Don't let the lack of a backyard discourage you from having a vegetable garden. You can grow seasonal produce in containers as long as they receive sufficient sunlight and water. Here are 15 vegetables that you can grow in a container or pot on your patio or balcony:
Potatoes
Growing potatoes in containers is simple. Just put the container in a light and sunny spot and water it well.
- Container size: At least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep
- Harvesting period: Late spring onwards
- Sunlight per day: 6-8 hours of direct sunlight
Beans
You can grow different varieties of beans in containers, from fava beans to pole beans. They can even grow in spaces that need partial sunlight.
- Container size: At least 12 inches wide
- Harvesting period: Summer onwards
- Sunlight per day: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight
Peas
You can grow and pick fresh peas off the plant. They can be harvested throughout summer and can be easily grown in containers.
- Container size: At least 12 inches wide
- Harvesting period: Summer
- Sunlight per day: 6-8 hours of direct sunlight
Radish
Radish is one of the fastest growing vegetables. You can try a range of colors, shapes, and flavors. Some varieties can even be grown in shallow containers.
- Container size: At least 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep
- Harvesting period: Spring to fall
- Sunlight per day: At least 6 hours
Eggplant
You can grow compact varieties of eggplants, such as Meatball, Fairytale, or Patio Baby, in containers.
- Container size: At least 12-14 inches deep
- Harvesting period: Spring to summer
- Sunlight per day: At least 6 hours
Cucumbers
While cucumbers can be grown in containers, they are hungry crops. Make sure to keep them constantly moist and supported as they grow.
- Container size: At least 10 inches wide and 18 inches deep
- Harvesting period: Summer
- Sunlight per day: 6-8 hours
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops to grow in a container. Choose shorter bush type tomato varieties as they do not require staking or a cage.
- Container size: At least 12 inches wide and deep
- Harvesting period: Summer to early fall
- Sunlight per day: 6-8 hours
Onions
To grow a decent harvest of onions in a container, you need a wider and shallower pot.
- Container size: At least 24 inches wide and 10 inches deep
- Harvesting period: Summer
- Sunlight per day: 6-8 hours
Arugula
Arugula is perfect for being grown in a container. You canIt can be harvest ited within 6 weeks of planting and add itcan be added to salads, sandwiches, or made into pesto.
- Container size: At least 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep
- Harvesting period: Late spring to fall
- Sunlight per day: At least 6 hours
Carrots
Traditional, longer-rooted carrots need deeper containers (at least 18 inches), but you can grow rounded varieties of carrots in shallower pots.
- Container size: At least 8 inches wide
- Harvesting period: Summer to fall
- Sunlight per day: At least 6 hours
Peppers
Different shapes, colors, and sizes of fiery or sweet peppers can be grown in containers. Make sure to keep the container moist throughout the growing season.
- Container size: At least 12 inches
- Harvesting period: Late summer onwards
- Sunlight per day: 6-8 hours
Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in a container. It grows quickly and has shallow roots. Once it grows, you can pluck it directly for your salads and sandwiches.
- Container size: At least 6 deep
- Harvesting period: Year-round
- Sunlight per day: 6-8 hours
Spinach
Similar to lettuce, spinach can be grown from seed in containers. Keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout.
- Container size: At least 6-8 inches deep
- Harvesting period: Spring or fall
- Sunlight per day: 4-6 hours
Kale
Kale is a resilient leafy green that tolerates cold temperatures. It allows for early spring planting or mid to late summer planting for harvests in the fall and early winter.
- Container size: At least 12 inches wide and deep
- Harvesting period: Late spring to early summer
- Sunlight per day: At least 8 hours
Turnips
Newer varieties of turnips are more compact, allowing them to be grown and harvested in containers.
- Container size: At least 16 wide and 8 inches deep
- Harvesting period: Summer
- Sunlight per day: 6-8 hours
