When I first started gardening, I never imagined that buckets could be my best friends for growing food. But after years of experimenting with limited space, I’ve come to realise how brilliantly practical they are. They’re easy to move, don’t take up much room, and allow me to keep a steady harvest going no matter the season. If you’re short on space, or just want a low-maintenance way to grow food, grab a few buckets, and let’s get planting! Here are my top seven favourite foods to grow in buckets all year round.
1. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley)
Herbs are honestly the gateway to bucket gardening. They’re so easy to grow, and there’s nothing better than having fresh basil or mint on hand whenever you need it. I started with a single bucket of basil, and now I have a mini herb garden in various buckets scattered around. They don’t require a ton of attention, just good drainage and a sunny spot.
In winter, I bring my buckets indoors, and they keep right on growing. If you’re in a cooler climate, just give them a spot by a sunny window, and they’ll reward you with fresh leaves throughout the year.
2. Lettuce and Leafy Greens
One of the best things about leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale is how quickly they grow. Plus, they’re “cut and come again” plants, meaning you can snip off leaves as you need them, and they’ll keep growing back. I usually have a bucket or two dedicated to greens year-round, rotating them as they mature.
In the winter, I keep my buckets in a spot with indirect light, and they thrive even in cooler temperatures. You’d be surprised how much lettuce you can harvest from just one bucket—it’s saved me countless trips to the grocery store!
3. Carrots
Growing carrots in buckets was one of my more ambitious experiments, but it turns out they do wonderfully! Carrots need deeper soil than most bucket plants, so I make sure to use tall buckets and give the soil a good mix with some sand for drainage. There’s something so satisfying about pulling up a fresh carrot that you grew yourself, even if it’s in the middle of winter.
I usually plant a few varieties—shorter, rounder carrots work especially well in buckets, and they’re perfect for cooler seasons. Just keep them in a bright spot, and you’ll have crunchy carrots all year.
4. Radishes
Radishes are an absolute joy to grow because they’re fast—seriously, from seed to harvest in about a month! They’re perfect for impatient gardeners like me who want a quick win. Radishes thrive in cooler weather, so they’re ideal for growing in buckets through autumn and early spring.
Since they’re small, you don’t need a deep bucket; I use medium-sized ones and can grow quite a few radishes in each. The best part? The young, peppery greens are edible too, adding a nice zip to salads or sandwiches.
5. Spring Onions and Garlic
Spring onions and garlic are brilliant because they don’t take up much space and require minimal care. I started growing them in buckets when I ran out of space in my main garden, and I haven’t looked back since! They’re hardy, don’t mind the cold, and you can plant garlic in the autumn for a summer harvest.
For spring onions, I just plant a handful of seeds every few weeks to keep a continuous supply. And with garlic, you only need a few cloves to get started. Just make sure to give them a sunny spot, and they’re happy campers.
6. Potatoes
Yes, you can grow potatoes in a bucket—and it’s surprisingly easy! I was a bit sceptical at first, but after my first harvest, I was hooked. Potatoes need a bit more depth, so I use taller buckets and make sure to start with high-quality seed potatoes. As they grow, I keep adding more soil to encourage more tubers to develop.
The best part is the excitement of digging through the soil and finding all the hidden potatoes. Plus, they store well, so you can grow a steady supply all year. I usually plant a new bucket every couple of months, and it keeps me stocked with fresh potatoes.
7. Strawberries
Imagine having fresh strawberries even in winter! Strawberries grow surprisingly well in buckets, and they’re easy to move indoors when the weather cools down. I usually plant everbearing varieties, which produce fruit throughout the season rather than all at once. This way, I get to enjoy strawberries for months.
In colder months, I bring my strawberry buckets inside and keep them in a sunny spot. They do need a bit of love and watering, but the rewards are so worth it. Nothing tastes better than a sweet, home-grown strawberry, especially when it’s chilly outside.
Final Thoughts: Buckets, A Gardener’s Best Friend
Growing food in buckets has completely changed the way I think about gardening. It’s made me realise that you don’t need sprawling garden beds or even a big backyard to enjoy fresh produce year-round. Just a few buckets, good soil, and a bit of patience can go a long way.
If you’re new to gardening or simply looking for a more manageable way to grow your own food, give bucket gardening a go. These plants are easy to grow, thrive in small spaces, and bring so much joy. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about picking food you grew yourself, right at home. Happy bucket gardening!