I’ve always believed you don’t need a big backyard to grow big flavors, and my bucket garden is proof of that. Over the years I’ve picked up a few tricks of the trade, and I’ve found certain veggies that thrive even when space is tight.
When I want fresh harvests right at my fingertips without breaking a sweat, these are the veggies I always grow in buckets. They’re easy, dependable, and perfect for turning even the smallest corner into a homegrown gold mine.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of my absolute favorites for bucket gardening. They adapt so well to containers and produce tons of fruit if you give them enough sun and water.
Pick a five-gallon bucket with drainage holes at the bottom. Add a sturdy stake or cage for support as they grow taller. Water them regularly, especially during hot days, and watch them reward you with juicy tomatoes all season long.
2. Lettuce
Lettuce is super forgiving and grows fast, making it perfect for beginners. You can snip off outer leaves as you need them, and the plant keeps producing more.
Use a bucket that’s at least six inches deep. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place your bucket somewhere with partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the leaves from turning bitter.
3. Peppers
Peppers thrive in buckets and don’t need as much space as you’d think. Whether you love sweet bell peppers or spicy jalapeños, they both do great in containers.
A three to five-gallon bucket works well for most pepper varieties. They love warmth and sunshine, so find the sunniest spot you have. Feed them with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to keep them producing all summer.
4. Radishes
Radishes are quick growers, ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Honestly, they’re one of the most satisfying veggies to grow if you like fast results.
You don’t need a deep bucket for radishes since they have shallow roots. Even a bucket around eight inches deep works perfectly. Sow seeds directly into the soil, keep it moist, and you’ll have crisp radishes before you know it.
5. Carrots
Growing carrots in buckets means you can control the soil texture, which makes a huge difference. They need loose, sandy soil to grow straight and long.
Choose a bucket that’s at least 12 inches deep for standard carrots, or go with shorter varieties if your bucket is shallower. Thin out seedlings so they have room to develop properly. Water consistently to keep the soil from drying out and cracking.
6. Spinach
Spinach loves cooler weather, so it’s a great choice for spring or fall bucket gardening. The leaves are tender and packed with nutrients your family will love.
A bucket around eight to ten inches deep is plenty for spinach. Keep the soil consistently moist and place your bucket in a spot with partial shade during warmer months. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth throughout the season.
7. Cucumbers
Cucumbers sprawl quite a bit, but compact or bush varieties work beautifully in buckets. Fresh cucumbers from your own container garden taste amazing in salads.
Use a five-gallon bucket and add a small trellis for vining types to climb. They need plenty of water, especially when fruiting, so check the soil daily. Place them where they’ll get at least six hours of direct sunlight for the best harvest.
8. Green Beans
Green beans are surprisingly easy to grow in buckets, and bush varieties don’t even need support. Watching them produce pods week after week feels really rewarding.
A five-gallon bucket gives beans plenty of room to spread their roots. Plant seeds about an inch deep and keep the soil evenly moist. They prefer full sun and will start producing beans within two months of planting.