The Best Vegetables and Herbs to Grow in a Bucket Garden

When I first started my bucket garden, I wasn’t sure what would thrive. 

I experimented with a few plants and quickly learned which ones loved the setup and which ones… not so much. 

Over time, I figured out a solid list of vegetables and herbs that not only grow well in buckets but actually seem to prefer it.

That’s why I’m sharing this guide with you today. 

Whether you’re gardening on a balcony, patio, or just want to make the most of a small space, knowing what to plant can make all the difference. 

These are the best vegetables and herbs I’ve grown in my own bucket garden, and they’re all beginner-friendly, productive, and worth your time.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes were one of the first plants I tried in a bucket, and they’re still one of my favorites.

Cherry tomatoes and determinate varieties work best because they stay compact. 

I use a 5-gallon bucket for each plant and add a tomato cage or stake for support.

They need plenty of sun—at least six hours a day—and regular watering. But once they get going, you’ll have fresh tomatoes for weeks.

Peppers

Bell peppers and chili peppers are perfect for bucket gardening.

They like the warmth and do well in containers because their roots aren’t too demanding. I plant them in 5-gallon buckets and make sure they get lots of sunlight. 

Keep the soil evenly moist, and they’ll reward you with bright, crunchy peppers. I’ve had great luck with jalapeños and sweet banana peppers too.

Lettuce

Lettuce grows quickly and doesn’t need deep soil, which makes it a natural fit for buckets.

I plant loose-leaf varieties like Romaine, Green Leaf, and Butterhead. 

They grow fast and you can harvest the outer leaves as needed, so the plant keeps producing.

A 2-3 gallon bucket works fine, and I keep them in partial sun during the hot months to prevent bolting.

Spinach

Spinach is another easy win in a bucket garden.

It grows best in cooler weather, so I plant it in early spring or fall. Like lettuce, it doesn’t need deep soil—a 3-gallon bucket will do. 

Keep the soil moist and give it partial sun. I love picking fresh spinach leaves for salads and sautés.

Kale

Kale is hardy and keeps producing for months.

I grow curly kale and Lacinato (also called Dinosaur kale) in 5-gallon buckets. It tolerates cooler temperatures and partial shade. 

I harvest the outer leaves regularly, and the plant keeps growing new ones. It’s a tough plant that bounces back even after heavy harvesting.

Green Onions

Green onions are low-maintenance and ideal for small spaces.

I use shallow buckets, even old containers, and plant the bulbs close together. 

They don’t need much attention—just consistent water and a sunny spot. I love having a steady supply of green onions to snip off and add to meals.

Carrots

Carrots need deep, loose soil, so I use tall buckets or containers.

Shorter varieties like Parisian or Thumbelina work well if you don’t have a deep container. 

I make sure the soil is stone-free and light to prevent misshapen roots. Water consistently, and be patient—carrots take time, but fresh ones taste amazing.

Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing crops in a bucket garden.

I plant them in shallow containers, about 6 inches deep, and they’re ready to harvest in about 30 days. 

They do best in cooler weather and prefer loose, well-draining soil. I’ve found that growing radishes alongside lettuce makes a great combo.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers can do well in buckets if you give them support.

Bush varieties are easier to manage, but I’ve also grown vining types with a small trellis in the bucket. 

They need a 5-gallon bucket, plenty of water, and lots of sun. Pick them often to encourage more fruit.

Zucchini

Zucchini plants get big, but they can thrive in a bucket if you give them space.

I grow them one per 5-gallon bucket and make sure they have full sun and consistent water. 

They’re heavy feeders, so I fertilize every couple of weeks. You’ll be amazed how many zucchinis you can get from a single bucket!

Basil

Basil is hands-down my favorite herb to grow in a bucket.

It loves warm weather and full sun. I plant it in a 2-3 gallon bucket and pinch off the tops regularly to encourage bushy growth. 

Fresh basil is perfect for pesto, salads, and pasta—nothing beats snipping a few leaves straight from the plant.

Parsley

Parsley is a hardy herb that does great in containers.

I’ve grown both flat-leaf and curly varieties in 2-gallon buckets. It likes full sun to partial shade and appreciates regular watering. 

Harvest from the outside of the plant, and it’ll keep growing for months.

Mint

Mint is vigorous—some might say aggressive—so keeping it in a bucket is a smart move.

I grow mine in a 3-gallon bucket to stop it from taking over the garden. It’s low-maintenance and grows well in partial sun. 

Mint is great for teas, cocktails, and garnishes.

Cilantro

Cilantro prefers cooler weather but still works in a bucket garden.

I plant it in early spring or fall, in a 2-gallon bucket, and keep it in partial sun.

It bolts quickly in hot weather, so timing is everything. I use the leaves fresh and let some plants go to seed for coriander.

Thyme

Thyme is drought-tolerant and perfect for containers.

I plant it in a small bucket, around 2 gallons, and let it trail over the sides. It loves full sun and doesn’t need much water once established.

I use it in roasts, soups, and marinades all year round.

Oregano

Oregano thrives in buckets and is easy to maintain.

It needs full sun and well-drained soil. I trim it regularly to keep it bushy and harvest leaves for cooking. A 2-gallon bucket is all you need for a steady supply.

Rosemary

Rosemary can grow into a small shrub, so I give it a roomy 5-gallon bucket.

It likes full sun and doesn’t need much water. I prune it to keep it in shape and use the fragrant sprigs for cooking and grilling.

Final Thoughts

A bucket garden is one of the easiest ways to grow your own vegetables and herbs, no matter where you live. 

These plants have worked for me time and again, offering fresh, homegrown produce without much fuss.

If you’re new to gardening or just want a flexible, space-saving option, try growing some of these in buckets.

You’ll be surprised how productive and satisfying it is to step outside and harvest your own food!