Container Gardening for Small Spaces

Container gardening is a great way to grow plants, especially if you’re tight on space or live in an urban area. It’s perfect for small areas like balconies, patios, or even windowsills. 

Not only does it help you make the most of your space, but it also lets you add a little greenery to your home.

Not to mention, it comes with a lot of benefits. You won’t have to deal with weeds, and because you can choose the soil that works best for your plants, they will have better drainage too.  

In this article, you’ll learn how container gardening works, why it’s a great option, and some tips to help you get started.

What is Container Gardening?

Container gardening is exactly what it sounds like: growing plants in containers like pots, buckets, or even old bins instead of planting them in the ground.

It’s a great option if you don’t have a lot of space or if the soil in your yard isn’t ideal for growing.

You can grow all kinds of plants in containers, from flowers and herbs to vegetables and even small trees.

Another great thing about container gardening is that you can easily move your plants around. If one spot gets too much sun or not enough, just pick up the pot and place it somewhere else.

It’s a flexible way to garden that can be done anywhere, whether it’s on a balcony, a patio, or even indoors near a sunny window.

What Are the Advantages of Container Gardening?

One of the great things about container gardening is that you can choose the ideal soil mix for your plants since you control what goes in the container.

It’s also a good option if bending or kneeling is hard for you. With taller pots or raised planters, you can work with your plants without straining your back or knees.

This makes gardening more comfortable and enjoyable.

Another advantage is its flexibility. You can swap out your plants as the seasons change. In the spring, you might start with colorful flowers, then switch to fresh vegetables or herbs in the summer.

Overall, container gardening is a simple and practical way to grow plants, especially if you have limited space or want something low-maintenance.

What Kind of Containers Should I Use?

There are actually lots of options for containers you can use. The type you choose depends on what you’re growing and where you’ll place your plants.

Plastic Pots

Plastic pots are a popular choice because they’re lightweight, affordable, and come in various sizes and colors.

They work well for both small herbs and larger plants, like tomatoes. Since they’re easy to move, you can adjust their placement to ensure your plants get the best amount of sunlight.

Fabric Grow Bags

You'll also want to consider fabric grow bags. They’re breathable, allowing air to reach the roots, which promotes healthier growth. They also provide excellent drainage, preventing your plants from becoming waterlogged.

The best part? They’re easy to fold up and store when not in use.

Buckets

Buckets can be turned into great plant containers, especially if you already have them on hand. They’re sturdy, often easy to find, and typically provide enough depth for larger plants like tomatoes.

Just make sure to drill some drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling.

Old Barrels

Half barrels or old whiskey barrels are perfect for growing larger plants or even small trees because they provide plenty of space for roots to spread out.

Their size and depth make them an excellent choice for plants that need extra room to thrive, such as tomatoes, citrus trees, or decorative shrubs.

Just be sure to check for proper drainage. If the barrel doesn’t already have holes, you’ll need to drill a few in the bottom to prevent water from pooling.

Crates

Wooden or plastic crates work well for shallow-rooted plants like lettuce or herbs. You can line the inside with fabric or plastic (with drainage holes) to hold the soil. This is a practical and unique way to grow smaller plants.

Each of these containers can be effective, but it’s important to choose the right one based on the size of your plants and where you plan to place them.

The more you consider how your plants will grow and their specific needs, the better you’ll be able to choose the perfect container.

What’s the Perfect Size for Containers?

If you're planting something small, like herbs or lettuce, you don’t need a huge container. A smaller pot (around 8 to 10 inches wide) will work just fine.

For these plants, the roots don’t need a lot of space to spread out.

However, if you’re growing something bigger, like tomatoes, peppers, or even a small tree, you’ll need a larger container (about 18 inches wide or more).

Bigger plants need room for their roots to grow deep and strong. For something like tomatoes, a 5-gallon pot is a good size to start with.

It’s also important to consider how tall the plant will grow. A deeper container is essential for plants with longer roots.

If the container is too shallow, your plant won’t have enough space for its roots to spread out, and it might not grow as well.

Tip in Choosing a Container

In general, try to pick a container that’s big enough for your plant to grow comfortably, but not so big that it’s hard to move around. 

You want to strike a balance between size and practicality.

And remember, plants in containers dry out faster, so a bigger pot will help hold moisture longer.

These are just some of the things you might want to consider.

Which Plants Grow Well in Containers?

If you’re planning to grow vegetables in containers, here are some that tend to do really well:

Peas

Peas don’t need much room, making them a great choice for container gardening. They grow upward rather than spreading out, so they won’t take over your space.

Just be sure to provide a trellis, stakes, or some kind of support for them to climb. This helps keep the plants healthy, prevents tangling, and makes harvesting easier.

Peas thrive in sunny conditions, so choose a spot where they’ll get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes do well in containers, but they need some space to grow. Pick a sturdy container that’s at least 18 inches wide.

If you’re asking yourself, “How big of a container does a tomato plant need?” check out that guide for easy tips and advice.

You can even try planting tomatoes in feed bags, which work great for saving space.

Support your plant with a cage or stakes to help it grow tall.

If you see tomato leaves turning yellow, it could mean something’s wrong with the plant, like it needs more nutrients.

Make sure your tomatoes get plenty of sunlight to stay strong and healthy.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant, so it doesn’t need a deep container.

It’s perfect for smaller pots or even window boxes. You’ll want to keep the soil moist and place it in a cooler spot, as lettuce grows best in the spring or fall.

Carrots

Carrots need a container that’s deep enough (around 12 inches) to allow their roots to grow straight.

They’re a great option for deeper pots, and it’s important to use loose, well-draining soil to help them grow without becoming cramped.

Radishes

Radishes are small and fast-growing, so they don’t need a large container. A small container works well, and they’ll thrive with regular watering.

They grow well in sunny areas but can also do fine with a bit of shade.

Herbs (like Basil, Mint, and Thyme)

Herbs are great for containers since they don’t take up much space and can be easily moved around, whether inside or outside your home.

Just ensure the container has good drainage, and be careful not to overwater them.

Peppers

Peppers can be grown in containers as long as you provide enough room for their roots to spread. They need a sunny spot and regular watering.

A medium-sized pot works well, and they’ll thrive with plenty of warmth and sunlight.

Curious about the right container size for a pepper plant? Check out our guide for helpful recommendations.

You can even try growing peppers in feed bags if you’re looking for a creative option.

These plants are a great fit for containers, as long as you choose the right size pot and ensure they get enough sunlight and water.

Unsuitable Plants for Containers

Some plants need more space than a container can give them, making them a poor choice for potting.

So, to give you an idea, here are a few plants that don't do well in containers:

Deep-Rooted Plants (like Pumpkins, Watermelons)

Plants like pumpkins and watermelons have deep roots that need plenty of space to spread out. Even with a large container, it’s difficult for these plants to get the room they need to grow properly.

It’s best to plant them directly in the ground or in a raised bed, where they’ll have the space required to thrive.

Heavy Feeders (Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Artichokes)

Plants like broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are “heavy feeders,” meaning they require a lot of nutrients to grow strong.

Containers often can’t hold enough nutrients for these plants, and they also need ample space for their roots to spread.

If you’re growing these, you’ll have better success planting them in the ground, where they can access the nutrients and space they need to thrive.

What’s the Best Soil for Containers?

I’d say potting mix is by far the best soil for container gardening.

It’s lighter, drains well, and holds the right amount of moisture, making it perfect for potted plants. Unlike regular garden soil, it’s not too heavy or dense.

When choosing a mix, I would recommend looking for one that drains easily and allows air to reach the roots.

Ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite are great for this. Some mixes also include compost.

If you’re growing vegetables or herbs, consider a mix made for edibles, as it often includes slow-release fertilizer for steady nourishment.

You can also make your own mix with peat moss, perlite, and compost, giving you control over the texture and nutrients to suit your plants' needs.

Don't Use Garden Soil

Be cautious with regular garden soil. Many gardeners find it’s too heavy for containers and doesn’t drain well, which can lead to problems for your plants.

Stick with potting mix instead, and you’re more likely to see better results.

How to Water Containers Properly?

Watering plants in containers is something you really want to pay attention to.

Since the soil dries out faster in pots than in the ground, it’s important to check the soil regularly.

To check, stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

When you water, make sure you’re doing it thoroughly. Pour enough water so that it soaks all the way through the soil and drains out of the bottom. This ensures the roots get the moisture they need.

It’s important to avoid overwatering because standing water can rot the roots.

That’s why you should always make sure your containers have good drainage. Otherwise, the soil stays too soggy, and that can kill the plant.

In hotter weather, containers may need more water, so it’s a good idea to check the soil more often.

Watering early in the morning or later in the evening is usually best, as the cooler temperatures help the water soak in without evaporating too quickly.

Keep Containers in the Right Spot

It’s really important to make sure your plants are getting enough sunlight, as most vegetables need at least 6 hours of sun a day to grow well.

If you’re in a very sunny area, consider placing your containers where they can get some afternoon shade to protect them from the harshest sun.

Fertilize Them Regularly

Feeding your plants is something you don’t want to skip, especially when they’re in containers.

Since container plants don’t have access to nutrients from the ground, it’s up to you to ensure they get what they need.

Just like what I've mentioned earlier, I’d recommend using a slow-release fertilizer, as it provides your plants with a steady supply of nutrients over time.

For an extra boost, you can use liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks.

However, don’t overdo it—too much fertilizer can harm the plants by burning the roots and causing more problems.

Just follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, and your plants should stay happy and healthy without the risk of overfeeding.

Happy gardening!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)