The Best Crops to Grow in Containers: Top 10 Picks

Container gardening has gained immense popularity today as more people are embracing sustainable living and seeking ways to maximize their limited space. It offers a versatile solution for urban dwellers especially, allowing them to grow a variety of crops right on their balconies, rooftops, or even small patios.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, container gardening offers numerous benefits, including greater control over soil quality, protection from pests, and easy maintenance. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best crops to grow in containers and basic tips to achieve a bountiful harvest.

What is Container Gardening?

Container gardening is a type of gardening practice where plants are grown in containers instead of traditional garden beds or plots. It involves using pots, planters, or other containers to cultivate various plants, including flowers, herbs, vegetables, or even small trees.

Container gardening is popular for several reasons. It offers flexibility, as containers can be placed on balconies, patios, decks, or other limited spaces where traditional gardening may not be feasible. It also allows gardeners to have more control over soil quality, drainage, and sunlight exposure. Additionally, container gardening is suitable for people who have mobility constraints or limited access to outdoor land.

To start a container garden, you will need suitable containers, potting soil, plants, or seeds, and appropriate watering and fertilizing techniques. You also need to know and select the best crops to grow in containers.

Containers come in various sizes, materials, and designs, including plastic pots, ceramic planters, hanging baskets, or window boxes. It’s important to choose containers that have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

The great news is that you can find seeds that are container-gardening friendly. An example is the one shown below. Click to check out the reviews on Amazon.

10 Best Crops to Grow in Containers

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding and best crops to grow in containers. Choose either dwarf varieties like ‘Micro-Tom,’ ‘Tiny Tim,’ and ‘Yellow Canary’ or determinate varieties like ‘Celebrity,’ ‘Roma,’ and ‘Gold Nugget’, which often thrive in limited spaces. Don’t worry, small tomato plants can still produce lots of fruit.

Tomatoes have a wide root system, so you will need a big container (with drainage holes) that will give your plant enough room to grow. Be sure to provide a sturdy support system for the vines, ensuring they receive at least six hours of sunlight each day.

Keep in mind that potted tomatoes have limited access to water and nutrients as opposed to their garden-planted counterparts, so you need to give your tomato plants extra care in order to enjoy delicious, home-grown tomato fruits throughout the growing season.

2. Microgreens

Microgreens, such as kale, broccoli, radish, and spinach, are some of the best crops to grow in containers, as they are easy to grow and can thrive in limited space. Whether you intend to sell them for profit or add them to your salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries for that unique burst of flavor, microgreens can be harvested at an early stage and are nutrient-dense.

To learn more about microgreens, you might want to look up our previous blog post on Microgreens Farming: Amazing Facts and Reasons to Invest. In planting your microgreens, sow the seeds densely in a shallow container filled with dampened soil and place the container in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, weed regularly, and harvest by snipping the microgreens just above the soil level after the first set of true leaves has developed – about 10 days to 2 weeks after planting.

3. Strawberries

Who can resist the sweet taste of freshly picked strawberries? What is more, these luscious fruits adapt well to limited space and are one of the best crops to grow in containers. In planting strawberries, it is best to select ever-bearing or day-neutral varieties such as ‘Tristar,’ ‘Seascape,’ ‘Albion,’ or ‘Temptation’ that produce fruits over an extended period.

Ensure that whatever container you choose has good-sized draining holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill the container, not with regular garden soil, but with high-quality potting soil mixed with compost that can retain moisture.

Do not overcrowd the container with too many strawberry plants otherwise, it will not produce a lot of fruit. Place your containers in a site with full sun. Remember to water your strawberry plants consistently but not to the point of sogginess. Applying these tips can help you enjoy a delightful harvest of fresh, ripe berries by harvest time.

4. Herbs

Several varieties of herbs, such as basil, parsley, rosemary, mint, and cilantro are some of the best crops to grow in containers as they generally require minimal space to thrive. Freshly harvested herbs can often enhance the taste and aroma of a wide array of culinary creations. They can also add fragrance and beauty to your garden.

When planting herbs, though, fill the container with the right soil and a high-quality potting mix that allows for good drainage. Ensure that the container has drainage holes and is placed in an area where the herbs can receive sufficient sunlight for optimal growth.

Pruning your herbs regularly and harvesting the leaves as needed will encourage the optimum growth of your herbs. If you wish to plant more than one type of herb in one container, a good tip is to pair herbs that have the same needs together. Here is a previous post on The Best Herbs for Your Garden: Top 10 Picks if you’re looking to grow herbs.

5. Cucumbers

Best crops to grow in containers: Cucumbers (Picture by Brown Thump Mama)

Did you know that consuming cucumbers can keep your body hydrated and help you avoid constipation? Cucumbers are also rich in vitamin A which helps with vision, the immune system, and reproduction. Additionally, according to WebMd (2022), they are also rich in antioxidants and may help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, and some cancers.

Cucumbers are prolific climbers, making them ideal for vertical gardening and one of the best crops to grow in containers. Ensure that the containers have a minimum depth of 16 inches to accommodate cucumbers’ typically deep roots, are filled with rich, fertile soil, and have holes in their bottom for drainage.

You can grow cucumbers from seedling transplants or directly sown cucumber seeds. Go for compact or bush varieties such as ‘Bush Pickle,’ ‘Spacemaster,’ and ‘Tasty Green,’ which require minimal space while producing a generous crop.

Provide a trellis or sturdy support for the vines, ensuring they receive ample sunlight and consistent watering. Cucumbers grown in containers need plenty of water so you will need to water them regularly otherwise they may have a bitter taste. Keep in mind that cucumbers harvested early and while they are still very green tend to have the best taste, flavor, and texture.  

6. Peppers

Peppers, both sweet and hot varieties, are well-suited for limited space and are one of the best crops to grow in containers. Peppers love warm soil, so planting them in containers is great for them as the soil in containers usually warms up faster than the ground.

In planting peppers, choose a container that has drainage holes, and that is at least 12+ inches wide and deep. Best peppers to grow in containers include ‘Jalapeno,’ ‘Scotch Bonnet,’ ‘Cayennes,’ and ‘Shishitos.’

Remember to provide ample sunlight for the plants. Water them regularly but take care not to overwater them. It is also better to use organic, rich potting soil mix instead of regular soil for the successful cultivation of vibrant, flavourful peppers.

7. Scallions

Best Crops to Grow in Containers: Scallions (Source: Green Gardening Network)

Scallions are young green onions that are not only easy to grow but one of the best crops to grow in containers. They often make a wonderful addition to such recipes as soups, salads, pancakes, and stir-fries due to their fresh, mild flavor.

According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research, consuming this healthy plant has been shown to lower blood sugar, decrease high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, reduce the risk of developing colon and other cancers, and reduce inflammation.

In planting scallions, select a container with good drainage and sow the seeds densely. Place the container in an area with sunlight and be sure to weed often. Keep the soil slightly moist, not overly wet. Scallions grow quickly and can be harvested at various stages, from small and tender to more mature bulbs.

8. Radishes

Best crops to grow in containers: Radishes (Source: Balcony Garden Web)

For a quick and rewarding harvest, radishes are hard to beat among the best crops to grow in containers. These cool-season root vegetables have a fast growth cycle and adapt well to container gardening.

To achieve success, choose varieties like ‘Cherry Belle,’ ‘Pink Beauty,’ or ‘Purple Plum’ that thrive in compact spaces and plant them in wide but deep containers with well-draining soil. Place your radish plant container in a cool sunny spot and be sure to check for weeds periodically. 

Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Keep in mind that radishes that are harvested early and while the weather is still cool often have the best flavor. With these tips, you can enjoy your spicy, crisp radish roots in a matter of weeks depending on the variety you planted.

9. Eggplants

The best crops to grow in containers: Egg Plant (Source: Morning Chores)

Eggplants, known for their glossy purple fruits, can be successfully grown in containers. Not all varieties of eggplants are suitable for container gardening. However, compact varieties such as ‘Hansel,’ ‘Baby Bell,’ or ‘Patio Baby’ are one of the best crops to grow in containers.

Be sure to provide a well-drained soil mix enriched with compost for optimal growth and place the container in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. The container should be wide enough and have ample draining holes in order to avoid root rot. You will also need to provide adequate moisture for the plants through consistent watering as eggplants often thrive in evenly moist soil.

10. Dwarf Fruit Trees

The best crops to grow in containers: Dwarf fruit trees (Source: Gardening Know How)

If you have enough space, you should consider growing dwarf fruit trees as they are one of the best crops to grow in containers. Varieties like dwarf apple, lemon, or cherry trees can be easily trained and pruned to fit your container garden. Warm weather varieties like banana plants and fig trees are also perfect for container growing. And go for dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties of trees rather than full-sized varieties.

Ensure that the containers you intend to use are large enough to accommodate the tree’s root system. Be sure to fill the bottom of the container with a layer of gravel or rock to help with drainage, after which you will need to add some potting soil mix for the roots to rest on.

Next, place the plant in the center of the pot in a vertical and straight position. You can then add the rest of the soil, tamping sown around the roots to remove any air pockets. You would do well to follow proper care guidelines such as watering well after planting and providing adequate sunlight to enjoy bountiful a harvest of fresh fruits.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, container gardening opens up a world of possibilities for anyone who is passionate about cultivating their own food, especially if you are an urban dweller or are constrained by limited planting space. By selecting the best crops to grow in containers, such as tomatoes, microgreens, strawberries, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, scallions, radishes, eggplants, and dwarf fruit trees, you can transform your limited space into a flourishing garden.

Do not forget the tips for success, such as providing adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent watering to ensure the success of your container crops. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some containers, get your hands dirty, and start growing your own fresh produce right at home!