Who says you need a big garden to grow your own veggies? All you really need are a few buckets, some good soil, and a little love for plants!
When I first started growing vegetables in buckets, I was amazed at how much food I could harvest from such a small space. Bucket gardening is a game-changer, whether you’re short on space, dealing with unpredictable weather, or just love the idea of fresh products within arm’s reach.
Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to pluck homegrown veggies for dinner! I’ll share some of the best vegetables to grow in buckets, along with some hard-earned tips to avoid common mistakes.
1. Tomatoes
When life gives you tomatoes, make some sauce! If you’re looking for a plant that brings color and taste to your bucket garden, tomatoes are your go-to. They thrive with plenty of sunlight and adequate watering. But be wary of overwatering.
Tomatoes love warmth, so find a cozy sunlit spot for them to bask in. They’re prone to fungal diseases, so ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
Stake them well to avoid any awkward tumbles. Pruning is key to a healthy plant. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and treat them naturally.
2. Peppers
Spice up your life with some homegrown peppers! These colorful delights love warm weather and sunlight, so place them where they can soak it all up. Regular watering will keep them happy, but don’t let their roots drown.
Peppers are prone to blossom end rot, which sounds much gloomier than it is. A little calcium goes a long way in preventing this issue. They need space, so avoid crowding them with other plants.
Aphids and spider mites are common foes, so stay vigilant and respond quickly with organic pest control. A little care will reward you with a good harvest.
3. Lettuce
It’s always a good idea to leaf some room for lettuce in your bucket garden! Fast-growing and easy to maintain, lettuce is perfect for beginners. It prefers cooler temperatures, so a little shade during hot days is ideal.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and your lettuce will thrive. Watch out for slugs and snails, as they love lettuce as much as we do. Regular harvesting encourages more growth, so enjoy your salads frequently.
Remember, different varieties have different needs, so get to know your lettuce type for the best results.
4. Spinach
You don’t need to be Popeye to enjoy the benefits of spinach. This leafy green thrives in cooler temperatures, making it perfect for fall or spring planting. Too much heat can cause it to bolt.
The key to healthy spinach is consistent moisture, so keep the soil evenly damp. Aphids and downy mildew are its main adversaries. Harvest the outer leaves regularly and enjoy fresh spinach every day.
Spinach is rich in nutrients, but make sure to rotate your crops to prevent soil nutrient depletion.
5. Kale
Kale has become the poster child for healthy eating, and it’s just as trendy in a bucket garden. This hardy vegetable loves the cold, so it’s perfect for winter growing. It tolerates frost and even tastes sweeter after a light chill.
Kale needs well-drained soil and a little bit of sun each day. Watch out for cabbage worms and aphids, as they’re keen on kale’s nutritional value. Remove yellowing leaves promptly to keep the plant healthy.
With a little love, kale keeps giving all season long, perfect for those green smoothies.
6. Carrots
A bucket of these is like a treasure trove of crunchy goodness! These root vegetables prefer loose, sandy soil for easy growth. Regular watering helps them grow straight and luscious. Too much water, though, and you’ll end up with split or stunted roots.
Keep an eye on the soil pH, as carrots prefer it slightly acidic. Thinning the seedlings is crucial to give each carrot room to grow. Be wary of carrot flies, as they are pesky nuisances.
A little patience and care will yield a bountiful harvest of sweet, crunchy carrots.
7. Radishes
These are the speedy sprinters of the vegetable world, perfect for the impatient gardener. They thrive in cooler weather and can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Consistent moisture is key for these root veggies to avoid splitting.
Radishes prefer well-drained, loose soil for easy root expansion. Watch out for flea beetles, as they can be a common pest. Regular harvesting prevents radishes from becoming woody and bitter.
Plant them in succession for a continuous supply of these spicy delights throughout the growing season.
8. Green Onions
Getting the most out of your bucket garden is easy with green onions. These versatile onions offer a mild flavor and can be used fresh or cooked. They thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil.
Water them regularly but avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent rot. Green onions are relatively pest-free but keep an eye out for aphids. Their small size makes them ideal for tight spaces, and regular clipping encourages new growth.
Plus, re-growing them from store-bought stems is an economical way to keep them coming back.
9. Garlic
If you’re a fan of flavors, garlic is a must-have in your bucket lineup. It’s easy to grow and rewards you with aromatic bulbs. Garlic prefers well-drained soil and ample sunlight.
Planting in the fall ensures a summer harvest. Keep the soil evenly moist, but don’t overdo it, as garlic dislikes soggy conditions. Watch out for rust and white rot, common pests in humid climates.
Once the leaves start to yellow, it’s signal time to harvest. Hang to dry and enjoy fresh garlic in all your culinary adventures.
10. Beets
These bring a splash of color and a lot of flavor to your bucket garden. They thrive in cooler climates and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Consistent watering ensures tender, sweet roots.
Thin the seedlings to give each beet room to grow. Watch for common pests like aphids and leaf miners, which can affect the leaves. Beets are versatile, with both roots and leaves being edible.
Harvest when they reach the size of a golf ball for optimal taste, and enjoy them roasted, boiled, or pickled!
11. Potatoes
Potatoes in a bucket? It’s no small fry! These tubers are surprisingly easy to grow in a confined space. Choose a deep container and ensure good drainage.
Potatoes thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and love a sunny spot. Consistent moisture is essential but avoid waterlogging. Watch out for late blight and pests like Colorado potato beetles.
As the plants grow, add more soil to cover the stems. This “hilling” process encourages more tuber formation. Before you know it, you’ll be harvesting fresh potatoes from your own bucket garden.
12. Swiss Chard
This one is a hardy plant that tolerates a range of temperatures. Well-drained, fertile soil and regular watering keep it happy.
Chard is relatively pest-resistant, but leaf miners can be a problem. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth. This versatile veggie can be eaten raw or cooked, adding a nutritional punch to meals.
With minimal effort, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, colorful chard for months.
13. Cucumbers
These are the cool kids of the bucket gardening world. They prefer warm weather and plenty of sunlight. Regular watering ensures crisp, juicy fruits, but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent powdery mildew.
Cucumbers love to climb, so provide a trellis or support for them to grow. Watch out for cucumber beetles, as they can spread diseases. Picking cucumbers regularly encourages more production, so keep up with the harvest.
Whether in salads, pickles, or just as a snack, fresh cucumbers are a refreshing addition to your garden.
14. Zucchini
This one might just be the most generous of all the bucket veggies, producing an abundance of fruit. They thrive with full sunlight and require regular watering for optimal growth. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Zucchini plants can become quite large, so be sure to give them plenty of space to spread out. Powdery mildew and squash bugs are common problems, so vigilance is key. Harvest zucchinis when they’re smaller for the best flavor.
You’ll find they add a deliciously versatile touch to any meal.
15. Eggplant
These bring a touch of the exotic to a bucket garden, adding both beauty and flavor. They thrive in warm temperatures and need plenty of sunlight. Consistent watering is crucial but be careful not to overwater.
Eggplants are prone to flea beetles and aphids, so monitor them regularly. Support the plant as it grows to prevent the fruits from touching the soil. Harvest when the skin is glossy and firm for the best taste.
Enjoy eggplants grilled, roasted, or in a hearty ratatouille for a taste of the Mediterranean.
16. Bush Beans
The gift that keeps on giving in a bucket garden. They prefer warm weather and full sun, producing a bountiful harvest in a short time. Keep the soil moist, especially during flowering, to ensure a good crop.
Beans are relatively pest-free but be on the lookout for aphids and bean beetles. Regular picking encourages more production, so harvest often.
With their rich taste and crisp texture, bush beans are perfect for stir-fries and salads. Their compact size makes them an excellent choice for small spaces.
17. Peas
The sweethearts of the garden, loved for their delightful taste and ease of growth. They thrive in cooler weather and full sun, making them perfect for spring and fall planting. Keep the soil consistently moist for tender pods.
Support peas with a trellis to keep them off the ground and increase air circulation. Watch for aphids, a common pest that loves pea plants. Picking peas regularly encourages more flowers and pods.
Enjoy them fresh from the garden or add them to your favorite dishes for a sweet, crunchy treat.
18. Broccoli
This one might be the superhero of the vegetable world with its myriad health benefits. It prefers cooler temperatures and full sun, making it ideal for spring or fall planting. Consistent watering helps avoid bitterness and ensures tender florets.
Watch out for cabbage worms, as they love to munch on broccoli leaves. Regular inspection and organic controls can keep them at bay. Harvest the main head before the flowers open and enjoy the delicious side shoots that follow.
Steamed, roasted, or raw, broccoli is a versatile addition to any meal. And in my garden, that’s always a plus!
19. Cauliflower
Versatile and full of surprises. It thrives in cool weather with plenty of sun. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent the dreaded “buttoning”—when plants form small heads prematurely.
Cauliflower is susceptible to pests like cabbage worms and aphids, so regular checks are essential. Cover the heads with leaves to keep them white and tender. Harvest when the heads are firm and compact for the best flavor.
From cauliflower rice to pizza crust, this veggie is a culinary chameleon.
20. Arugula
This one is a culinary powerhouse. It loves cooler temperatures and can grow year-round with the right care. Keep the soil moist without overwatering for optimal growth.
Arugula is relatively pest-resistant but keep an eye out for flea beetles. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
Its spicy, distinctive flavor adds a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, and more, making it a fantastic addition to your bucket garden.
21. Celery
Adding crunch and flavor to countless dishes. It prefers cooler temperatures and consistent moisture for juicy, tender stalks.
Celery is prone to pests like slugs and aphids, so regular inspections are key. Provide plenty of water to prevent bitterness and tough stalks. Harvest when the stalks are crisp and green for the best flavor.
From soups to salads, celery’s versatility and crunchy texture make it a staple in the kitchen.