an RV in no time!

Maximizing Sunlight

Now we all know the plant growing stage needs the best light source, and the best light source in all aspects is that bright yellow dot we see in the sky called the sun. It’s particular UV rays help plants grow in all scenarios so naturally, it’s the best source.

Of course, such might not be readily available on a rainy day, so having your plants near your window won’t do any good, unless you consider using a grow light. Brands such as Sondiko and LEOTER offer affordable options that can help supplement natural UV light and promote plant growth.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Now of course, a negative aspect in trying to grow a garden in an RV is you’ll acquire some insects that go with certain plants and soils. These common pests can be an issue at any time of day especially in the confines of your RV. Let’s not forget any type of disease that could incur from your RV garden.

Tips for preventing and treating these issues might be for example, to look for natural or organic solutions from trusted brands such as Bonide or Safer Brand. These products can help keep your garden healthy without harmful chemicals.

This is especially important if you’ve covered every step along the way until this point. Growing a garden much like your outdoor one should be treated equally to a smaller space indoor garden, but take it for what it’s worth, there is less weeding involved with an indoor garden. 🙂

Harvesting and Enjoying Your RV Garden

At last, you’ve given all your precious time, energies and efforts in attempting to grow your 1st RV indoor garden and your results have been successful thus far because you’ve followed this guide to a T. With specific herbs you are able to harvest periodically and more often than not, as these plants can basically keep growing should you follow your water and sun routines.

With your plants like tomatoes and peppers, sometimes you can get continuous growth, but eventually you’d want to try something new or different. If this were the instance then you’d want to harvest and use your fresh produce as quick as possible so you can get growing something else.

Basically, if you can grow it, and eat it, keep at it because it’s the healthiest and cheapest alternative than constantly running to the grocery store, especially with prices the way they are.

After your harvest is complete, it’s time to start all over again with fresh new soil and clean water, new plants, and possibly new containers after a quick inspection.

Conclusion

And there we have it. Ridiculously easy correct? From choosing the right plants, choosing the right container, picking out some high-quality soil and fertilizers…you should be ready to grow at anytime of the day or night. Especially with the proper water and drainage, and sunlight utilization, there should be no need for pests and disease either because you’ve remembered your organic solutions.

At the end of the day, it’s super easy to consider growing a garden in an RV, so long as you follow this guide to get the most of all the deliciousness you’ve just planted.

And if you haven’t planted just yet? What are you waiting for, give it a try! I’ve got the perfect place for you to get some seeds!

Should you have any comments to make regarding this article, I’m happy to answer!

Cheers and Happy Growing!