If you think gardening requires a big backyard, think again. Whether you have a small balcony, a patio, or just want to maximize space, bucket gardening is a game-changer.
Over the years, I’ve found certain vegetables thrive in containers, especially 5-gallon buckets. They provide enough space for roots to develop while keeping plants manageable.
If you’re wondering which crops to start with, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top 12 picks for growing healthy, productive veggies in buckets.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are my go-to vegetable for bucket gardening because they thrive in confined spaces as long as they get plenty of sun.
A single plant in a 5-gallon bucket will produce a generous harvest, especially if you choose determinate varieties. I always add a sturdy stake or cage right at planting to support growth.
Regular watering is crucial, as buckets dry out faster than garden soil, but the reward of juicy, homegrown tomatoes is well worth it.
2. Peppers (Bell & Hot)
Peppers love the warmth and controlled environment of bucket gardening.
I’ve grown both bell peppers and spicy varieties like jalapeños in buckets with great success. They need well-draining soil and a sunny location, at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day.
If you want a productive plant, make sure to fertilize every couple of weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
3. Lettuce
If you’re new to growing in buckets, lettuce is one of the easiest and fastest crops to start with. It doesn’t have deep roots, so you can even plant multiple heads in a single bucket.
The best part? You can harvest leaves as needed, and the plant will continue producing for weeks. I love growing a mix of different lettuces for a variety of colors and flavors.
4. Carrots
Carrots may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind for container gardening, but they do surprisingly well in deep buckets.
The key is using loose, well-draining soil so the roots can grow straight and long. I always go for shorter varieties like ‘Nantes’ or ‘Chantenay’ since they fit well in containers.
Keep the soil evenly moist, and you’ll have sweet, crunchy carrots in no time.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers thrive in buckets, especially if you train them to climb a trellis or stake. This keeps the vines off the ground, prevents disease, and makes harvesting easier.
I’ve had success growing both slicing cucumbers and smaller pickling varieties in containers.
They need plenty of water and sunlight, so keep the soil consistently moist and give them at least 6 hours of sun.
6. Green Beans
Green beans are one of my favorite crops to grow in 5-gallon buckets because they’re so productive.
I always choose bush varieties since they don’t require staking, but if you want to grow pole beans, you’ll need a trellis.
They produce a steady supply of beans for weeks, and the more you pick, the more they produce!
7. Radishes
If you want a quick-growing vegetable that’s almost foolproof, radishes are the way to go.
They mature in as little as 30 days, making them perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fast harvest.
Since they don’t need deep soil, you can plant several in a single bucket and enjoy fresh, spicy radishes all season long.
8. Eggplant
Eggplants thrive in buckets, especially compact varieties like ‘Patio Baby’ or ‘Fairy Tale.’ They need a warm, sunny location and consistent watering, but once they start producing, you’ll get beautiful, glossy fruits.
I always recommend adding a stake early on to support the plant as it grows.
9. Beets
Beets are another root vegetable that does well in buckets. The key is loose soil so the roots can expand easily.
I plant them about an inch apart, and within a couple of months, I have a harvest of both beet greens and tasty roots.
They don’t need much maintenance, just regular watering and thinning to allow room for growth.
10. Zucchini
Zucchini plants can get quite large, but with the right care, they’ll thrive in a bucket. I always grow a compact variety like ‘Astia’ or ‘Bush Baby’ to keep things manageable.
A single plant can produce an abundance of squash, so prepare to be amazed! Just make sure to water deeply and regularly, as they drink a lot.
11. Kale
Kale is one of the hardiest greens you can grow, and it does great in a bucket. It tolerates cooler temperatures, so you can grow it in both spring and fall.
I harvest the outer leaves continuously, which encourages new growth and keeps the plant producing for months.
12. Onions
Onions don’t need much space, making them perfect for bucket gardening. I usually grow bunching onions like green onions or smaller bulb varieties.
They require well-drained soil and consistent watering, but they’re relatively low maintenance.
Plus, they make a great companion plant for other veggies, helping deter pests.
