8 Best Summer Veggies to Grow in Containers: Thriving in Small Spaces
Summer is an ideal season for growing vegetables, and the good news is that you don’t need a large garden to enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Many summer vegetables thrive in containers, making them perfect for small spaces like balconies or patios.
Here's a closer look at the eight best summer veggies to grow in pots, including specific growing requirements, climate preferences, and tips for a successful harvest.
Authors Thoughts
I’m just going to throw it out here, aquaponics is the best way to grow healthy food over summer and here’s why.
As the water is constantly recycled through the aquaponics system, 24/7, it keeps the water cooler, and keeps the plant roots well hydrated.
This means that the plants don’t experience heat stress throughout the day when it gets really hot.
I watch the plants in my containers wilt during the hot days, and wit a good water during the night they perk up. Whereas the plants within my aquaponics systems stay healthy all day.
A healthy plant puts its energy into providing healthy food, not trying to survive.
Just a personal thought from my experience ~ but here are some plants that you can grow n containers in small spaces during summer (don’t forget with aquaponics, you can also grow more veggies in less space as there is more fertiliser for the plants 😉)
Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?
This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.
You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.
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1. Cucumbers
Growing Season: Summer
Temperature Needs: 18-24°C or 65-75°F
Cucumbers are perfect for salads, pickling, or eating fresh off the vine.
They grow well in medium to large-sized pots or grow bags. For the best results, select a container that is at least 12 inches deep, and make sure it has good drainage.
Both bush and vine varieties of cucumbers can thrive in containers, but vine cucumbers benefit from a trellis for vertical growth, saving space while ensuring healthy development.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Use rich, well-draining soil mixed with compost for optimal growth.
Sunlight: Full sun exposure is essential—6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Support: Vine varieties will need a trellis for better yield and airflow.
Trellis or Stakes? Yes, especially for vine varieties.
See how I grew mine in aquaponics...
2. Okra
Growing Season: Summer
Temperature Needs: 24-32°C or 75-90°F
Also known as lady's finger, okra thrives in warm conditions and is a popular vegetable in many parts of the world.
Okra grows well in medium-sized pots that are at least 10-12 inches deep. It's easy to grow in containers as long as the plants receive ample sunlight and well-drained soil.
Okra loves the heat and performs best in full sun.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Sunlight: Ensure at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
Trellis or Stakes? No, but give plants enough room to spread.
3. Capsicums or Peppers
Growing Season: Summer
Temperature Needs: 20-30°C or 68-86°F
Capsicums, Peppers, including bell peppers and chilies, love the heat and thrive in containers as long as they receive plenty of sunlight.
They require wide, deep containers (at least 12 inches in diameter) to accommodate their root systems.
Peppers appreciate consistent watering and benefit from occasional fertilizing to ensure a robust harvest. If you're growing them in a hot climate, offer some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix with organic matter.
Sunlight: Full sun for 6-8 hours daily.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Trellis or Stakes? Yes, using stakes helps support plants laden with fruit.
Learn More About Aquaponics
Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.
4. Zucchini
Growing Season: Summer
Temperature Needs: 20-30°C or 68-86°F
Zucchini is a prolific producer and thrives in containers if given enough space.
Plant them in a 12-inch deep container in full sun. Zucchini plants tend to grow large, so they need ample room to spread.
They also benefit from regular fertilizing, around once a month, to ensure healthy, continuous growth throughout the season.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients.
Sunlight: Full sun is essential for abundant yields.
Support: In some cases, larger zucchini plants may need light staking or cages to help manage their size.
Trellis or Stakes? No, but large plants may require support. I find I get more zucchini fruit if I grow it vertically up a stake.
5. Beans
Growing Season: Summer
Temperature Needs: 15-30°C or 59-86°F
Both bush and pole beans are excellent choices for container gardening. Bush beans are shorter and more compact, while pole beans require vertical support but produce higher yields.
Pole beans grow particularly well in containers, using vertical space efficiently.
Plant them in an 8-10 inch deep pot, ensuring there’s at least 3-4 inches between each plant.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Use a nutrient-rich potting mix, and mulch to retain moisture.
Sunlight: At least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
Trellis or Stakes? Yes, pole beans need a trellis or stakes for support.
6. Tomatoes
Growing Season: Summer
Temperature Needs: 20-25°C or 68-77°F
Tomatoes are one of the most popular summer vegetables for container gardening.
They thrive in pots as long as they have a long growing season and access to plenty of heat.
Patio and bush tomato varieties are ideal for containers due to their compact size.
Plant them in a container that’s at least 12 inches deep, and use stakes or cages to support the plant as it grows.
It's really important that you research the different types of tomatoes when looking to grow in containers, as some grow 30cm high, while others can grow 1.8m tall ~ for huge harvests.
Research is key with tomatoes, and my grandfather used to say 'the average tomato plant needs at least 2L of water per day when it is fruiting;.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with added compost.
Sunlight: Full sun for 6-8 hours per day.
Support: Tomatoes need stakes or cages to support heavy fruit.
Trellis or Stakes? Yes, a cage or stakes are essential.
7. Eggplant
Growing Season: Summer
Temperature Needs: 20-30°C or 68-86°F
Eggplants are heat-loving plants that thrive in containers. They require plenty of sun and warmth to produce well.
Containers should be at least 12 inches deep to accommodate their roots.
Eggplants can be prone to pests, so it’s important to monitor the plants regularly and use organic pest control when necessary.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Well-draining potting mix, enriched with compost.
Sunlight: 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist and monitor for pests.
Trellis or Stakes? Yes, larger eggplants may need stakes for support.
See how I grew mine in aquaponics
8. Gourds and Melons
Growing Season: Summer
Temperature Needs: 70-86°F (21-30°C)
Melons and gourds like bitter melon, ash gourd, and bottle gourd can thrive in containers, as long as you provide sufficient space.
Gourds, although often grown for decorative purposes, are edible and nutritious.
These plants require large pots and support structures, such as a trellis, to grow vertically and save space.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Full sun is required for optimal growth.
Support: Trellis the plants to maximize space and improve air circulation.
Trellis or Stakes? Yes, trellises are necessary for these climbing plants.
Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'
Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works.
How Aquaponics Works as an Ecosystem
Learn More About Aquaponics
Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.
Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?
This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.
You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.
Sign up HERE
Want to help out and Feed my Fish?? (They don't drink coffee)
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.
Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.
She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.
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.