15 Fruits and Vegetables You Can Grow in Containers
Container gardening is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce, even if you're short on space. Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or windowsill, these 15 fruits and vegetables are “easy keepers” and perfect for container gardening and offer a bountiful harvest with the right care.
Plus, many of the plants listed below can be grown during the cold season. Check out the What to Plant in December blog to learn more!
Zucchini
Zucchini is a prolific grower, producing abundant fruit in a relatively short period. It thrives in a wide, deep pot (at least 12 inches) with well-draining soil and a sturdy trellis for vertical growth, which also saves space.
Key Care:
Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist.
Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting Tip: Pick zucchinis when they are 6–8 inches long for the best texture and flavor.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great choice for container gardens, especially bush or dwarf varieties like ‘Spacemaster.’ With plenty of sunlight and regular watering, cucumbers can thrive and produce crisp, delicious fruits.
Key Care:
Use a 10–12 inch deep pot with a trellis or cage to support climbing vines.
Water at the base to avoid fungal diseases on leaves.
Pro Tip: Mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple of container gardening, with determinate (bush) varieties being the most space-efficient. Their lush foliage and bright fruits also make them visually appealing.
Key Care:
Choose a pot at least 14 inches wide and use nutrient-rich soil.
Stake or cage plants early to prevent damage from heavy fruit.
Water deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Growing Tip: Add crushed eggshells or a calcium supplement to the soil to prevent blossom-end rot.
4. Beans
Beans, whether pole or bush varieties, are perfect for container gardens. They grow quickly and require minimal maintenance.
Key Care:
Use a pot at least 8–10 inches deep.
Provide a trellis or bamboo stakes for climbing varieties.
Why They’re Great: Beans naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit nearby plants in larger garden setups.
5. Potatoes
Growing potatoes in containers is both fun and rewarding. They thrive in large containers or grow bags and yield a surprisingly large harvest from a small space.
Key Care:
Choose a pot at least 16 inches deep and wide.
Start with seed potatoes and gradually add soil as the plants grow, a process known as "hilling."
Harvesting Tip: Wait until the foliage turns yellow and begins to die back before harvesting.
6. Garlic
Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow in containers, taking minimal effort for a generous reward.
Key Care:
Plant individual cloves in a container with at least 6 inches of soil depth.
Water sparingly during growth but stop watering altogether a few weeks before harvest to allow bulbs to dry.
Pro Tip: Softneck garlic is better suited for mild climates, while hardneck varieties do well in colder regions.
7. Radishes
Radishes are fast-growing and perfect for gardeners looking for quick results. Their shallow root systems make them ideal for smaller containers.
Key Care:
Use a shallow pot (6 inches deep) with well-draining soil.
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist.
Best Varieties for Containers: ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast.’
8. Onions
Onions are versatile and can be grown for bulbs, greens, or scallions in containers.
Key Care:
Use a pot that’s at least 10–12 inches deep with loose, fertile soil.
Ensure even watering but avoid over-saturating the soil.
Companion Planting: Onions help repel pests like aphids and carrot flies, making them a great companion for other container crops.
9. Lettuce
Lettuce is a forgiving crop that grows quickly and can provide multiple harvests with the “cut-and-come-again” method.
Key Care:
Use a shallow, wide container (6 inches deep).
Plant seeds every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh greens.
Best Varieties: Leaf lettuce like ‘Buttercrunch’ or ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ grows fast and doesn’t require much space.
10. Cauliflower
Cauliflower may be a bit more challenging but can thrive in containers if provided with the right care.
Key Care:
Use a pot 12–16 inches deep.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Blanching Tip: To get a crisp white head, tie the leaves over the developing curd to protect it from sunlight.
11. Peas
Peas are perfect for vertical gardening and thrive in cooler weather, making them an excellent choice for spring and fall planting.
Key Care:
Use a 10-inch deep pot and provide a trellis for climbing varieties.
Water frequently, as peas dislike dry soil.
Great Varieties for Containers: Sugar snap peas and snow peas grow well and produce tender, sweet pods.
12. Broccoli
Broccoli can grow successfully in containers with proper care and regular fertilization.
Key Care:
Use a deep container (12–16 inches) with well-draining soil.
Fertilize every 3–4 weeks to ensure healthy growth.
Harvesting Tip: Harvest the main head before it flowers and allow side shoots to develop for an extended harvest.
13. Blueberries
Blueberries thrive in containers, especially when planted in acidic soil with good drainage.
Key Care:
Use a pot that’s at least 18 inches deep and wide.
Add peat moss or an acidic fertilizer to maintain the soil’s pH.
Pro Tip: Plant at least two different blueberry varieties for optimal pollination and larger harvests.
14. Strawberries
Strawberries are versatile and thrive in pots, hanging baskets, or tiered planters.
Key Care:
Use a container with excellent drainage.
Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer for continuous production.
Best Varieties: Everbearing strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season.
15. Herbs
Herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, chives, oregano, sage, and rosemary are low-maintenance and thrive in containers.
Key Care:
Use smaller pots (6–8 inches deep) for individual plants or larger ones for a mixed herb garden.
Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
Why They’re Great: Herbs provide fresh, aromatic additions to your meals and can even repel pests like mosquitoes and flies.
Tips for Successful Container Gardening
Choose the Right Containers: Ensure pots are large enough for root growth and have adequate drainage holes.
Use Quality Soil: Opt for container-specific soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
Water Wisely: Monitor soil moisture closely; container plants dry out faster than in-ground plants. Consider using a terracotta olla (shop here) or watering stakes (shop here) to reduce how often you have to water.
Fertilize Regularly: Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Compost is a great choice for most plants, bone meal for root vegetables and flowers, worm castings (or fresh compost if you have an at-home worm composter), and coffee grounds for tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries.
Provide Sunlight: Most fruits and vegetables need 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. If your patio is shaded, no problem! Just plug in a grow light (shop here) and you’re good to grow (LOL).
Container gardening is a flexible, rewarding way to grow fresh, homegrown produce—even with limited space. With the proper care and setup, these 15 fruits and veggies can transform your patio or balcony into a productive, sustainable garden.
Let’s grow, glow, and thrive!
