19 Easy Vegetables You Can Grow In Pots (Perfect For Beginners!)

Growing your own vegetables is something rewarding, even if you’re limited in space. Container or pot gardening is an excellent solution who have small balconies, patios, or even indoor areas.

You can grow a variety of vegetables in pots, even if you’re just starting. Lettuce and spinach are excellent leafy greens that thrive in shallow containers. Besides, radishes, carrots, and tomatoes are classic choices. I would also suggest cucumbers and zucchini that do well with a support trellis in larger pots. Keeping beans, beets, garlic, and herbs like basil and parsley won’t be a bad idea.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be as I got more veggies on the list! Growing these vegetables in pots is simpler than you think. I’ll guide you through all the things about growing such veggies!

Top 19 Easy Vegetables You Can Grow in Pots

Growing your own vegetables doesn’t have to be limited by space. Even if you only have a small balcony or patio, you can still plant in pots.

Feeling confident? Of course, you should! Here’s a list of 19 easy vegetables that thrive in containers, perfect for beginner gardeners –

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is a quick and easy vegetable to grow in pots. It doesn’t need deep soil, so a shallow container will do just fine.

You can harvest the leaves as needed, allowing new ones to grow in their place. It gives you a continuous supply of fresh greens.

Container Size: 6-8 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring or fall
How to Grow it: Sow seeds directly in the pot; thin seedlings as they grow.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Where to Place it: Partial shade.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest leaves as needed, allowing new ones to grow.

2. Spinach

Spinach is another leafy green that loves the cool weather and grows well in pots. It’s rich in nutrients and perfect for salads, smoothies, or cooking.

Container Size: 6-8 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring or fall
How to Grow it: Sow seeds in the pot, thinning seedlings to the desired spacing.
Watering Needs: Water regularly; avoid soggy soil.
Where to Place it: Partial shade to full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest leaves once they are large enough.

3. Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, making them perfect for impatient gardeners. They mature quickly and are ready to harvest in just a few weeks.

Container Size: 6 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring or fall
How to Grow it: Sow seeds directly in the pot, and thin seedlings to 1-2 inches apart.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Ready to harvest in 3-4 weeks.

4. Carrots

Carrots are surprisingly easy to grow in pots, as long as you choose a deep container to accommodate their roots. You can grow a variety of carrots, from traditional orange to colorful purples and yellows.

Container Size: 12 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring or fall
How to Grow it: Sow seeds in deep pots; thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Biennial (grown as annual)
When to Harvest: Harvest when roots reach the desired size.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a classic container vegetable. They need a bit more care and attention but reward you with juicy, delicious fruits. Opt for smaller varieties like cherry or grape tomatoes for easier container growing.

Container Size: 12 inches deep and wide
When to Plant: After the last frost
How to Grow it: Plant seedlings in a large pot with a support stake.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Where to Place it: Full sun (6-8 hours).
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest when the fruits are fully colored.

6. Peppers

Peppers, whether sweet or hot, are perfect for growing in pots. They love warmth and sunlight, making them a great option for sunny balconies or patios.

Container Size: 12 inches deep and wide
When to Plant: After the last frost
How to Grow it: Plant seedlings in a large pot; provide support as needed.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil evenly moist.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest when the peppers reach their mature size and color.

7. Cucumbers

Cucumbers grow well in pots, especially the bush or dwarf varieties. They need a support trellis or stake to climb, which also saves space in your container garden.

Container Size: 12 inches deep and wide
When to Plant: After the last frost
How to Grow it: Plant seeds or seedlings; use a trellis for support.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist but well-drained.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest when cucumbers reach the desired size.

8. Zucchini

Zucchini is another prolific vegetable that can be grown in pots. Choose compact or bush varieties, and make sure the container is large enough to support the plant’s growth.

Container Size: 24 inches deep and wide
When to Plant: After the last frost
How to Grow it: Plant seeds or seedlings; ensure the container is large.
Watering Needs: Water regularly; avoid dry soil.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest when the fruits are small to medium-sized.

9. Beans

Beans, especially bush varieties, are excellent for container gardening. They’re low-maintenance and can be harvested over a long period.

Container Size: 12 inches deep
When to Plant: After the last frost
How to Grow it: Plant seeds; thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist but not too wet.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.

10. Peas

Peas are cool-season crops that thrive in containers. Like beans, they can be grown with a trellis for support, making the most of vertical space.

Container Size: 12 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring
How to Grow it: Plant seeds and use a trellis for support.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil evenly moist.
Where to Place it: Full sun to partial shade.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest when pods are full.

11. Beets

Beets are great for containers because you can harvest both the roots and the greens. They don’t require deep soil, making them ideal for smaller pots.

Container Size: 10-12 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring or fall
How to Grow it: Sow seeds directly in the pot; thin seedlings.
Watering Needs: Maintain consistent moisture.
Where to Place it: Full sun to partial shade.
Life Cycle: Biennial (grown as annual)
When to Harvest: Harvest when roots reach the desired size.

12. Green Onions

Green onions, also known as scallions, are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in pots. They require little space and can be harvested continuously.

Container Size: 6 inches deep
When to Plant: Spring through fall
How to Grow it: Plant seeds or sets; space plants close together.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist.
Where to Place it: Full sun to partial shade.
Life Cycle: Perennial (grown as annual)
When to Harvest: Harvest when tops reach 6-8 inches tall.

13. Garlic

Garlic is easy to grow in pots and requires minimal care. Plant individual cloves in the fall for a summer harvest, and enjoy fresh, homegrown garlic all year long.

Container Size: 8 inches deep
When to Plant: Fall
How to Grow it: Plant individual cloves; cover with soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Perennial (grown as annual)
When to Harvest: Harvest when tops begin to yellow and fall over.

14. Kale

Kale is a hardy green that grows well in pots, even in cooler weather. It’s packed with nutrients and can be harvested throughout the growing season.

Container Size: 12 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring or fall
How to Grow it: Plant seeds or seedlings; thin seedlings.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil evenly moist.
Where to Place it: Full sun to partial shade.
Life Cycle: Biennial (grown as annual)
When to Harvest: Harvest outer leaves as needed.

15. Chard

Chard, or Swiss chard, is another leafy green that’s perfect for container gardening. Its colorful stems add a vibrant touch to your garden.

Container Size: 12 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring or fall
How to Grow it: Plant seeds or seedlings; thin seedlings as they grow.
Watering Needs: Water regularly; avoid waterlogged soil.
Where to Place it: Full sun to partial shade.
Life Cycle: Biennial (grown as annual)
When to Harvest: Harvest leaves as needed.

16. Herbs (Basil, Parsley, etc.)

Herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and thyme are ideal for pots. They don’t need much space, and you can place them close to your kitchen for easy access.

Container Size: 6-8 inches deep
When to Plant: Spring through fall
How to Grow it: Plant seeds or seedlings in small pots.
Watering Needs: Water regularly; avoid soggy soil.
Where to Place it: Full sun to partial shade.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest leaves regularly to encourage growth.

17. Eggplants

Eggplants thrive in warm weather and do well in large pots. Choose compact varieties for the best results, and enjoy this versatile vegetable in your cooking.

Container Size: 12 inches deep and wide
When to Plant: After the last frost
How to Grow it: Plant seedlings in large pots; provide support.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest when the fruits are glossy and firm.

18. Potatoes

Potatoes can be grown in pots or even bags. They require deep soil, and you can “hill” them by adding more soil as the plants grow to encourage more tubers.

Container Size: 16 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring
How to Grow it: Plant seed potatoes in deep containers; “hill” as plants grow.
Watering Needs: Water regularly, especially as plants mature.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: Harvest when the plants begin to die back.

19. Turnips

Turnips are fast-growing root vegetables that don’t need much space. Both the roots and greens are edible, making them a versatile choice for your container garden.

Container Size: 12 inches deep
When to Plant: Early spring or fall
How to Grow it: Sow seeds directly; thin seedlings.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist but well-drained.
Where to Place it: Full sun.
Life Cycle: Biennial (grown as annual)
When to Harvest: Harvest when roots reach desired size.

Related Articles:

Here is a video to share more tips for growing vegetables in pots.

FAQs

Need more tips to grow such veggies in your pots? The following section can help you out!

What are the best vegetables for beginners to grow in pots?

Start with easy options like lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and herbs for a successful container garden.

Can you grow vegetables in pots without a garden?

Yes, many vegetables thrive in pots, making it possible to garden on a balcony or patio.

How big should pots be for growing vegetables?

The pot size depends on the vegetable. For example, tomatoes need at least a 12-inch deep pot, while lettuce can grow in smaller containers.

Do I need special soil for growing vegetables in pots?

Use high-quality potting mix with good drainage and nutrients to ensure healthy vegetable growth.

How often should I water vegetables in pots?

Watering frequency varies, but most vegetables need consistent moisture, especially in hot weather.

How do I prevent pests in container vegetables?

Regularly inspect plants, use organic insecticides, and ensure good airflow to minimize pests.

Can I grow vegetables in pots indoors?

Yes, with sufficient light, many vegetables like herbs, lettuce, and peppers can be grown indoors.

Final Word

Container gardening offers a practical and accessible way to grow your own vegetables, even in small spaces. With the right choices, you can enjoy fresh produce all season long. From lettuce and spinach to tomatoes, these easy-to-grow vegetables are perfect for beginners.

Ready to get started? Choose a few of these vegetables, grab some pots, and start your gardening journey today. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is to grow your own food!

19 Easy Vegetables You Can Grow in Pots (Perfect for Beginners!)

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