15 Vegetables You Should Be Growing in Buckets!

Bucket gardening is a smart way to grow food when you're short on space.

Whether you’re using a patio, balcony, or small backyard, you can grow plenty of fresh vegetables using only a few well-placed containers.

Buckets are cheap, easy to move, and give you more control over soil and watering.

In this article, I'll cover 15 vegetables that grow well in buckets. For each one, you’ll find the right bucket size, soil tips, watering needs, sunlight requirements, and practical advice to help them thrive.

Whether you want fresh greens, root crops, or summer favorites like tomatoes and peppers, this list includes a mix of fast growers and reliable producers that are well-suited for containers.

For more on container gardening, check out my container vegetable garden guide.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes grow really well in buckets if you give them enough space. Use one 5-gallon bucket for each plant, and make sure there are holes at the bottom for drainage.

If you’re working with a small space, go for bush types (also called determinate) since they stay short and compact.

If you choose vining types (indeterminate), add a sturdy cage or stick early on to help support the plant as it grows.

Put your buckets where the plants can get at least 6 to 8 hours of sun every day. Fill them with good potting mix and mix in compost or organic fertilizer to give your plants a healthy start.

Tomatoes love rich soil and need plenty of food, especially once they start flowering. Adding comfrey leaves on top of the soil (if you have some) helps hold moisture and slowly feeds the plant.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Try not to let it dry out too much between waterings, especially after flowers appear. Dry spells can lead to problems like blossom end rot or cracked tomatoes.

If it’s still cold outside, start your plants indoors and move them out once nights stay above 50°F.

Depending on the variety, you can start picking tomatoes about 60 to 85 days after transplanting. Keep watering, feeding, and picking, and your plant will keep giving you more!

2. Peppers

Peppers grow really well in buckets and don’t take up as much space as tomatoes. A 3 to 5-gallon bucket works for most types, as long as it has drainage holes.

Like tomatoes, peppers need a sunny spot—at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, though more is even better.

Choose pepper varieties you enjoy eating. Both hot and sweet peppers can thrive in containers, and compact types are great for small spaces.

Larger ones can also do well if you give them enough warmth and support.

You can also tuck in herbs like basil or oregano around the base of the pepper plant. These help save space, keep away pests, and attract pollinators that boost fruit production.

Use good-quality potting soil that drains well but still holds some moisture. Water often enough to keep the soil damp, but not soaked.

Too much water can lead to root rot or fungus, and peppers don’t like soggy conditions. Make sure to wait until nighttime temps are above 55°F before setting your plants outside—they love warmth.

Peppers usually start producing fruit about 60 to 90 days after transplanting.

You can pick them while they’re still green or wait until they turn red, yellow, orange, or purple depending on the variety. Ripening usually brings out more sweetness or heat, so it’s worth the wait if you can.

3. Eggplant

Eggplants grow really well in buckets, especially if you live in a warm area. These plants love heat and need plenty of sunlight to do their best.

To start off right, use a 5-gallon bucket or larger so the roots have enough space to grow deep and strong. This also helps the plant stay stable once it starts producing those heavy fruits.

Eggplants don’t like soggy soil, so it’s important to use a mix that drains well. A good blend would be two parts standard potting soil and one part sand.

This keeps things loose while still holding enough moisture for the plant to take up nutrients. Make sure your bucket has good drainage holes at the bottom to avoid root rot.

You’ll want to place your bucket somewhere that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Eggplants are also one of those plants that benefit from extra warmth, so if your area is a bit cooler, you might need to start them indoors or wait until the nights stay above 55°F before moving them outside.

As the plant grows and starts forming fruit, it’ll likely need some support. You can use a small stake or cage to help keep the plant upright, especially once the eggplants start getting larger.

The stems can get weighed down pretty quickly without support.

With the right care, you can expect to start harvesting eggplants about 65 to 80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety.

Pick them when they’re firm and glossy. If the skin starts to dull, the fruit is likely past its best.

4. Zucchini

Zucchini grows fast and can do really well in buckets if you give it enough space and care. Start with at least a 5-gallon bucket and make sure it has plenty of drainage holes.

Zucchini plants get big fast, with large leaves that need space and lots of sunlight. A full-sun spot (about 6 to 8 hours a day) is ideal.

For small spaces, choose bush varieties instead of vining ones. They stay more compact and are easier to manage in containers.

Zucchini needs steady watering and regular feeding. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy), and use a rich potting mix with compost. A liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks helps boost growth and fruit production.

Zucchini usually starts producing within 45 to 60 days. Once it begins, check your plant often—zucchinis grow fast and can get huge if you don’t pick them in time.

Harvest when they’re small to medium-sized for the best flavor and texture.

5. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another great option for bucket gardening, especially if you choose the right type and give them some support.

You can grow either vining or bush varieties, but if you're working with limited space, bush types are usually easier to manage. They have shorter vines and won’t spread out as much as the vining kinds.

At a minimum, you’ll want to use a 1-gallon bucket, but a larger one is even better if you can spare it. This gives the roots more room and helps the soil stay moist longer.

If you're going with a vining variety, you'll also need a trellis, cage, or some kind of support for the plant to climb on. Without it, the vines can get tangled and take up more space than you want.

Cucumbers grow best with full sun, so find a spot that gets at least 6 hours of light each day. They like warm temperatures and consistent moisture, so make sure the soil never dries out completely.

A good rule is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Using a well-draining potting mix helps avoid waterlogged roots, which cucumbers really don’t like.

It’s usually better to direct sow cucumber seeds straight into the bucket rather than transplanting seedlings.

Their roots don’t like being disturbed, and starting them in place helps avoid transplant shock.

Once they get going, cucumbers grow fast, and you can expect to start harvesting about 50 to 70 days after planting.

Try to pick cucumbers while they’re still small and firm. The longer they stay on the vine, the tougher and seedier they get.

6. Lettuce

Lettuce is a fast, easy crop that grows great in buckets, especially in cooler weather.

You don’t need a deep container – about 6 inches is enough. Since lettuce has shallow roots, focus on using a wider bucket if you want to grow more plants.

Loose-leaf varieties are best for buckets because you can pick a few leaves at a time and keep the plant going. They grow quickly and are perfect for fresh salads without the wait.

For best results, place your bucket where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade, especially once the weather starts to warm up. Too much heat can make the plant bolt and turn bitter.

Use light, rich soil that drains well, and keep it evenly moist. Dry soil makes the leaves tough and bitter.

To keep a steady supply going, plant new seeds every couple of weeks. You can start harvesting baby leaves in just 30 days.

7. Spinach

Spinach is a great choice for growing in buckets, especially if you're looking for something nutritious and quick to harvest.

It doesn’t need much space to grow well, so a bucket that's at least 6 inches deep is enough. Like lettuce, spinach has shallow roots, so there’s no need for deep containers.

This is a cool-weather crop, which means it does best when the temperatures stay mild.

If you're gardening during the spring or fall, spinach will thrive. In warmer months, it’s best to place your bucket in partial shade to help prevent the plants from bolting.

When spinach bolts, it shoots up a flower stalk and the leaves turn bitter — something you’ll want to avoid.

Spinach grows well in loose, well-draining soil that stays consistently moist. Don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings, but don’t keep it soaking wet either.

Keeping the moisture steady helps the plant produce tender, full leaves. You can boost growth by adding a small amount of compost or a diluted liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks.

One of the nice things about spinach is that it grows fast. If you plant new seeds every two weeks, you can get a steady harvest over several months.

You can start picking young leaves in as little as 30 days, or wait a bit longer if you want larger leaves. Either way, it’s easy to get a fresh handful whenever you need it.

8. Kale

Kale is one of the hardiest greens you can grow, and it does very well in containers. To give it enough room, use a bucket that’s at least 12 inches deep.

This gives the roots plenty of space and helps keep the plant stable, especially as it gets larger.

Kale prefers cooler temperatures, making it a good option for spring and fall. It can also handle a bit of partial shade, especially in hotter weather.

In fact, some gardeners find that kale grown in cooler weather tastes sweeter. If you're growing it during warmer months, you might need to prune the plant regularly to keep it from bolting too soon.

Use a rich, well-draining potting mix and keep the soil evenly moist. Kale doesn’t need quite as much water as some other leafy greens, but it still likes consistency.

Letting the soil dry out too much can slow growth and lead to tougher leaves.

Once your kale is growing strong, you can begin harvesting the outer leaves when they’re about the size of your hand.

Leave the center leaves so the plant keeps growing. With good care, you can get multiple harvests from the same plant, especially if you're regularly removing older leaves.

9. Carrots

Carrots might not seem like the obvious choice for a bucket, but they actually grow really well if you give them the right setup.

The most important thing is depth. You'll need a bucket that’s at least 12 inches deep, especially for standard or longer carrot varieties.

This gives the roots enough room to grow straight without getting twisted or stunted.

The soil also makes a big difference. Carrots need loose, well-draining soil with no big clumps or rocks. A mix of potting soil with some sand or perlite added in works great.

This kind of mix lets the roots grow freely and helps avoid oddly shaped carrots. Before planting, make sure your soil is nice and smooth — it's worth taking a few extra minutes to get it right.

Carrots like cooler temperatures, so they’re best planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. In hotter weather, they’ll need some afternoon shade to avoid getting stressed. They also grow well in full sun when it’s not too hot.

One good tip is to plant a few seeds every couple of weeks. This is called succession planting, and it helps you stretch out your harvest over time instead of getting all your carrots at once.

Depending on the variety, carrots are usually ready to harvest in about 60 to 80 days. You’ll know they’re getting close when the tops start to poke out of the soil.

10. Beets

Beets are another root crop that works nicely in buckets, as long as you go deep enough. A 12-inch-deep bucket gives the roots plenty of room to grow, which helps the bulbs develop properly.

Make sure to use rich, well-draining soil — beets do best in soil that’s both loose and full of nutrients.

These plants prefer cooler weather, so you’ll have the best luck planting them in spring or late summer.

Beets like full sun, but they can also handle a little partial shade if your spot gets hot in the afternoon. Try not to crowd them in the bucket — each beet needs space to grow both above and below the soil.

When you're planting, it helps to thin out the seedlings once they start growing. That just means pulling out the weaker ones so the strongest plants have room to thrive.

You can even use the beet greens you pull as salad greens — they’re tasty and full of nutrients.

Beets are usually ready to harvest in about 50 to 70 days, depending on the variety. You’ll want to pick them when the tops are about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger.

Letting them go too long can make them woody or tough, so keep an eye on their size.

11. Radishes

Radishes are one of the quickest and easiest vegetables you can grow in a bucket. They don’t need much room at all – a container that’s at least 6 inches deep will do just fine.

Since they have shallow roots and grow fast, they’re a great choice if you’re just getting started with container gardening.

Radishes prefer cooler temperatures, so they’re best planted in early spring or again in late summer for a fall harvest.

If you're growing in warm weather, it helps to give them some afternoon shade to keep them from getting stressed and turning woody.

The soil should be light and well-draining, just like with carrots.

Radishes grow fast, and if the soil is too compact, you’ll end up with small or oddly shaped roots. Try to keep the soil evenly moist – not soaked, but never completely dry either.

One of the best things about radishes is how quickly they grow. Depending on the variety, they’re usually ready to harvest in as little as 21 to 30 days.

You can tell they’re ready when you start to see the tops of the roots just above the soil. If you leave them in the ground too long, they can get tough and spicy, so it’s better to harvest sooner rather than later.

12. Green Beans (Bush Varieties)

Bush beans are an excellent pick for buckets because they stay compact and don’t need as much room as pole varieties.

A 12-inch-deep container gives the roots enough space, and the plants themselves stay manageable without taking over your whole garden area.

Make sure to place the bucket in a spot that gets full sun, since beans need a good amount of light to grow and produce well. They also do best in warm weather, so wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting them outdoors.

Use well-draining soil, and water regularly so the plants don’t dry out during flowering and pod development.

If your plants look like they need support as they grow, you can use short stakes or a small trellis, but most bush beans can stand on their own if the container is deep enough.

Bush beans usually start producing about 50 to 60 days after planting, and once they do, you’ll want to harvest often to keep the plants going.

Picking the pods regularly encourages new ones to grow, so the more you pick, the more you’ll get.

13. Bush Peas

Bush peas — or dwarf varieties — are perfect for buckets because they stay short and won’t tip over like tall climbing peas might.

A 12-inch-deep bucket gives them enough root space, and they only need a small trellis or even a few twiggy sticks to climb.

Peas like cooler weather, so it’s best to plant them in early spring or late summer. In warmer climates, some light shade in the afternoon can help extend the growing season and prevent heat stress.

One really nice thing about peas is that they add nitrogen to the soil, which helps build up nutrients for anything you might plant in the same bucket later on.

That makes them a smart crop to include in your container rotation.

Peas need well-draining, moist soil, and they’ll start producing pods around 60 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety. Just like beans, the more you pick, the more pods your plant will produce.

14. Scallions (Green Onions)

Scallions are a low-maintenance, high-reward crop that does great in buckets. They don’t need much depth – a shallow bucket will work, as long as it’s wide enough to grow several plants.

You can start them from seeds or by replanting the white bulbs from store-bought scallions.

These little onions don’t have strict light requirements, but they do best with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. They can also tolerate partial shade, which makes them flexible for small spaces like patios or balconies.

Scallions aren’t picky about soil as long as it’s well-draining and kept evenly moist.

They grow well alongside other small vegetables and herbs, so you can even tuck them into the edges of other buckets to make the most of your space.

Harvesting is easy – you can start pulling them once they’re the size you like, usually within 30 to 60 days. If you leave the base and roots in place, they may even regrow for a second round.

15. Chives

Chives are another easy and reliable option for bucket gardening, and they don’t need a lot of care to thrive. A small to medium-sized bucket is enough since they grow in clusters and don’t take up much room.

They prefer full sun, but they can also do just fine in partial shade. If you give them enough light, they’ll grow faster and produce more leaves.

Chives like well-draining soil and only need light watering – just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.

You can grow chives from seed, but it’s even easier to plant a clump from an existing plant or nursery pot. Over time, they’ll spread a bit and grow back each year if protected from frost.

One bonus is that chives attract pollinators, especially when they flower, which can help other plants nearby.

You can start snipping leaves once they’re about 6 inches tall, and they’ll keep coming back. Cut from the outside of the plant and leave the center to grow, and you’ll have a steady supply throughout the season.

Grab a bucket, add good soil, and start growing your favorite veggies anywhere!

Growing vegetables in buckets is a smart way to garden when you don’t have much space. Whether you have a tiny patio, a balcony, or just a sunny corner in the yard, you can still grow fresh food.

With the right bucket, good soil, and enough sun, you can grow all kinds of veggies like leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini.

Each plant has its own needs, but once you learn things like how deep the bucket should be, how much sun your plants want, and how often to water, it gets a lot easier.

Buckets also help you control the soil better and avoid common garden problems like weeds and soggy roots.

Start small with a few veggies you love to eat. As you go, you’ll learn what works best in your space and how to make small changes to help your plants grow.

The best part is, bucket gardening is easy to try, fun to learn, and the rewards are just as tasty as a big garden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many vegetable plants can I grow in one bucket?

It depends on the type of vegetable and the size of the bucket. For most full-size plants like tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants, it's best to stick to one plant per 5-gallon bucket. Smaller crops like lettuce, spinach, or scallions can be grown in groups, spaced a few inches apart.

2. What is the best soil mix for bucket gardening?

A high-quality potting mix that drains well is key. For some crops, like eggplants and carrots, mixing in sand or perlite helps improve drainage and root growth. Adding compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer can also boost nutrients.

3. Do I need to drill drainage holes in my buckets?

Yes, drainage holes are essential. Without them, excess water can build up at the bottom of the bucket and cause root rot. Make sure your bucket has several holes at the base, and raise it slightly off the ground to help water drain freely.

4. Can I reuse soil in my buckets after each harvest?

You can reuse soil, but it’s a good idea to refresh it between plantings. Remove old roots, mix in some fresh compost, and check for any pests or diseases. Rotating what you grow in each bucket can also help maintain soil health over time.

5. What are the most beginner-friendly vegetables from this list?

Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and bush beans are all great options for beginners. They grow quickly, don’t need a lot of space, and are generally easy to care for. These crops are a good way to get started and build your confidence.