Let's face it, not everyone has acres of land - many of us have to garden in smaller spaces. Growing in containers in a backyard or on a patio is one way around this problem, but another issue arises. Plant pots are stupid expensive, even the plastic ones are a complete rip-off. But there is a simple solution... buckets. Because these are aimed at builders and contractors they don't come with the huge price tags that a plant pot does, but they do the exact same job!
Whether you live in an apartment, have limited yard space, or want a portable gardening option, bucket gardening is an excellent way to grow a thriving edible garden. These containers provide ample room for root development, are easy to move for better sunlight exposure, and can be arranged in creative ways to maximize productivity.
One of the biggest advantages of bucket gardening is cost-effectiveness. Many restaurants, bakeries, florists, and grocery stores receive bulk items in large containers and often discard them once empty. With a little effort, you can source these for free or at a low cost. Just be sure to confirm they are food-safe, especially if you are growing edible plants.
Food Safe Buckets?
The thing I want to talk about first is something I touched on earlier but that many people skip over, food safe. Lots of people will tell you to ensure your buckets are food-safe but then give no further explanation. What plastics are food safe? How do you find out what your bucket is made from?
I like to actually help you out and having had these questions myself I hopefully have cobbled together some answers for you, so you can get your bucket garden up and running!
Essentially this is a job that involves looking for a stamp on your bucket that shows what kind of plastic it is made from. This video below explains it much better than I ever could, so take a look.
You also want to ensure that your bucket hasn't been used to keep anything nasty in before you got it, strong chemicals and the like. This isn't a problem if you are buying brand new but if getting old buckets it is something to be wary of.
If you are getting second-hand buckets then do your best to find out what was stored in them before and if you are unsure then just don't use them! Also, make sure you give them a thorough cleaning before use.
Preparing Your Buckets for Gardening
Before planting, it’s important to prepare your buckets for your plants. Drainage is a crucial factor, and several small holes should be drilled in the bottom of the bucket to allow excess water to escape. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can kill plants. If placing buckets on a patio or balcony, using plant saucers underneath can help catch excess water.
Since bucket gardening limits the available soil volume, it’s important to use high-quality soil. A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite creates a nutrient-rich and well-draining environment. Avoid using topsoil or garden soil, which can become too compacted and lead to poor drainage.
Adding some extra fertilizer to your soil mix is always a good idea too, I like to add sterilized chicken manure but, bonemeal or fish blood and bone are good options too.
The color of the bucket impacts soil temperature. Dark-colored buckets absorb heat and warm the soil faster, making them a good choice for early spring or fall gardening. Lighter-colored containers reflect sunlight and help keep roots cooler in hot weather. If using darker buckets in warm climates, consider wrapping them in a reflective material to prevent overheating.
Best Fruits and Vegetables to Grow in Buckets
Nearly any vegetable that grows in the ground can be grown in a bucket, but some perform better than others. Below are what I think are the best plants for buckets.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are among the most popular plants to grow in buckets. A single tomato plant per bucket allows sufficient root space.
For vining varieties like cherry or Roma tomatoes, a stake or cage should be used for support. One advantage of growing tomatoes in containers is the ability to move them indoors or into a greenhouse when the weather turns colder.
You can also experiment with cool ideas like the above and grow them upside down, suing the bucket as a hanging basket.
Peppers
Peppers, both sweet and hot, thrive in containers. These plants prefer warm conditions and high humidity, so occasional misting can help them flourish. Staking or caging may be necessary for taller pepper varieties.
Eggplants/Aubergine
Eggplants grow well in buckets, with one plant per container. They require warm soil and plenty of sunlight. Dwarf varieties like ‘Little Finger’ or ‘Fairy Tale’ are especially suited for bucket gardening.
Zucchini/Courgette
Zucchini and summer squash can be grown in containers, but they require frequent watering due to their large leaves and rapid growth. Providing a small trellis or stake can help support the weight of the plant and its fruit.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers thrive in containers, especially bush varieties. Two cucumber plants can be grown per bucket, but vining types will need a trellis or support system. Cucumbers require consistent watering to prevent bitterness in the fruit.
Greens
Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and chard grow exceptionally well in buckets. Since these greens have shallow roots, multiple plants can be grown in one container. Cutting holes in the sides of the bucket allows for vertical growing, increasing yield.
Brassicas
Kale, broccoli, and cauliflower can be grown individually in containers. They prefer cooler temperatures, so in hot climates, moving the buckets into partial shade can help prevent bolting.
Onions
Onions and green onions grow well in containers, but bulb onions require more space. A few bulb onions can fit in a single bucket, while green onions are more efficient and can be harvested continually.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes do well in deep containers. The soil should be loose and well-draining to allow proper root development.
Potatoes
Potatoes can be successfully grown in containers using a layering method. Start with a few inches of soil, plant seed potatoes, and continue adding soil as the plants grow. This encourages more tuber production and makes harvesting easier.
Beans
Beans can be grown in buckets, with bush beans being particularly well-suited. Vining beans require trellising to keep the plants off the ground and maximize space. Beans also improve soil health by fixing nitrogen.
Strawberries
Strawberries are excellent candidates for container gardening. Several plants can fit in a single bucket, and cutting holes in the sides of the container allows for additional planting spots, maximizing yield.
Blueberries
Blueberries thrive in buckets, but they require acidic soil with a pH around 5.5. Growing them in containers allows for easier control of soil conditions.
Herbs
Herbs such as basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, and thyme grow exceptionally well in buckets. Some herbs can be planted together, but care should be taken to ensure compatibility. For example, mint is invasive and should be grown alone.
Peas
Peas, both bush and vining varieties, can be grown in buckets. Providing a small trellis will help climbing peas maximize space and improve yield.
Tips for Success with Bucket Gardening
Fertilizing regularly is important since plants in containers use up nutrients quickly. Adding organic compost, liquid fertilizer, or slow-release fertilizer will help keep plants healthy. Watering consistently is also essential, as containers dry out faster than in-ground gardens. A drip irrigation system or self-watering setup can make watering easier.
Rotating crops each season helps prevent soil depletion and reduces the risk of disease. For example, switching between leafy greens and root vegetables can help maintain soil balance. Mulching the soil surface helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, reducing the frequency of watering.
Buckets should be arranged to optimize sunlight exposure. Most vegetables need at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. If space is limited, stacking buckets vertically or using hanging systems can help maximize growing area.
Using support structures like cages, stakes, or trellises helps vining plants grow upward, saving space and improving airflow. Proper air circulation around plants reduces the risk of fungal diseases and improves overall plant health.
Buckets should be cleaned and sanitized before each planting season to prevent the spread of diseases. A simple wash with soap and water, followed by a rinse with diluted vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, helps ensure a clean growing environment.
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