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 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.
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.
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.
More container guides coming soon
We are adding practical guides for:
- growing carrots in containers
- growing radishes in pots
- growing strawberries on a balcony
- growing herbs on a windowsill
- growing chillies in pots
- growing peas in containers
- growing potatoes in bags
Not sure what to grow?
Use the free growing tools to match crops to your space, sunlight and container size.