You don’t need a garden—or even a patch of soil—to grow your own food. In fact, some of the tastiest crops thrive in the simplest containers, from old buckets and hanging baskets to wide salad bowls sitting on your windowsill. If you’ve got a little sun and a bit of creativity, you’re already halfway there.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 18 crops that are perfect for container growing, whether you live in an apartment, have a tiny patio, or just want to keep things within reach of your kitchen. These aren’t just easy to grow—they’re actually delicious, often fresher and more flavorful than what you’ll find at the store.
From leafy greens and sweet fruits to herbs that make every meal better, these container-friendly plants let you harvest your own food without ever digging a garden bed. So grab a bucket (or anything with drainage), and let’s get growing.
Tomatoes
Legend has it that tomatoes love the sun, and indeed, they flourish under bright rays. Perfect for buckets, a single tomato plant can yield a surprisingly generous harvest. From cherry to beefsteak, these juicy fruits add a burst of flavor to any dish. Imagine plucking ripe tomatoes, still warm from the sun, right from your balcony. With regular watering and occasional feeding, even novice gardeners can succeed. A fun fact: tomatoes were once believed to be poisonous. Today, they’re a staple worldwide!
Strawberries
Sweet and fragrant, strawberries are a delightful crop that thrives in baskets. These berries love the sun and require well-draining soil. They’re perfect for hanging baskets, where their runners can cascade gracefully. Picture a breakfast of fresh strawberries, harvested from your own garden, mingling with morning dew. While they prefer a sunny spot, strawberries can tolerate partial shade. Fun fact: strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside! Keep an eye out for birds who might also want a taste.
Lettuce
Lettuce, with its crisp leaves, is a quick and easy crop to grow in bowls. They’re ideal for those who want a constant supply of fresh greens at their fingertips. With varieties ranging from romaine to butterhead, there’s a type for every taste. Simply snip off the leaves as needed, and watch them regrow. This makes them not only a healthy choice but also a sustainable one. Lettuce loves cool weather, so it’s perfect for early spring or fall planting.
Herbs
Herbs are the culinary artist’s best friend, and they thrive in small spaces. Imagine the aroma of fresh basil, thyme, or mint right from your kitchen windowsill. These plants are not only useful but also decorative. Most herbs prefer a sunny spot and can be grown in a variety of containers, from bowls to baskets. They require minimal care, making them perfect for busy lifestyles. A tip for success: regularly snip the leaves to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.
Radishes
Radishes are the epitome of quick gratification in the garden. These speedy growers can be harvested in as little as three weeks. Ideal for buckets, radishes prefer cooler weather and well-draining soil. Slice them into salads for a peppery crunch that wakes up the taste buds. Their vibrant colors make them as visually appealing as they are tasty. Did you know? Radishes were once a common payment method for Egyptian workers. Today, they’re a tasty treat with a historical twist.
Peppers
Peppers, with their vibrant colors and spicy allure, are a fantastic choice for container gardening. Whether it’s hot jalapeños or sweet bell peppers, these plants thrive in buckets with plenty of sunlight. Visualize a balcony adorned with pots of peppers, their colors contrasting beautifully against the green foliage. Peppers love warmth, so make sure they have their sunbathing spot. A quirky tidbit: the heat of a pepper is measured in Scoville units, a fact that adds a spicy twist to their appeal.
Carrots
Growing carrots in containers might seem unusual, but these root vegetables adapt well to deep pots or buckets. Their delicate, fern-like tops are charming in any setting. Ensure the soil is loose and well-draining for the best growth. Harvesting carrots feels like unearthing buried treasure, each one unique in shape and size. Historically, carrots were originally purple or white, before the familiar orange was cultivated. They’re not just nutritious; they’re a colorful piece of history too!
Cucumbers
Cucumbers, with their refreshing crunch, are a summertime favorite. They thrive in buckets with a trellis for support, allowing the vines to climb and save space. Harvest them young for the sweetest taste, perfect for salads or pickling. Cucumbers appreciate consistent watering, especially during their fruiting stage. An interesting fact: cucumbers are 95% water, making them an excellent hydration source. Their cooling effect is not just for the palate but for the skin too, as spa-goers know well.
Spinach
Spinach is a versatile leafy green that thrives in a variety of climates. Growing it in a bowl allows for easy harvest and ensures a fresh supply for your meals. Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and can be planted early in the season. Its nutrient-rich leaves are perfect for salads, smoothies, or sautéed dishes. Fun fact: spinach gained popularity in the US due to Popeye, the cartoon sailor known for his spinach-fueled strength. It’s a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are an easy and productive crop, ideal for container gardening. These compact plants produce an abundance of beans without the need for staking. Imagine a basket brimming with green beans, ready to be steamed, sautéed, or preserved. They thrive in sunny locations and need regular watering to ensure robust growth. A fun historic tidbit: beans were a staple in ancient civilizations, cherished for their protein-rich pods. Today, they’re a versatile addition to any meal.
Eggplants
Eggplants, with their striking purple hue, add a touch of elegance to any garden. These sturdy plants thrive in large pots, preferring warm temperatures and ample sunlight. Picture an eggplant glistening in the sun, ready to be transformed into a flavorful dish. Their unique taste and texture make them a favorite in cuisines worldwide. Did you know? Eggplants are technically berries, which adds a fun twist to their identity. They’re both a culinary delight and a botanical curiosity.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a prolific producer, perfect for growing in a bucket. These plants appreciate plenty of sunlight and room to spread. The large, yellow blossoms are not just decorative but edible too, adding a gourmet touch to your meals. Zucchini grows quickly, and regular harvesting encourages more production. A historical note: zucchini, originally from the Americas, gained popularity in Italy, where it was cultivated into the variety we know today. It’s a garden champion with culinary flair.
Beets
Beets are a vibrant and nutritious addition to any container garden. Their deep red roots and lush green tops are both edible, offering versatility in the kitchen. Beets thrive in deep pots with consistently moist soil. They’re a cool-season crop, perfect for early spring or fall planting. Fun fact: beets have been used as a natural dye for centuries. Their earthy flavor and vivid color make them a favorite for salads, soups, and even baking. They’re a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Garlic
Garlic is a culinary staple that is surprisingly easy to grow in containers. Each clove can produce a full head of garlic, offering a rewarding harvest. Plant them in a sunny spot, and in a few months, enjoy fresh garlic with robust flavor. Garlic prefers well-draining soil and regular watering. A quirky tidbit: garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Its rich history and health benefits make it a must-have in any garden.
Onions
Onions, with their bold flavor, are a staple in many dishes. Growing them in buckets allows for easy management and harvest. These hardy plants thrive in well-draining soil and appreciate full sun. Picture a bucket of onions, their green tops reaching for the sky, ready to enhance your culinary creations. Onions are versatile and can be used fresh or stored for later use. Historically, onions were worshipped by ancient Egyptians, symbolizing eternity. They’re not just tasty but steeped in cultural lore.
Peas
Peas are a delightful addition to any container garden, offering sweet, tender pods. They thrive in cool weather and need support for their climbing vines. Visualize a pot of pea plants, full of life, with tendrils wrapping around a trellis. Harvest them young for the best flavor, perfect for snacking or cooking. A fun fact: peas were one of the first vegetables to be frozen for preservation. Their sweet taste and adaptability make them a gardener’s favorite.
Basil
Basil, with its aromatic leaves, is a must-have for any culinary enthusiast. This herb thrives in pots, preferring warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. Imagine a pot of basil on your kitchen counter, ready to enhance your favorite dishes. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth, ensuring a constant supply. Did you know? Basil was once considered sacred in various cultures, revered for its fragrance and flavor. It’s both a delightful addition to meals and a touch of greenery indoors.
Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that’s perfect for container gardening. Its vigorous growth makes it ideal for pots, where it can be contained. Picture a pot of mint on your patio, offering a fragrant addition to beverages and desserts. Mint prefers a sunny to partially shaded spot and regular watering. A quirky tidbit: mint was used in ancient Greece to scent linen, a testament to its enduring appeal. It’s more than just a flavor; it’s a sensory delight.