Complete Gardening
Container gardening opens a world of possibilities for those with limited space. Discover 20 unexpected vegetables that can be grown in containers, bringing fresh flavors and vibrant colors to your patio or balcony.
These vegetables not only save space but also add an intriguing twist to your gardening journey.
1. Artichokes
Artichokes are surprisingly well-suited for large containers, especially in mild climates. They bring an elegant, edible focal point to your patio. With the right care, these perennial thistles can produce a bounty of edible buds.
Ensure your container is spacious enough to accommodate its sprawling leaves. Choose a spot with full sunlight and use rich, well-draining soil. Artichokes need regular watering to thrive, so keep the soil consistently moist.
Fertilize during the growing season to encourage robust growth. With patience and care, you’ll enjoy these gourmet delights right from your container garden.
2. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi thrives in containers and offers a crunchy, slightly sweet treat that requires minimal space. This cabbage relative is perfect for urban gardeners. Its bulbous stem grows above ground, making it easy to harvest.
Choose a container that’s at least 12 inches deep. Plant in a spot with access to full sunlight, and use well-draining soil. Water consistently, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Kohlrabi matures quickly, so you can enjoy multiple harvests throughout the growing season. Add these crisp, turnip-like vegetables to salads or enjoy them roasted for a unique culinary experience.
3. Fennel (Florence Fennel)
Florence fennel, with its bulbous base and delicate flavor, is a gourmet addition to your container garden. It’s best grown in deep containers to accommodate its root system. The feathery foliage adds ornamental value, while the bulb offers a culinary treat.
Place your container in a location with full sun exposure. Use well-drained, fertile soil to promote growth. Water regularly, but be cautious of overwatering. Harvest when the bulbs are plump and crisp.
Fennel pairs well with fish dishes and can be roasted or sliced thinly for salads, enhancing your dining experience.
4. Okra
Okra is a heat-loving crop that can flourish in a container if given enough sun. Its tender pods are a staple in many southern dishes. Choose a container that’s at least 14 inches deep to support its growth.
Position the container in a sunny spot, ensuring it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Use well-draining soil, and water consistently to keep the soil moist. Fertilize during the growing season to boost production.
Harvest the pods when they’re young and tender. Okra is perfect for frying, stewing, or pickling, adding versatility to your meals.
5. Mini Watermelons
Dwarf watermelon varieties can be grown in containers, offering sweet, refreshing fruit on a smaller scale. They’re ideal for patios and balconies. Select a wide container to accommodate the sprawling vines.
Place in a location with full sunlight and use rich, well-draining soil. Regular watering is crucial to prevent the soil from drying out. Fertilize during the flowering stage to boost fruit production.
Harvest when the melons are ripe—tap them for a hollow sound. Enjoy these juicy treats fresh, or use them in salads and desserts to savor their sweetness.
6. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes not only yield tasty tubers but also boast ornamental vines that add a tropical vibe to container gardens. Choose a large, deep container to allow for tuber development and support vigorous vine growth.
Position in a sunny spot and use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates and require a long growing season.
Harvest when the leaves start to yellow. Use the tubers in a variety of dishes, from pies to stews, or enjoy the ornamental vines as a decorative touch.
7. Bush Beans
Bush beans are compact and prolific, making them a great container crop. They provide a bountiful harvest of fresh, crunchy pods. Opt for a container that’s at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate multiple plants.
Place in an area with full sun exposure, using well-draining soil. Water consistently to maintain soil moisture. Harvest the beans when they’re young and tender for the best flavor.
These versatile legumes are excellent in salads, stir-fries, or as a side dish. Enjoy multiple harvests throughout the season, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh beans.
8. Peas
Peas, especially sugar snap or dwarf varieties, adapt well to container life. They deliver sweet, crisp pods along with charming blooms. Choose a container with good drainage and place a small trellis or support for climbing varieties.
Ensure the container is in a sunny spot, with rich, well-draining soil. Regular watering is key to prevent the soil from drying out. Harvest the pods when they’re young for the sweetest flavor.
Peas are perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or cooking in a variety of dishes, bringing a touch of sweetness to your meals.
9. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts require a bit more depth and space, but miniature or compact varieties can thrive in large containers. They offer a nutritious, leafy green option for your patio garden.
Select a container with adequate depth and provide support as the plants grow. Place in a sunny location and use fertile, well-draining soil. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist. Harvest the sprouts when they’re firm and green.
Enjoy them roasted, steamed, or sautéed, adding a healthy, flavorful option to your meals. Proper care ensures a long-lasting crop of delicious sprouts.
10. Cabbage
Small, early-maturing cabbage varieties fit nicely into containers, offering fresh leaves and heads for salads or slaws. Choose a container that’s at least 12 inches deep. Position in a spot with full sunlight, using nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
Water consistently to keep the soil moist. Cabbage can withstand cooler temperatures, making it a versatile choice for different climates.
Harvest when the heads are firm and compact. Enjoy the crisp, fresh leaves in salads, stir-fries, or as a base for coleslaw, adding a healthy crunch to your meals.
11. Celery
Celery, known for its tall stalks, can be grown in containers if you opt for compact cultivars. This kitchen staple becomes accessible even in limited spaces. Choose a deep container to support its root system.
Place in a partially shaded spot and use well-draining soil. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, as celery is moisture-loving. Harvest when the stalks are of desired thickness.
Use fresh in salads, as a crunchy snack, or in soups and stews. Growing celery in containers allows you to enjoy this versatile vegetable without a full garden.
12. Spinach
Spinach, a fast-growing leafy green, thrives in containers and is both nutritious and surprisingly robust. It is ideal for small spaces and requires minimal care. Opt for a container that’s at least 8 inches deep.
Position in a sunny spot, using well-draining soil. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Harvest the leaves when they’re young and tender for the best flavor. Enjoy fresh in salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes.
Spinach provides a nutrient-rich addition to your diet, making it a must-have for container gardening enthusiasts.
13. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard, with its vibrant, colorful stems and leaves, not only beautifies a container garden but also yields plenty of edible greens. It’s a versatile and hardy choice for urban gardeners. Choose a container with good drainage and at least 10 inches in depth.
Position in a sunny or partially shaded spot, using fertile soil. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, allowing the plant to continue producing.
Swiss chard is excellent in salads, sautés, and soups, offering both visual appeal and a nutritional boost to your meals.
14. Radishes
Radishes are quick to mature and ideal for small spaces, adding a peppery crunch and a splash of color to your container garden. Opt for a shallow container that’s at least 6 inches deep. Position in a sunny location, using well-draining soil.
Water consistently to keep the soil moist and promote even growth. Harvest when the roots are firm and vibrant in color. Radishes are excellent in salads, as a garnish, or pickled for an added tangy flavor.
Their rapid growth cycle and distinct taste make them a rewarding choice for container gardeners.
15. Turnips
Mini turnip varieties are perfect for container gardening, offering a mild, slightly sweet root vegetable. They’re compact, making them ideal for small spaces. Choose a medium-sized container with good drainage.
Position in a sunny spot, using nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Water consistently to maintain soil moisture. Harvest when the turnips reach a desirable size and the flesh is tender. Use them roasted, mashed, or in soups to enjoy their subtle sweetness.
Turnips are an excellent choice for adding variety to your container garden, offering both edible roots and nutritious greens.
16. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are perfect for container gardening, providing a flavorful addition to salads and stir-fries. These spicy greens are easy to grow and thrive in small spaces. Choose a container with good drainage, at least 8 inches deep.
Position in full sun for optimal growth, using well-draining soil. Regular watering is essential, keeping the soil consistently moist. Harvest the leaves young for a milder flavor or let them mature for a spicier kick.
Mustard greens add a nutritious and zesty element to your meals, making them a popular choice for culinary enthusiasts.
17. Broccoli Rabe
Also known as rapini, broccoli rabe thrives in containers and brings a distinctive, slightly bitter flavor to your plate. It’s a lesser-known green that deserves a spot in your garden. Opt for a deep container with good drainage.
Place in a sunny location, using nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Water consistently to maintain soil moisture. Harvest when the buds are small and tender for the best taste.
Broccoli rabe is delicious sautéed with garlic and olive oil or added to pasta dishes, enhancing your meals with its unique flavor profile.
18. Collard Greens
Compact collard varieties can be successfully container-grown, delivering nutritious, leafy greens for a healthy diet. They’re well-suited to urban gardening and require minimal space. Choose a container that’s at least 12 inches deep.
Position in full sun, using well-draining soil. Water consistently to keep the soil moist. Harvest the leaves when they’re young and tender for a milder flavor. Collard greens are excellent in traditional southern dishes, smoothies, or as a wrap substitute.
Their hardy nature and nutritional benefits make them a valuable addition to any container garden.
19. Bok Choy
Bok choy, a staple in Asian cuisine, is fast-growing and container-friendly. Its tender, crisp leaves and stems make it a delicious addition to a variety of dishes. Choose a container with adequate drainage and at least 8 inches in depth.
Place in a spot with partial sunlight, using nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Regular watering is essential to maintain moisture. Harvest when the plant reaches a desirable size, before the leaves become tough.
Bok choy is perfect for stir-fries, soups, or as a side dish, offering a flavorful and nutritious option for your meals.
20. Microgreens
Microgreens, while not a full vegetable, are an unexpected container delight. They offer concentrated flavor and nutrients in just a few weeks. Grow them on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Use shallow containers or trays with drainage holes.
Fill with a light, well-draining medium, and keep moist. Harvest when the first true leaves appear, usually within 10-14 days.
Microgreens are perfect for garnishing dishes, enhancing salads, or adding to smoothies for a nutrient boost. Their quick growth and intense flavors make them a popular choice for home gardeners.