Easy Vegetables to Grow In Pots

If you've only got a small outside space, or even just a balcony, you can still grow vegetables year round - it'll just have to be done in a small pot and containers.

Container gardening is a great way to access fresh, homegrown vegetable plants without taking up too much space. Most vegetables that can grow in pots are dwarf varieties, but you'll still be getting bountiful vegetable crops.

With a container with drainage holes, good quality potting soil, sunny spot and seeds of your choice, you'll have the best vegetables growing in a hanging basket in no time.

Growing Vegetables In Containers

The most important part of growing tomatoes, and other vegetables in pots is to pick the right container for the job, and space, for the plants to grow and form properly.

Sizing is so important, when you have flower beds, the seeds have space to spread their roots, but in pots they are more limited - so make sure you choose a container that's big enough. For most vegetables in pots, we recommend a pot that's got a diameter and depth of around 45 cm.

Use a multi purpose of or container compost to get the best vegetables to grow. You can also create soil for your own vegetables by mixing soil with a well rotted organic matter.

Be mindful of temperature extremes. In hot climates, containers can get very hot and dry out quickly, so consider shading them during peak sun hours.

In cooler climates, you may need to protect your plants from frost by bringing containers indoors or using protective covers.

Vegetable Plants to Choose

Potatoes

Seed Potatoes and sweet potatoes are well-suited to container gardening, particularly when grown in large pots or grow bags with a depth of at least 30-40 cm (12-16 inches), and they are one of the easiest vegetables to grow.

They thrive in well-draining, rich compost, which supports their growth and helps prevent rot. Plant potatoes about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) deep and 30 cm (12 inches) apart.

Regular watering is crucial to keep the soil moist, and as the plants grow, additional compost should be added to cover the stems and promote tuber development. Potatoes are typically harvested early spring, when the foliage dies back, revealing the mature tubers. You can grow potatoes of all shapes and sizes each year.

Beetroot

Beetroot grows well in containers with a depth of around 20 cm (8 inches). They require a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Sow beetroot seeds 1-2 cm (0.5-1 inch) deep, spacing them 5 cm (2 inches) apart.

Consistent moisture is important for their growth, and thinning the seedlings prevents overcrowding, which can lead to small beets. Beetroots are ready to harvest when they reach about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) in diameter.

Broad Beans

Broad beans can be successfully grown in large pots with a depth of 30 cm (12 inches) or more. They prefer rich, well-draining compost and need support as they grow. Sow beans about 5 cm (2 inches) deep and space them 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart.

Regular watering and full sun are essential for healthy growth. Beans are usually harvested when pods are young and tender, approximately 10-12 weeks after planting. Green Beans can be planted in containers too.

Peas

Peas are ideal for container gardening in pots with a depth of at least 20 cm (8 inches). Use a well-draining potting mix and sow seeds 2-3 cm (1 inch) deep, spacing them 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) apart.

Provide a trellis, with bamboo poles, sticks, or support for climbing varieties and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Peas should be harvested when the pods are full but still tender, encouraging further production with regular picking.

Herbs

Herbs such as basil, parsley, mint, and thyme grow well in small to medium-sized pots. They thrive in well-draining potting mix and require full sun and regular watering.

Herbs are perfect for container gardening due to their manageable size and the convenience of having fresh herbs close by. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and prevents plants from becoming leggy.

Lettuce

Lettuce is well-suited to containers with a depth of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). Plant lettuce in a nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix. Sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings, spacing them about 15 cm (6 inches) apart.

Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade, especially in hot weather which makes them great winter vegetables. Harvest by picking outer leaves or cutting the entire head when it reaches the desired size.

Salad Leaves

Salad leaves, including varieties like arugula and mustard greens, can be grown in pots with a depth of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix and sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings, spacing them 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart.

Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade in hot weather to prevent bolting. Harvest leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavour.

Spring Onions

Salad onions (spring onions) grow well in containers with a depth of at least 20 cm (8 inches). Use a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Sow seeds about 1 cm (0.5 inch) deep, spacing them 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) apart.

Water regularly and keep the soil moist. Harvest when the bulbs are small and tender or allow them to grow larger if desired.

Spinach

Spinach grows well in pots with a depth of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches). Use a well-draining, fertile potting mix. Sow seeds 1-2 cm (0.5-1 inch) deep, spacing them 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) apart. Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and can benefit from partial shade.

Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest leaves when they are young and tender.

Cherry Tomato Plants

Cherry tomatoes thrive in a large pot with a depth of at least 30 cm (12 inches). Use a rich, well-draining potting mix with added compost or tomato feed. Tomato seeds are generally one of the easiest vegetables to grow at home.

Transplant seedlings or start from tomato seeds, providing support for the growing vines. Cherry tomatoes need full sun and regular watering. Harvest when the tomatoes are fully ripe and red, as this encourages more fruiting. People love to grow tomatoes at home in the UK as they are low maintenance.

Peppers

Bell Peppers are best grown in large pots with a depth of at least 30 cm (12 inches) and are a great vegetable to home grow.. Use a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Transplant seedlings or start from seeds, spacing plants about 30 cm (12 inches) apart.

Peppers need full sun and consistent watering, as well as warm temperatures. Harvest when peppers reach the desired colour and size, picking them regularly to encourage continued fruiting.

Carrot Seeds

Carrot seeds need a deep container to accommodate their growing roots. Choose a pot or container with a depth of at least 20-30 cm (8-12 inches). For best results, use a container that is at least 30 cm (12 inches) wide.

Carrots prefer loose, well-draining soil that allows roots to grow straight and unimpeded. Use a high-quality potting mix that is rich in organic matter. If your potting mix is too dense, you can lighten it by adding sand or perlite to improve drainage and prevent the soil from becoming compacted.