Container Vegetables

Grow vegetables in pots and containers

You do not need a large garden to grow useful vegetables. A balcony, patio, courtyard or sunny doorstep can provide enough space for salad leaves, tomatoes, radishes, herbs and other compact crops.

The key is choosing vegetables that suit your light, available space and container size. Start with one or two manageable crops, use pots with good drainage, and avoid squeezing large plants into containers that are too small.

Start with these container-growing guides

How to Grow Lettuce in Pots

Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in a small space. Learn which containers work best, how to sow the seeds, how often to water and how to harvest leaves so the plants keep growing.

How to Grow Lettuce in Pots

How to Grow Tomatoes in Containers

Tomatoes are a rewarding choice for sunny balconies and patios. This guide explains how to choose a suitable variety, select the right pot, support the plant and keep watering and feeding consistent.

Read the tomato guide

Check your container before planting

A pot that is too small dries out quickly and can restrict the plant’s roots. Use the free Container Size Calculator to check whether your container is suitable for the crop you want to grow.

Open the Container Size Calculator

Good vegetables for small containers

Beginner-friendly choices include:

• lettuce and salad leaves
• radishes
• spring onions
• spinach
• herbs
• compact chillies
• strawberries

Crops that need larger containers include:

• tomatoes
• carrots
• peas
• beans
• potatoes
• courgettes

Larger plants are not impossible in a tiny garden, but they need more compost, more water and more room than they appear to need as seedlings.

Not sure what to grow?

Use the free growing tools to match crops to your space, sunlight and container size.

Explore the growing tools