10 Easy Vegetables to Grow in 5-Gallon Buckets: The Ultimate Guide for Small Spaces & Urban Gardens

Think you need a big backyard to grow your own vegetables? Think again. With a few simple 5-gallon buckets, you can grow fresh, delicious veggies right on your balcony, patio, or even a sunny windowsill.
This detailed guide will walk you through the top 10 vegetables you can grow in buckets—plus expert tips to maximize your harvest, even in the smallest of spaces.

Why Choose 5-Gallon Buckets?

Affordable & Easy to Find: Most hardware stores sell them, or you can recycle old paint buckets.
Portable: Move them around for better sunlight or to protect from storms.
Deep Enough for Roots: Most veggies thrive with this depth.
Customizable: Drill holes for drainage, add handles or even wheels for mobility.

The 10 Best Vegetables to Grow in Buckets

1. Tomatoes

Plants per bucket: 1
Tips: Use determinate (bush-type) varieties. Support the plant with a cage or stake. Tomatoes love full sun and need consistent watering.

2. Peppers (Bell & Hot)

Plants per bucket: 1
Tips: Peppers need lots of sunlight and warmth. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

3. Lettuce

Plants per bucket: Several, spaced about 4 inches apart
Tips: Perfect for “cut-and-come-again” harvests. Great for small, continual yields.

4. Spinach

Plants per bucket: 3–4
Tips: Grows best in cooler temperatures. Water regularly and avoid full afternoon sun in hotter climates.

5. Swiss Chard

Plants per bucket: 2–3
Tips: Pick the outer leaves to allow continuous growth. Extremely hardy and colorful.

6. Carrots

Soil needs: Loose, sandy, and fill the bucket to the top
Tips: Choose short varieties like Parisian or Danvers. Sow seeds thickly, then thin them out.

7. Radishes

Plants per bucket: Many; thin to 2 inches apart
Tips: Fast-growing—ready in about 30 days. Great for kids and beginners!

8. Cucumbers (Bush Type)

Plants per bucket: 1
Tips: Needs support like a trellis. Keep the soil consistently moist.

9. Green Beans (Bush Variety)

Plants per bucket: 3–4
Tips: Does well in containers. Requires sunlight and steady watering.

10. Eggplant

Plants per bucket: 1
Tips: Thrives in heat. Use a stake or cage to support the heavy fruit.

Essential Tips for Bucket Gardening

Drainage is critical: Drill 4–6 holes at the bottom of each bucket.
Use good soil: A high-quality potting mix with compost gives the best results.
Water wisely: Buckets dry out quickly—especially in hot weather. Daily watering may be needed.
Sunlight matters: Most veggies need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Why Grow Vegetables in Buckets?

Budget-friendly: No need for raised beds or large yards.
Healthier food: Control what goes into your soil—no harmful chemicals.
Convenient: Move plants to catch more sun or avoid bad weather.
Sustainable living: Reduces your carbon footprint and food waste.

Final Thoughts

Container gardening with 5-gallon buckets is a game-changer for city dwellers, renters, and anyone short on space. With the right approach, you can enjoy a thriving mini garden that provides fresh, home-grown produce year-round.

Ready to start growing? Choose one or two veggies from the list and give it a go. You’ll be amazed at what you can grow in just a bucket!