The 8 Best Vegetables to Grow in Containers

If you don’t have space for a garden but want to grow your own veggies, you have the option to grow them in containers! With these plants, the soil is depleted more quickly than when you plant them in the ground, which means nutrients drain out. However, so long as you adjust how frequently you water and feed your plants, you can soon have your own supply of your favorite veggies. Discover the eight best vegetables to grow in containers!

The 8 Best Vegetables to Grow in Containers

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the easiest to grow in your garden. Yes, they’re technically a fruit but since they pair well with so many other veggies and they’re a fantastic choice for newbies, we had to include them in the list! Decide what kinds of tomatoes you’re interested in growing and match your container size.

Cherry tomatoes, for instance, require a smaller container than beefsteak tomatoes. You don’t have to splurge. For many tomato varieties, a five-gallon bucket suffices. Their soil needs to be deep and moist and well-drained. Tomatoes require full sun, and you can grow them year-round in all growing zones. Provide them with fertilizer every two weeks.

2. Potatoes

For potatoes, you need plenty of soil and water. By growing them in containers, you allow the veggie to develop a unique flavor. Instead of what you’re used to tasting when you buy a bag at your local supermarket, you get to enjoy an earthier flavor experience. The loamy soil you select should drain well. Potatoes need full sun to grow and do best in 3 to 10B growing Zones. Use fertilizer a week prior to planting, every couple of weeks while they grow, and stop four weeks from harvesting.

3. Lettuce

You can have the perfect base for your best salads growing right on your balcony! These grow quickly and if you need to elongate the life of your lettuce, just move your container into a more shaded area when the weather gets hot. Lettuce doesn’t require full sun to flourish; rather, partial sun does the trick. It needs moist and fertile soil and grows best in Zones 4 to 9. A fish emulsion as fertilizer works great for lettuce — use it every two weeks.

4. Peppers

Take your pick when it comes to peppers. Go the sweet route or the spicy route! They need lots of sun and good drainage. Stay on top of your watering schedule because these veggies constantly need moist (not soaked) soil. You can grow these year-round in any growing zone. They need full sun to thrive.

5. Cucumbers

The hydrating crunch of cucumber adds texture to an otherwise simple salad, and you can have your very own only a few feet away from your kitchen. Cucumbers are some of the best vegetables to grow in containers. They grow quickly and as you may have guessed they love water. Opt for ceramic or plastic when growing these to aid with retaining the moisture in the soil. Choose either bush or vining varieties. Enrich their soil with fertilizer, provide either full or partial sun, and grow in Zones 4 to 12.

6. Peas

Peas typically require support as they grow so they don’t droop. They enrich the soil they’re in, which means after you harvest them, you can plant something else. These are good in the spring and fall. They need full sun and loamy, well-drained soil. They thrive in Zones 2 to 11.

7. Radishes

Radishes are another veggie that grows fast — all you need is a month! So long as the container is about five inches deep, you’re good to go. Radishes need full to partial shade and moist soil with good drainage. They grow well in Zones 2 to 8.

8. Eggplant

Don’t go for the traditional heavy variety. These won’t work well in a container. Choose a cultivar instead. One that’s meant for growing in a container (like ‘Fairytale’). They grow bushy and have deep roots, so you need a large container. Eggplants need full sun, moist soil, and good drainage. They grow well in Zones 5 to 12.

Tips for Container Plants

To help your container plants thrive, you should set up a schedule for watering them. Check their soil and get to know your plant daily to ensure you find the right amount of water to keep them happy. Pruning should be done either in the later part of winter or the earliest part of spring.

To control pests, start with healthy plants. Quarantine new plants before introducing them to others, and always work with clean tools. You may even want to introduce some ground beetles and ladybugs to help out. Use neem oil as a natural form of pest control as well.

Harvesting Container Plants

To maximize freshness, wait until your veggies have fully developed. Then, let them be so they can fully ripen, and you can enjoy them. Harvest in the earlier part of the day as well. Your veggies are still nicely hydrated at this time.

Summary of the Eight Best Vegetables to Grow in Containers