15 Best Veggies to Grow in Containers

You don’t need a huge backyard or even one at all to grow your own vegetables. More and more people are container gardening, which means you can grow plenty of food in small spaces that would otherwise go unused ~ perfect for those with limited space!

Here’s a guide to help you get started with container gardening, including the best vegetables to grow in buckets or pots.

Why Try Bucket Gardening?

Bucket gardening can solve many common gardening problems. No more worrying about young plants being eaten by rabbits or getting trampled. Plus, buckets are easy to transport without risk of spilling or breaking anything. Give bucket gardening a try next time and see how convenient it can be!

This is perfect if you are renting, as you can take your garden with you when you leave your rental property.

Getting Started with Container Gardening

1. Preparing Your Buckets Before planting, drill some holes in the bottom of your bucket for drainage and add a layer of pebbles. For an added touch, paint your buckets in colours or patterns that match your garden’s aesthetic.

2. Planting Your Seeds or Seedlings You can sow seeds directly into the potting soil in your bucket or plant seedlings. Both methods work well. After planting, water them thoroughly and place them in a location that meets their sunlight needs.

3. Fertilising Your Plants Container plants often need extra fertiliser to thrive. Using organic compost is an excellent way to boost their growth and yield.

4. Watering Your Plants The amount of water your plants need can vary based on the weather and the growth stage of the plants. Pay attention to the specific needs of each type of vegetable.

Now, let's dive into the 15 best vegetables to grow in containers:

1.Tomatoes 

Tomatoes are a staple for container gardening. Choose bush varieties and use cages for support. Place them in a sunny spot with 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to ensure a bountiful harvest.

2. Beans

Both bush and vine beans can thrive in containers. Bush beans require less space, while vine beans will need a trellis for support. Harvest them about 50-60 days after planting.

3. Carrots

Small varieties of carrots are perfect for bucket gardening. In a 5-gallon bucket, you can grow 20-25 healthy carrots. Harvest them in 65-80 days and enjoy fresh, homegrown carrots in your salads and soups.

4. Onion

Onions are easy to grow in containers as long as you have enough space. Try candy hybrid varieties for sweeter, more flavourful onions.

5. Peppers or Capsicums

Onions are easy to grow in containers as long as you have enough space. Try candy hybrid varieties for sweeter, more flavourful onions.

6. Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are another excellent choice for containers. You can grow them from seeds, seedlings, or even kitchen scraps.

7. Okra

Okra is a delicious, easy-to-grow vegetable with great germination rates. It’s perfect for containers and will provide a bountiful harvest.

8. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are fast-growing and do well in large plastic or ceramic pots. Choose bush varieties for smaller spaces and vining varieties if you have room for a trellis. Spring and summer crops, unless you are growing in a hothouse.

9. Beetroot

Beetroot is ideal for container gardening. Choose smaller varieties or heritage stocks. You can also choose pink and white-hued beets for a colourful harvest.

10. Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the easiest leafy greens to grow in containers. There are many varieties to choose from, and you can even grow them from kitchen scraps.

11. Spinach

Spinach offers numerous health benefits and is easy to grow in containers. With the right seeds and potting soil, you’ll have fresh spinach in no time.

12. Radishes

One of the fastest vegetables to grow is radishes. Not only are they fast growing, but they are easy to grow too. They are perfect for containers and can be easily managed by moving them into shady areas or adjusting water levels.

13. Peas

Peas are easy to grow and prefer cooler temperatures. Even if the weather gets too warm, you can still enjoy their sweet flavour by harvesting them early.

Peas plants provide us with more food than most people think. You can eat the pea pod, the leaves, the flowers and the stems!

They taste great too.

14. Broccoli

Broccoli requires a bit more space and is a heavy feeder, but you can grow one or two plants in a 20Litre or 5-gallon bucket. Its health benefits make it a worthwhile addition to your container garden.

Broccoli is a winter plant, so it is essential that you grow it in the right season.

The best part about broccoli, is that you can get one large head from the plant, and if cut early, you will get more offshoots.

The broccoli stems and leaves are incredible in stir-fry, soups, raw salads and if you are like me, you eat the leaves straight from the plant.

15. Potatoes

Potatoes need deep containers or potato bags. You can grow a good amount of potatoes in limited space, even starting from sprouted potatoes.

The are many varieties of potatoes to choose from, however when you are container gardening, it is more important to understand your choices, especially if you want potatoes to grow 'up' a container, layering, then you need to get 'indeterminate' potatoes, whereas if you are not layering, then the determinate variety works well.

Container gardening is a fantastic way to maximize your growing space and enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables.

With these tips and vegetable suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving container garden. Happy gardening!

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Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

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Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.