The 10 Best Vegetables to Grow in Containers for Fresh Homegrown Goodness!

Are you eager to start your own vegetable garden, but don't have a large yard or garden space? Don't worry! Container gardening is a fantastic solution that allows you to grow delicious and nutritious vegetables even in small spaces. Whether you have a balcony, patio, or just a sunny windowsill, you can enjoy the benefits of homegrown vegetables by planting them in containers. Here, we'll explore the 10 best vegetables to grow in containers, so you can get started on your own container vegetable garden.

Figure 1: I use a lot of Burkey Bucket Self-Watering Containers that I have built to grow in containers.

Figure 2: Here are some of the plants in the above photo all grown up. The eggplants and marigold is massive.

Click here to get the instructions to the Burkey Bucket Self-Watering System >>

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in containers. They come in various sizes, from small cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes, and can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or even in grow bags. Just make sure to provide them with plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering, and you'll be rewarded with sweet, juicy tomatoes that are perfect for salads, sandwiches, and sauces.

2. Peppers

Peppers are another great vegetable to grow in containers. They come in different colors, shapes, and heat levels, allowing you to choose the ones that suit your taste buds. Bell peppers, jalapenos, and chili peppers are all excellent options for container gardening. Make sure to provide them with warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and regular watering, and you'll have a beautiful harvest of vibrant and flavorful peppers.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are perfect for vertical gardening, as they can be grown on trellises or in hanging baskets. They require plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent watering to thrive. Cucumbers are refreshing and crunchy, perfect for salads, pickling, or as a healthy snack.

4. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are some of the easiest vegetables to grow in containers. They have shallow root systems and can be grown in small pots or even in window boxes. They prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade, making them ideal for early spring or fall gardens. You can harvest them as baby greens or let them grow to their full size for a continuous supply of fresh and nutritious greens.

5. Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing and perfect for container gardening. They have a short growing season and can be harvested in as little as 3-4 weeks. Radishes prefer cool temperatures and well-draining soil, and they add a spicy crunch to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.

6. Carrots

Carrots are root vegetables that can be easily grown in containers. Choose shorter carrot varieties that are suited for container gardening, and provide them with deep pots or troughs to allow room for root development. Carrots prefer loose, well-draining soil and consistent watering. Once they mature, you can harvest them for fresh, sweet, and crunchy carrots that are perfect for snacking or cooking.

7. Beans

Beans, such as bush beans and pole beans, are excellent choices for container gardening. They are easy to grow and can be trained to climb on trellises or stakes, making efficient use of vertical space. Beans prefer warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and regular watering. You can harvest them as green beans or let them mature for dried beans.

8. Zucchini

Zucchini is a prolific and versatile vegetable that can be grown in containers. Choose compact zucchini varieties that are suitable for container gardening, and provide them with a large pot and well-draining soil. Zucchini plants need plenty of sunlight, regular watering, and ample space for their sprawling vines. You can harvest zucchini when they are small and tender for a wide range of culinary uses, from sautéing to baking.

9. Eggplant

Eggplants are beautiful and delicious vegetables that can thrive in containers. They come in different shapes and sizes, from small round eggplants to long and slender ones. Eggplants require warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. You can provide support to their sturdy stems by using stakes or cages to prevent them from bending or breaking. Once matured, you can harvest them for grilling, roasting, or frying, adding a rich and meaty flavor to your dishes.

10. Scallions

Scallions, also known as green onions or spring onions, are fantastic vegetables to grow in containers, especially if you're short on space. They have shallow root systems and can be grown in small pots or even in window boxes. Scallions prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade, making them ideal for early spring or fall gardens. You can harvest them by snipping off the green leaves and using them in salads, stir-fries, or as a garnish.

In addition to the 10 vegetables listed above, there are many other vegetables that can be successfully grown in containers, such as beets, cauliflower, broccoli, and herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro.

Tips when starting a container garden

When starting your container vegetable garden, here are some general tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose the right containers: Look for containers that are large enough to accommodate the growth of the vegetable's root system. Make sure they have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
2. Use quality soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter to provide the right nutrients for your vegetables to thrive.
3. Provide adequate sunlight: Most vegetables require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to grow and produce fruit. Place your containers in a sunny spot or use grow lights if you're gardening indoors.
4. Water regularly: Container gardens tend to dry out faster than traditional gardens, so it's essential to water your vegetables regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Avoid overwatering or letting your containers sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot.
5. Fertilize appropriately: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to provide your vegetables with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as it can damage your plants.
6. Provide support when needed: Some vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans may require support, such as stakes or trellises, to prevent them from falling over or breaking under the weight of their fruit.
7. Practice pest and disease control: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to control them, such as using organic pesticides or removing infected leaves or plants to prevent the spread.

With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh and flavorful vegetables from your container garden. Not only will you have the satisfaction of growing your own food, but you'll also be able to enjoy the health benefits of incorporating homegrown vegetables into your diet. So, grab some containers, potting mix, and your favorite vegetable seeds or seedlings, and start your container vegetable garden today!

If you want to build what I think is the best one-bucket self-watering system out there, download my instruction manual for the Burkey Bucket. 

If you would like the video tutorial for the Burkey Bucket as well as a complete mini-course and valuable supplemental materials, get Container Grown Goodness for only $27.