Estimated reading time: 36 minutes
If you've been waiting to grow your own vegetables until you have a large backyard, your wait is over. You can successfully grow veggies for your family in containers, and the best part is that those containers do not have to be fancy or expensive. Five-gallon buckets work very well.
In addition to the versatility of being able to harvest vegetables from your deck or patio, bucket gardening also offers versatility. You can move your buckets or containers undercover inside during a frost or heavy rain or wind storm or out into the sunshine on an early spring day. Your container vegetables also are less susceptible to weeds or damage from pests.
The first step to container gardening is choosing a quality container. Make sure you get something that will last. It'll be more expensive at first, but in the long run it'll save you money.
If you want to go with five-gallon buckets, be sure they're food-grade, and be wary of cast-off buckets that may have stored toxic substances. Chemicals often leech into the plastic, so save these buckets for storing non-food supplies around the homestead.
Check with local restaurants, however, as they may be happy to give you buckets that once stored food items. You also can purchase new food-grade buckets online or from big box stores.
What To Do Once You Get Your Buckets
After you obtain your buckets, the next step is to prepare them for planting. Drill or punch a few holes in the bottom of the bucket. One hole about every three inches usually will offer adequate drainage.
Next, place about two inches of loose gravel in the bottom of the bucket to assist with drainage. Then fill the buckets with a high-quality potting soil mix that includes peat moss and compost, allowing room for the plants themselves as you determine the amount of soil. You may plant either seeds or starter plants in a five-gallon bucket.
Water your newly-sowed veggies well and then check for the soil's moisture level for further watering. Container plants often need daily watering during the heat of summer because they can dry out rapidly.
Also, plan to fertilize your plants once or twice a month, depending on the plant and the soil. Weeds tend not to be a big problem with bucket gardening, but you can keep away even the stray weed or two by spreading a thin layer of mulch on top of the soil. This added layer will also help your soil retain moisture.
Here are some of the vegetables that grow well in containers, and especially in five-gallon buckets.
1. Beans
Both pole beans (the tall, vining beans) and bush beans (which leaf out, not up) do well in buckets. If you are planting pole beans, insert trellis or pole supports for the vines into the bucket before you sow the seeds to prevent damage.
Bush bean varieties don't require support, and you can try three plants per bucket. Beans thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, and they’re fast growers—perfect for beginner gardeners.
Tips for Growing Beans in Buckets:
- Soil Requirements: Use a light, loose potting mix with compost or aged manure for best results. Beans don't like heavy, soggy soil.
- Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in containers.
- Fertilizing: Beans fix their own nitrogen, so they don’t need high-nitrogen fertilizers. A balanced fertilizer or compost tea once a month is sufficient.
- Sunlight: Aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Spacing: For bush beans, plant three seeds per bucket. For pole beans, plant 4–5 seeds around the edges of the bucket, leaving room for the trellis in the center.
- Pests to Watch For: Aphids, spider mites, and Mexican bean beetles are common. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help.
- Harvesting: Pick beans regularly once they reach a usable size, usually 50–60 days for bush beans. Frequent harvesting encourages more production.
- Companion Plants: Beans grow well with carrots, cucumbers, and strawberries. Avoid planting near garlic or onions.
More Info: Growing Beans In Containers
2. Beets
These veggies adapt very well to a bucket home. Sow a few seeds every couple of weeks from spring through early July for a continuous harvest. To speed up germination, soak the seeds in warm water for a few hours before you sow them.
Then plant three or four seeds together about an inch deep and about four inches away from other seeds. Water well and harvest the plants when the beets are golf ball-size.
Tips for Growing Beets in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket can support 6–8 beet plants comfortably. Depth is important—beets need at least 10–12 inches of soil to form properly.
- Soil Requirements: Loose, well-draining soil is key. Mix potting soil with compost, and avoid compacted or clay-heavy mixes, which can deform roots.
- Spacing: Thin seedlings once they sprout, leave one strong plant per cluster to give roots room to grow.
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours/day) is ideal, though they can tolerate partial shade.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist but not soaked. Uneven watering can cause split or woody roots.
- Fertilizing: Beets prefer phosphorus-rich fertilizers over nitrogen-heavy ones. Add bone meal or a balanced organic fertilizer once a month.
- Harvesting Tips: Begin harvesting when roots are about 1.5–2 inches in diameter. Younger beets are sweeter and more tender.
- Use the Greens: Beet greens are edible and highly nutritious, harvest a few leaves from each plant without damaging the root growth.
- Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks until midsummer.
- Pests to Watch For: Leaf miners and aphids can be an issue. Use row covers or neem spray early if needed.
- Companion Plants: Good companions include lettuce, onions, and bush beans. Avoid planting near pole beans, which may compete for root space.
More info: How to Grow Beets in Containers
3. Carrots
Standard carrots need more depth than a bucket can provide, but certain short varieties will thrive in containers. Sow seeds about two to three inches apart and place the bucket in a sunny location. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during germination.
Look for compact types like “Thumbelina” or “Parisian” for the best results in shallow soil. Thin the seedlings as they grow to give each carrot room to develop properly.
Tips for Growing Carrots in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: Choose a container at least 10–12 inches deep. While 5-gallon buckets work, depth is more important than width for root vegetables.
- Soil Requirements: Use a fine, loose potting mix with compost. Avoid rocks, chunks, or compact soil—obstacles cause carrots to split or grow misshapen.
- Watering Needs: Carrots need even, consistent moisture. Dry spells followed by heavy watering can lead to cracked roots.
- Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours/day) is ideal. In hot climates, partial shade during peak heat may reduce stress and bitterness.
- Spacing: After thinning, aim for 2–3 inches between plants. Crowded carrots will grow skinny or twisted.
- Fertilizing: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy tops but poor root development. Use a phosphorus- and potassium-rich mix.
- Variety Suggestions: Besides ‘Thumbelina’ and ‘Parisian,’ try ‘Little Finger,’ ‘Tonda di Parigi,’ or ‘Short n Sweet, all well-suited to containers.
- Harvesting Tips: Carrots are usually ready 60–80 days after sowing. Tug gently or loosen the soil with a small trowel to avoid breaking them.
- Pests to Watch For: Carrot rust flies and aphids are common. Companion planting with onions or chives can deter pests naturally.
- Companion Plants: Onions, lettuce, and radishes grow well with carrots. Avoid planting near dill or fennel, which may stunt growth.
More Info: How to Grow Carrots in Pots or Containers
4. Chilies
Chili plants like things warm and sunny, but they can adapt to a bucket home that is placed in a sheltered spot that receives direct sunlight. Bring them indoors if there is any chance of frost.
Use a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Most chili varieties do best with one plant per bucket to give them space to branch out. With a little heat and care, you'll be rewarded with a fiery harvest.
Tips for Growing Chili Peppers in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A single 5-gallon bucket per plant is ideal. Peppers have extensive root systems and need room to grow.
- Soil Requirements: Use a light potting mix with added compost. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and organic compost works well. Avoid heavy, moisture-retaining soil.
- Sunlight: Chilis crave heat, give them 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. In cooler climates, placing buckets near walls or on patios helps trap warmth.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but avoid soggy conditions.
- Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen leads to lush foliage but fewer fruits.
- Pruning Tips: Once the plant is 10–12 inches tall, pinch off the top to encourage bushier growth and more branches (and therefore more fruit).
- Pollination: Most peppers self-pollinate, but gently shaking the plant or hand-pollinating flowers can boost yield, especially indoors or in still air.
- Variety Suggestions: Try ‘Cayenne,' ‘Jalapeño,' ‘Thai Hot,' or ‘Habanero' all do well in containers. Smaller varieties tend to fruit more reliably in pots.
- Pests to Watch For: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are common. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap at the first sign of pests.
- Overwintering: In colder zones, chili plants can be pruned back and brought indoors as perennials. Many varieties will regrow and produce again the next season.
- Harvesting Tips: Pick peppers regularly to encourage new fruit. Use scissors or snips rather than pulling, which can damage the plant.
- Companion Plants: Basil and onions make good companions. Avoid growing near beans, which may compete for nutrients.
More Info: Growing Chilies in Pots
5. Cucumbers
Bush-type cucumbers are easy to grow in five-gallon buckets. Fill your bucket with a light, rich blend of compost, peat moss, or coconut coir and perlite. Water well. Add a trellis or a tomato cage to help the cucumber plant grow up, not out. Water thoroughly.
Choose compact varieties like “Bush Champion” or “Spacemaster” for the best fit in containers. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially once fruit starts to form, and harvest regularly to encourage continued production.
Tips for Growing Cucumbers in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: One plant per 5-gallon bucket is ideal. Bush cucumbers don’t vine as much, but still benefit from vertical support.
- Soil Requirements: Use a loose, nutrient-rich potting mix. A mix with compost and perlite helps with drainage and aeration.
- Sunlight: Cucumbers need full sun. 8 hours a day is best. If growing in partial sun, yields will be reduced.
- Watering Needs: Cucumbers are thirsty. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during fruiting. Inconsistent watering leads to bitter or misshapen cucumbers.
- Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea. Once flowering starts, switch to a bloom booster or low-nitrogen formula.
- Pollination: Bees typically handle this, but in low-pollinator areas or if growing indoors, hand-pollinate with a small brush or cotton swab.
- Pests to Watch For: Watch for aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Neem oil or a baking soda spray can help control mildew.
- Trellising Tips: Even bush varieties benefit from upward support. Tomato cages, mini trellises, or tied stakes keep the plant upright and improve airflow (reducing disease).
- Harvesting Tips: Pick cucumbers when they’re firm and uniformly green. Frequent harvesting encourages more fruit.
- Variety Suggestions: In addition to ‘Bush Champion’ and ‘Spacemaster,’ try ‘Patio Snacker’ or ‘Bush Pickle’, both bred for containers.
- Companion Plants: Radishes, lettuce, and beans work well nearby. Avoid planting with aromatic herbs like sage, which may stunt growth.
More Info: How to Grow Cucumbers in a Container Garden
6. Eggplant
Place one plant per bucket, give it support with a small stake or cage, and watch it flourish. With regular watering and occasional feeding, your eggplant will reward you with a rich harvest.
Tips for Growing Eggplant in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: Use a 5-gallon bucket with at least 12 inches of depth. Eggplants need room for a strong root system and can get top-heavy.
- Soil Requirements: Use a well-draining, rich potting mix. Add compost or worm castings to promote healthy growth and fruit development.
- Sunlight: Eggplants love heat and sun. Give them at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A warm location like a south-facing wall is ideal.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Mulch can help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperature.
- Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea. Once flowers appear, a bloom booster (low nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium) can enhance fruiting.
- Support: As the plant grows and begins fruiting, the weight can cause branches to bend or break. Use a tomato cage or sturdy stake early on to prevent damage.
- Pollination: Eggplants are self-pollinating, but lightly shaking the plant or using a soft brush on flowers can boost yields, especially indoors.
- Pests to Watch For: Flea beetles are common and can decimate leaves early in the season. Also watch for aphids and spider mites. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
- Harvesting Tips: Harvest when fruits are glossy and firm, but not hard. Overripe eggplants become seedy and bitter. Use scissors or pruners to avoid tearing the plant.
- Variety Suggestions: ‘Black Beauty’ is a classic, but smaller varieties like ‘Fairy Tale’ or ‘Patio Baby’ are excellent for containers and produce faster.
- Companion Plants: Basil, beans, and marigolds make good companions. Avoid planting near fennel, which can inhibit growth.
More Info: Growing Eggplant in Containers
7. Green Onions
Green onions, also known as spring onions or salad onions, do not require deep soil, so they are perfect for bucket gardening. Sow onions about a half-inch deep into a bucket every few weeks from early spring through fall for a season-long supply.
Be careful to keep green onions watered in hot, dry weather. You can harvest them at just about any stage, depending on how mild or strong you like the flavor. They’re quick to grow and perfect for tucking into small gaps in your container garden.
Tips for Growing Green Onions in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket can hold 15–20 green onion plants comfortably. Depth isn’t critical. 8 inches is enough.
- Soil Requirements: Use a light, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Green onions don’t like heavy or soggy soil.
- Spacing: Sow seeds or sets about 1–2 inches apart. No thinning is needed unless plants are overcrowded.
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but green onions can tolerate partial shade, perfect for filling small shady spots in your bucket garden.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather. If allowed to dry out, bulbs may split or flavor may become overly strong.
- Fertilizing: Light feeders. Apply diluted compost tea or a mild balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage steady growth.
- Succession Planting: Sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the season.
- Harvesting Tips: You can harvest as soon as they reach pencil thickness, or let them mature further for a stronger flavor. Use scissors or gently pull from the base.
- Regrowing from Scraps: Save the white root ends and replant them. Most will regrow quickly, offering a near-endless supply.
- Pests to Watch For: Generally pest-resistant, but watch for onion maggots in moist conditions. Avoid overwatering and rotate soil if reusing buckets.
- Companion Plants: Pairs well with carrots, lettuce, and beets. Its smell can deter pests from nearby crops.
More Info: How to Grow Green Onions in Containers
8. Herbs
Some of your favorite kitchen herbs will thrive in a five-gallon bucket. Allow one plant to spread and grow in one bucket. Here are some easy-to-grow choices: thyme, sage, mint, parsley, rosemary, and oregano.
Save tender basil and coriander for your kitchen windowsill. Most herbs prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so place your buckets where they'll get plenty of light. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and keeps the plants producing longer.
Tips for Growing Herbs in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: Most herbs do well with one plant per 5-gallon bucket, though some smaller herbs (like thyme) can be grouped.
- Soil Requirements: Use a fast-draining potting mix with compost. For Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano), avoid overly rich soil as leaner soil intensifies flavor.
- Sunlight: Most herbs thrive in full sun (6–8 hours/day), though parsley and mint can tolerate partial shade.
- Watering Needs:
- Drought-tolerant herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano): Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Moisture-loving herbs (mint, parsley): Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Fertilizing: Go easy on the fertilizer. Over-fertilizing herbs can reduce their flavor and aroma. Compost tea once a month is usually sufficient.
- Harvesting Tips:
- Regular trimming encourages fuller growth.
- Harvest no more than ⅓ of the plant at a time to avoid stunting it.
- Use clean scissors or pinch with fingers just above a leaf node.
- Plant Notes:
- Mint: Very aggressive. Can take over even a container. Best kept in isolation from other herbs.
- Parsley: Biennial, often grown as an annual. Can be grown from seed or starter plants.
- Rosemary: Woody perennial. Slow-growing but long-lasting if overwintered indoors in cold zones.
- Thyme & Oregano: Sprawling perennials. Great for cascading over bucket edges; trim frequently.
- Sage: Prefers drier conditions. Prune old stems to encourage fresh growth.
- Pests to Watch For: Aphids and spider mites can occasionally appear, especially indoors. Good airflow and occasional rinsing help deter pests.
- Overwintering: Many herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) can be overwintered indoors with enough light and proper drainage.
More Info: 11 Useful Herbs You Can Grow In Buckets
9. Kale
Kale is another leafy green that adapts well to containers. It prefers cooler temperatures, so it's perfect for early spring and fall planting.
Plant two to three kale seedlings per five-gallon bucket, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Kale is pretty hardy and will often keep producing even after a light frost. Just one more reason to love it!
Tips for Growing Kale in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket can hold 2–3 kale plants. Space them evenly so they don’t crowd each other as they grow.
- Soil Requirements: Use nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix with compost or aged manure. Kale is a heavy feeder and thrives in fertile soil.
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal (6+ hours/day), but kale tolerates partial shade, especially useful in warmer climates.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during warm spells. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Fertilizing: Feed every 3–4 weeks with compost tea or a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer to support lush leaf growth.
- Temperature Tips: Kale thrives in cool weather and becomes sweeter after a light frost. In hot weather, it can turn bitter or bolt prematurely.
- Pests to Watch For: Cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles are common. Use floating row covers early, inspect leaves regularly, and spray with neem oil if needed.
- Harvesting Tips:
- Start harvesting lower, outer leaves once they reach about 6 inches.
- Leave the central crown intact to keep the plant producing for weeks or even months.
- Baby kale leaves (younger and smaller) are especially tender and great for salads.
- Variety Suggestions: ‘Lacinato’ (Dino kale), ‘Dwarf Blue Curled,’ and ‘Red Russian’ are all container-friendly and flavorful.
- Cut-and-Come-Again Growth: Kale will continue producing after harvest if regularly trimmed. This makes it one of the most efficient leafy greens for containers.
More Info: How to Grow Kale in Pots
10. Lettuce
Lettuce prefers cooler weather, so it's a great crop for early spring and fall. Try planting a mix of leaf and head varieties for a longer, more diverse harvest.
Tips for Growing Lettuce in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket can support:
- 4–5 leaf lettuce plants
- 2–3 romaine or butterhead lettuces
- 1 crisphead (iceberg-type), though it's less ideal for containers
- Soil Requirements: Loose, well-draining potting mix with compost. Avoid heavy soils that can retain too much water.
- Sunlight: Full sun in cooler weather is best, but provide partial shade (or move buckets) as temperatures rise to prevent bolting.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist. Dry soil causes bitterness and rapid bolting. Use a mulch layer to help retain moisture.
- Fertilizing: Use a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer (like fish emulsion or compost tea) every 2–3 weeks for lush growth.
- Harvesting Tips:
- For leaf lettuce, harvest outer leaves as needed (cut-and-come-again method).
- For head lettuce, wait until the heads are fully formed, then harvest the whole plant.
- Variety Suggestions:
- Leaf: ‘Black Seeded Simpson,’ ‘Red Sails,’ ‘Oakleaf’
- Head: ‘Buttercrunch,’ ‘Little Gem’ (mini romaine)
- Temperature Tips: Lettuce thrives in 60–70°F. Above 75°F, it may bolt (go to seed) quickly, especially head types.
- Pests to Watch For: Slugs, aphids, and leaf miners are common. Use diatomaceous earth or copper tape for slugs; neem oil works for aphids.
- Companion Plants: Grow well with carrots, radishes, onions, and strawberries. Avoid placing with parsley or celery, which compete for nutrients.
More Info: Growing Lettuce in Containers
11. Melons
As you might expect, melons need space to grow, so you should plan on only one melon plant per five-gallon bucket.
Also, it's a good idea to select dwarf bush varieties such as “Bush Sugar Baby” musk melons and “Bush Jubilee” watermelons that tend to grow well in containers.
Tips for Growing Melons in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket is the minimum size. If possible, use a larger container (7–10 gallons) for better results.
- Soil Requirements: Use a rich, well-draining mix with compost and aged manure. Melons are heavy feeders and need nutrient-dense soil.
- Sunlight: Full sun for 8+ hours/day is critical for sweet, fully ripened fruit.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Avoid overwatering once fruits start maturing, as it can dilute flavor and cause splitting.
- Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced or slightly phosphorus-heavy fertilizer to promote flowering and fruit set.
- Variety Suggestions:
- Watermelon: ‘Bush Sugar Baby,’ ‘Bush Jubilee,’ ‘Golden Midget’
- Cantaloupe/Muskmelon: ‘Minnesota Midget,’ ‘Honey Bun,’ ‘Sugar Cube’
- Pollination Tips:
- Melons require pollination between male and female flowers. If bees are scarce, hand-pollinate using a small brush or Q-tip.
- Support & Training:
- Train vines to grow vertically on a trellis to save space.
- Use slings (fabric or mesh) to support developing fruit and prevent breakage.
- Pests to Watch For: Cucumber beetles, aphids, and powdery mildew are common. Neem oil and good airflow help reduce disease and pest pressure.
- Harvesting Tips: Look for signs of ripeness such as a sweet aroma, yellowing underside, or slipping easily from the stem (depending on variety).
- Temperature Tips: Melons need warmth, night temps below 60°F can stunt growth. Use black buckets or place near heat-reflective surfaces to boost soil warmth early in the season.
More Info: Growing Melons in Pots
12. Okra
An excellent addition to soups and stews, a single okra plant can grow well in a five-gallon bucket. These plants need well-drained soil, so check on those holes to be sure water is adequately draining as you grow your seedling.
Okra loves heat and full sun, so place your bucket in the warmest spot you’ve got. Harvest the pods when they’re about 3 to 4 inches long for the most tender texture and best flavor.
Tips for Growing Okra in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: One plant per 5-gallon bucket is ideal. Okra develops a deep taproot, so depth (12–14 inches) is especially important.
- Soil Requirements: Use a light, well-draining mix with compost or aged manure. Avoid compacted or overly wet soils to prevent root rot.
- Sunlight: Okra thrives in full sun for 8+ hours/day. It’s heat-loving and drought-tolerant once established.
- Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist during germination and early growth, then reduce watering slightly once established. Avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: Start with compost-rich soil, then feed monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer. Don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen or you'll get tall plants and few pods.
- Pruning Tips: Pinch back the main stem when the plant is 8–10 inches tall to encourage branching and more pod production.
- Harvesting Tips:
- Harvest daily once pods start forming.
- Pick pods at 2.5–4 inches long. Larger ones become tough and fibrous quickly.
- Use scissors or pruners; okra stems can be woody.
- Variety Suggestions: ‘Clemson Spineless,’ ‘Annie Oakley II,’ and ‘Baby Bubba’ are container-friendly and productive.
- Pests to Watch For: Aphids, stink bugs, and flea beetles are the most common. Neem oil and good airflow help prevent infestations.
- Companion Plants: Okra grows well with peppers, melons, and basil. Avoid planting near potatoes, which can attract similar pests.
More Info: How to Grow Okra in Containers
13. Onions
You can grow regular onions in buckets, but since these plants need at least three inches of open soil around them to develop properly, you are limited in quantity.
Plan on two or three onions per bucket. Place your bucket where it will receive plenty of light and fertilize regularly.
Tips for Growing Onions in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: Use a 5-gallon bucket for 2–3 full-size onions. A deeper bucket (12+ inches) allows for better root development.
- Soil Requirements: Onions thrive in loose, fertile, well-draining soil rich in compost. Avoid compacted or heavy clay-like mixes, which can deform bulbs.
- Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours/day) is essential for proper bulb development.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist. Onions are shallow-rooted and sensitive to drought. Reduce watering once tops begin to yellow and fall over near maturity.
- Fertilizing: Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer during early growth. Once bulbs start swelling (visible bulging at the soil line), switch to a balanced or low-nitrogen feed.
- Spacing: Ensure 3–4 inches between each onion. Crowding will prevent bulbs from forming properly.
- Day-Length Varieties: Choose the right type for your region:
- Short-day onions for southern climates (mild winters)
- Long-day onions for northern zones (longer summer daylight)
- Intermediate-day for central regions or container flexibility
- Variety Suggestions: ‘Walla Walla,’ ‘Texas Sweet,’ and ‘Candy’ are great for containers if matched to your climate.
- Pests to Watch For: Onion maggots, thrips, and fungal diseases. Rotate soil each season and avoid overwatering.
- Harvesting Tips:
- Harvest when tops yellow and fall over naturally.
- Stop watering a week before harvesting to allow the outer skins to dry.
- Cure bulbs in a dry, shady, well-ventilated space for 1–2 weeks before storage.
- Storage Tips: Store cured bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid storing in plastic bags—mesh or braided hangers work best.
More Info: How to Grow Onions in Containers
14. Peppers
Five-gallon buckets can be the perfect home for many varieties of peppers.
Here are a few types that adapt particularly well to container gardening: sweet peppers such as Bell-Boy, Sweet Chocolate, and Gypsy and hot pepper varieties such as Red Cherry, Jalapeño, and Cubanelle. One plant per bucket is your best bet.
Tips for Growing Peppers in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: One pepper plant per 5-gallon bucket. Larger containers (7–10 gallons) can help support bushier growth and bigger harvests.
- Soil Requirements: Use a high-quality potting mix with compost. Peppers need well-draining, fertile soil to produce good yields.
- Sunlight: Full sun for 6–8 hours minimum. Peppers are sun-lovers and will produce poorly in shade.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist, especially while flowering and fruiting. Avoid letting it dry out completely or stay soggy.
- Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced or slightly phosphorus-heavy fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can lead to big plants with few fruits.
- Pruning Tips:
- Remove the first few flowers to encourage stronger root and leaf growth early on.
- Pinch back growing tips when the plant is young to promote branching (especially for bell peppers).
- Pollination: Most peppers are self-pollinating, but gentle shaking or hand-pollinating flowers can increase yields.
- Pests to Watch For: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are common. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
- Harvesting Tips:
- For sweet peppers, harvest when they reach full size and color for best flavor.
- For hot peppers, color often indicates ripeness. Green jalapeños are milder than red ones.
- Use scissors or garden snips to avoid damaging stems.
- Container Care Tip: Dark-colored buckets can overheat roots in hot climates. Wrap in fabric or place in partial shade during peak heat if needed.
- Overwintering: In warm climates or indoors, peppers can be overwintered as perennials. Trim them back and bring inside before the first frost.
- Companion Plants: Basil, onions, and carrots do well near peppers. Avoid planting with beans, which may compete for nutrients.
More Info: How to Grow Peppers in Pots
15. Potatoes
Potatoes in buckets? Yes, you can. Potatoes need depth but not much space. Here are the steps for growing spuds in a five-gallon bucket.
- Pour about four inches of potting soil into the bucket, and then place two small seed potatoes on top of the soil.
- Add more soil or compost over the top of the potatoes to a depth of about 2 inches.
- Sprinkle soil liberally with water and keep soil evenly moist as the plant grows.
- Place bucket in a warm, sunny spot.
- Add more soil (or compost) when you see green growth; leave only the tips of the top leaves visible.
- Continue adding soil as you see a few inches of new growth, and keep it up until you run out of room in the bucket.
- Fertilize weekly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Tips for Growing Potatoes in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: Use a standard 5-gallon bucket with multiple drainage holes. Potatoes don’t like soggy roots.
- Soil Requirements: Use a loose, well-draining mix of potting soil and compost. Avoid heavy soil as it restricts tuber formation.
- Seed Potatoes: Use certified disease-free seed potatoes (not store-bought eating potatoes). Cut them into chunks with 1–2 “eyes” each and let them cure for a day or two before planting.
- Variety Suggestions:
- Early maturing: ‘Yukon Gold,’ ‘Red Pontiac,’ ‘Norland’. Good for smaller buckets and quicker harvests.
- Fingerlings: ‘Russian Banana,’ ‘French Fingerling’. Great for containers due to their smaller size and shape.
- Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours) is essential for healthy growth and good yields.
- Hilling Reminder: The more stem you bury while the plant grows, the more areas potatoes can form. Keep hilling until you reach the top of the bucket.
- Watering Tips: Keep soil moist but not wet. Inconsistent watering can lead to scabby or cracked potatoes.
- Pests to Watch For: Aphids, flea beetles, and especially potato beetles. Handpick beetles or use neem oil. Use fresh soil each year to reduce disease risk.
- Harvesting Tips:
- For “new potatoes,” gently dig around 70–80 days after planting.
- For full-size harvest, wait until the foliage dies back, then stop watering and wait 1–2 weeks before dumping the bucket to cure.
- Curing & Storage: Cure harvested potatoes in a cool, dark, dry place for 1–2 weeks. Store in a paper bag or crate—never airtight containers.
Here's why potatoes are my favorite food to grow.
16. Radishes
You can plant about 10 radish plants per five-gallon bucket. Sow the seeds about one inch deep and about an inch apart. They should be ready to harvest in a little over a month.
Re-sow for a continuous supply of these easy-to-grow peppery veggies that are great in summer salads.
Additional Tips for Growing Radishes in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket is perfect for up to 10 radishes. Depth of 8–10 inches is sufficient for most varieties.
- Soil Requirements: Use light, loose potting mix with compost. Rocks or clumps in the soil can cause misshapen roots.
- Sunlight: Radishes grow best in full sun but tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist. Dry spells make radishes woody or pithy, while overwatering can lead to rot.
- Fertilizing: Radishes are light feeders. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of roots.
- Harvesting Tips:
- Most radishes mature in 25–35 days. Check daily after 3 weeks.
- Harvest promptly as overgrown radishes become tough and spicy.
- Succession Planting: Re-sow every 1–2 weeks for a continuous crop through spring and fall.
- Variety Suggestions:
- ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ are classic fast-growers.
- ‘Easter Egg’ mix offers colorful, kid-friendly options.
- Pests to Watch For: Flea beetles are common so cover young plants with row covers if needed.
- Bolting Alert: Radishes bolt quickly in hot weather. Choose heat-tolerant varieties or grow in spring/fall for best results.
- Companion Plants: Radishes pair well with lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers. They can even help deter some pests from other crops.
More Info: How to Plant and Grow Radishes in Containers
17. Spinach
Spinach grows quickly and doesn't need deep soil, making it a great choice for bucket gardening. You can sow seeds directly into the soil and space them about three inches apart.
Place the bucket in a spot that gets morning sun but a bit of afternoon shade, especially as the temperatures climb. Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage continued growth, and enjoy fresh spinach in your salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Tips for Growing Spinach in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket can support 8–10 spinach plants spaced about 3 inches apart. Depth of 6–8 inches is usually sufficient.
- Soil Requirements: Use a well-draining potting mix rich in compost or aged manure. Spinach likes nutrient-dense soil to fuel rapid leaf growth.
- Sunlight: Spinach prefers cooler temperatures. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in late spring or early summer.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist as dry soil can lead to early bolting. Water at the base to avoid fungal issues on leaves.
- Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost tea to encourage lush, leafy growth.
- Temperature Tips: Spinach thrives in 45–75°F. Hot weather causes it to bolt (go to seed). For summer growing, choose bolt-resistant varieties or grow in shaded areas.
- Harvesting Tips:
- Pick outer leaves when they reach 3–4 inches.
- Leave the central crown intact for continued harvest.
- Baby spinach is ready in about 20–30 days; full-sized leaves in 40–45 days.
- Variety Suggestions:
- ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ (classic heirloom)
- ‘Space’ (bolt-resistant hybrid)
- ‘Tyee’ (great for spring and fall planting)
- Succession Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks during cool weather for a steady supply.
- Pests to Watch For: Aphids and leaf miners are most common. Use neem spray or row covers to deter them early.
- Companion Plants: Spinach grows well with strawberries, radishes, and onions. Avoid planting near potatoes, which may compete for nutrients.
More Info: How to Grow Spinach in Pots
18. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is not only tasty in stews and salad dishes, it is also an attractive container plant. Sow Swiss chard seeds about one inch deep and thin out the seedlings as needed.
Harvest regularly, cutting away the outer leaves first. It tolerates both cool and warm weather, making it a reliable crop for much of the year. Plus, it keeps producing new leaves after each harvest, so one bucket can give you a steady supply.
Tips for Growing Swiss Chard in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket can comfortably hold 2–3 Swiss chard plants, or 4–5 if you plan to harvest them young.
- Soil Requirements: Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix with compost. Chard is a heavy feeder and appreciates rich soil.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially helpful in warm climates to avoid heat stress.
- Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather. Chard can become bitter or bolt if allowed to dry out.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to maintain vigorous leaf growth.
- Harvesting Tips:
- Cut outer leaves when they reach 6–8 inches.
- Leave the central growth intact for continuous harvesting over several months.
- Avoid letting the plant flower. Bolt-resistant varieties help extend the season.
- Temperature Range: Grows well in 50–85°F. It survives light frost and heat better than spinach or lettuce.
- Variety Suggestions:
- ‘Bright Lights’ (colorful and ornamental)
- ‘Fordhook Giant’ (large leaves, great for cooking)
- ‘Lucullus’ (tender stems, good for cooler climates)
- Pests to Watch For: Leaf miners, aphids, and slugs. Remove damaged leaves and use neem spray or diatomaceous earth as needed.
- Companion Plants: Swiss chard pairs well with onions, lettuce, and beans. Avoid planting near cucurbits (like cucumbers), which can crowd it out.
More Info: Growing Swiss Chard in Containers
19. Tomatoes
Tomatoes do very well in containers with cherry or bush tomato plants being your best bets. Tomato plants require even watering and are very susceptible to frost. Fertilize with high-potash fertilizer designed for tomatoes for better yield.
Support plants with stakes or a cage as they grow. Water thoroughly but do not allow water to puddle. Too much watering can cause tomatoes to crack and split.
Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: Tomatoes need deep roots so use a 5-gallon bucket minimum for bush or cherry types. Larger containers (7–10 gallons) are better for indeterminates.
- Soil Requirements: Use a loose, well-draining mix enriched with compost. Add a handful of crushed eggshells or bone meal at planting time for extra calcium to prevent blossom end rot.
- Sunlight: Tomatoes require full sun of 8+ hours/day is ideal for maximum fruit production.
- Watering Needs:
- Water deeply and consistently.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which causes fruit cracking when re-watered.
- Water at the base to avoid fungal issues on leaves.
- Fertilizing:
- Use a high-potash (potassium) fertilizer once fruiting begins.
- Prior to that, a balanced or slightly nitrogen-heavy fertilizer helps with early growth.
- Support: Use cages or sturdy stakes early. Even bush varieties benefit from light support to keep fruit off the soil and avoid breakage.
- Pruning Tips:
- For indeterminate (vining) varieties: pinch off suckers (small shoots between the main stem and branches) to direct energy into fruit.
- For determinate (bush) varieties: minimal pruning needed; just remove lower leaves that touch the soil.
- Variety Suggestions:
- Cherry/Bush: ‘Tiny Tim,’ ‘Patio Princess,’ ‘Bush Early Girl,’ ‘Balcony Red’
- Larger containers: ‘Roma,’ ‘Better Bush,’ ‘Celebrity’
- Pests & Diseases: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Also monitor for blight, wilt, and blossom end rot. Neem oil and good airflow can prevent many issues.
- Temperature Tips: Tomatoes are heat-lovers but will stop setting fruit above 85°F. Use shade cloth in extreme heat and move containers if needed.
- Companion Plants: Basil, marigolds, and chives deter pests and improve flavor. Avoid planting near corn or potatoes, which share diseases.
More Info: The Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes in Containers
20. Zucchini
Zucchini plants also like their space, so for container gardening, look for compact zucchini varieties such as Eight Ball, Geode, Jackpot Hybrid, or Raven, for best results.
Here are some steps to follow for a sizeable zucchini harvest from your bucket:
- Plant about five zucchini seeds in the middle of the bucket, covering them with about an inch and a half of soil.
- Water well. After that, keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- After the seeds germinate, cut away the smaller, weaker seedlings, leaving the two largest seedlings.
- When these seedlings reach about eight inches, cut away the weakest one.
- Harvest zucchinis when they are about six inches long (depending on the variety).
Tips for Growing Zucchini in Buckets:
- Bucket Size: Use at least a 5-gallon bucket, but 7–10 gallons is ideal. Zucchini plants are large and heavy feeders.
- Soil Requirements: Use a rich, loose, well-draining potting mix with lots of compost or aged manure. Zucchini demands fertile soil for consistent production.
- Sunlight: Full sun—8+ hours daily. Zucchini is a heat-loving crop.
- Watering Needs: Water deeply and consistently. Avoid splashing the leaves, which can spread powdery mildew. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture.
- Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea. Once flowering begins, switch to a bloom-boosting formula (higher phosphorus).
- Support (Optional): While bush types often don't need trellising, training them slightly upward or using a cage can improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
- Pollination Tips:
- Zucchini has male and female flowers. In low-pollinator areas, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers using a small brush or cotton swab.
- Pests to Watch For: Squash bugs, vine borers, and powdery mildew are common. Neem oil, good spacing, and vigilant pruning help prevent problems.
- Harvesting Tips:
- Harvest often (every 2–3 days) to encourage continued production.
- Don’t let fruit get too large—they become seedy and reduce future yields.
- Variety Suggestions: Besides those already listed, try ‘Black Beauty’ (classic), ‘Cocozelle’ (striped), or ‘Gold Rush’ (golden zucchini) for color variety.
Bucket Gardening Tips
While five-gallon buckets are utilitarian and inexpensive, you may be put off by the look of them on your deck or patio. If you'd like your container garden to be a little more aesthetically pleasing, you can spruce up your buckets before planting. One idea is to cover them with decorative burlap.
After you have drilled the holes in the bottom of the bucket, but before you have added the soil, cut a section of burlap that is slightly wider and longer than the bucket's circumference. Then fold and wrap the burlap around the bucket, tucking in any loose edges as you go. Secure the burlap by tying pieces of jute or twine around the fabric– one near the top and one close to the bottom.
Another idea is to group your five-gallon vegetable buckets with buckets that are filled with colorful perennial or annual flowers. Marigolds serve double duty by looking pretty and helping keep away some pests.
You could also paint the exterior of your buckets using a spray or liquid paint formulated for use on plastics. Clean the exterior of the buckets thoroughly before painting and allow the paint to dry before adding the soil and planting.
Five-gallon buckets have so many uses around your homestead. You can use them for storing, carrying, mixing, and scooping all sorts of things. When you use food-grade buckets for gardening, you not only have inexpensive and sturdy containers, you also keep one more thing out of the landfills.
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