Not every veggie needs deep soil to grow strong—plenty do just fine in shallow containers, especially in Arkansas’s warm, sunny climate. I’ve grown tasty harvests right on the patio with just a few inches of soil and the right picks.
These container-friendly veggies are perfect for small spaces, easy to manage, and still pack a flavorful punch. From leafy greens to compact root crops, you’ve got more options than you might think.
Let’s get those shallow containers filled and growing like champs!
1. Lettuce
Just 3-4 inches of soil is all you need for a thriving lettuce crop in Arkansas. The quick growth cycle means you’ll harvest fresh greens within weeks of planting.
Arkansas gardeners love growing loose-leaf varieties that tolerate heat better than heading types. Plant in early spring or fall to avoid the intense summer temperatures that cause lettuce to bolt.
2. Radishes
Ready to harvest in just 3-4 weeks, these crispy veggies are perfect for impatient gardeners. Their shallow root system thrives in containers as little as 4-6 inches deep.
Many Arkansas container gardeners plant a new batch every two weeks for continuous harvests. The Natural State’s longer growing seasons allow for multiple radish plantings in both spring and fall.
3. Arugula
Spicy and distinctive, arugula grows quickly in Arkansas container gardens. The shallow roots need only 4-5 inches of soil depth to produce abundant peppery leaves.
Arkansas gardeners appreciate arugula’s ability to tolerate light frost, extending the growing season. Harvest the outer leaves regularly and the plant will continue producing for weeks in your shallow containers.
4. Green Onions
Perfect for Arkansas container gardens, green onions need just 4-5 inches of soil. You can even regrow them from grocery store scraps by planting the white root ends.
The mild winters in many parts of Arkansas allow these hardy plants to grow nearly year-round. Green onions tolerate partial shade, making them ideal for balconies that don’t get full sun.
5. Spinach
Nutrient-rich and versatile, spinach thrives in shallow containers with just 4-6 inches of soil. The compact growth habit makes it perfect for small-space gardening in Arkansas.
Arkansas gardeners can grow spinach in early spring and again in fall when temperatures cool. The quick maturity means you’ll enjoy fresh spinach in salads within 40 days of planting in your containers.
6. Microgreens
Needing just 1-2 inches of soil, microgreens are the ultimate shallow container crop. These nutrient powerhouses grow from seed to harvest in just 7-14 days in Arkansas conditions.
Arkansas gardeners appreciate being able to grow microgreens indoors year-round, regardless of outside temperatures. Try sunflower, broccoli, or pea shoots for easy-to-grow varieties with distinct flavors.
7. Bush Beans
Unlike pole varieties, bush beans stay compact and don’t require trellising. Their modest root systems thrive in containers just 6-8 inches deep, perfect for Arkansas patios.
The warm Arkansas growing season gives container gardeners multiple opportunities to plant successive crops. Harvest beans regularly to encourage plants to keep producing throughout the summer months.
8. Cherry Tomatoes
Surprisingly adaptable to shallow containers of 8-10 inches, dwarf cherry tomato varieties produce abundant fruit. Look for varieties like ‘Tiny Tim’ or ‘Micro Tom’ specifically bred for container growing.
Arkansas’s long, hot summers create ideal conditions for these sun-loving plants to thrive. Container-grown cherry tomatoes often produce earlier than garden-planted varieties in the Natural State.
9. Kale
Remarkably adaptable to container life, kale grows well in just 6 inches of soil. The compact varieties like ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ are especially suited to shallow containers.
Arkansas gardeners can grow kale in both spring and fall, with plants often surviving light frosts. The sturdy leaves actually develop sweeter flavor after experiencing cool temperatures in your Arkansas container garden.
10. Bok Choy
Fast-growing and compact, bok choy thrives in containers just 6 inches deep. The upright growth habit maximizes space in small Arkansas container gardens.
Arkansas gardeners find success growing bok choy in early spring and again in fall. The cooler temperatures during these seasons prevent the plants from bolting too quickly in your shallow containers.
11. Herbs
Culinary herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley flourish in containers as shallow as 4-6 inches. Their compact root systems make them ideal for window boxes and small pots.
Arkansas’s climate allows for extended growing seasons, with many herbs thriving from spring through fall. Some hardy varieties like thyme and oregano may even survive the mild Arkansas winters in protected container locations.
12. Swiss Chard
With its colorful stems and nutritious leaves, Swiss chard makes both a practical and ornamental container plant. The roots adapt well to containers 6-8 inches deep.
Arkansas gardeners appreciate chard’s heat tolerance during summer months. The ‘Bright Lights’ variety, with its rainbow-colored stems, adds visual interest to Arkansas container gardens while providing nutritious greens.
13. Carrots
Short-rooted carrot varieties like ‘Paris Market’ or ‘Thumbelina’ grow beautifully in 6-8 inch containers. These round or stubby carrots develop full flavor without needing deep soil.
Arkansas gardeners can plant these compact carrots in early spring and again in late summer. The loose, well-draining soil in containers often produces straighter, more uniform carrots than heavy Arkansas clay soils.
14. Mustard Greens
Spicy and quick-growing, mustard greens need just 4-6 inches of soil depth. Their attractive, frilly leaves add visual interest to Arkansas container gardens.
The mild winters in many parts of Arkansas allow mustard greens to grow through multiple seasons. Plant them in early spring or fall to avoid the intense summer heat that causes these greens to become bitter.
15. Garlic Chives
Offering a mild garlic flavor, these perennial herbs grow happily in containers just 4-6 inches deep. The pretty white star-shaped flowers also attract beneficial insects to your Arkansas garden.
Arkansas gardeners appreciate how these hardy plants return year after year in containers. Harvest the flat leaves regularly throughout the growing season for continuous production in your shallow containers.
16. Pak Choi
This Asian green forms compact heads perfect for shallow 6-inch containers. The white stems and dark green leaves mature quickly in Arkansas’s spring and fall seasons.
Arkansas container gardeners can harvest whole heads or pick outer leaves as needed. The mild flavor makes pak choi versatile in stir-fries and salads, providing fresh vegetables from limited growing space.
17. Turnips
Baby turnip varieties develop sweet roots in containers just 6-8 inches deep. Harvest them young for tender texture and mild flavor from your Arkansas container garden.
Arkansas gardeners can grow both spring and fall crops of these quick-maturing vegetables. The greens are also edible, giving you two vegetables from one plant in your shallow containers.