When I first started gardening, I was convinced I needed a big yard to grow my own food. Living in a tiny flat with barely enough space for a chair on the balcony made the dream seem impossible. But then, I discovered the magic of bucket gardening, and everything changed. It turns out, you don’t need a sprawling plot of land—just a sturdy bucket, some soil, and the right plants. Let me walk you through the top 10 foods I’ve successfully grown in buckets, so you can start your own mini garden, no matter how small your space is!
1. Tomatoes – The Classic Bucket Superstar
Tomatoes were my gateway plant. There’s something magical about watching those tiny green orbs turn into juicy, red beauties. All I needed was a five-gallon bucket, some rich soil, and a sunny spot. Cherry and Roma tomatoes worked best for me. With regular watering and a bit of support for their vines, they thrived like champs. And the taste? Absolutely unbeatable compared to store-bought ones.
2. Potatoes – Your Bucket Treasure Hunt
Growing potatoes in a bucket felt like an adventure. It’s like digging for gold, but instead, you unearth a pile of delicious spuds. I started with seed potatoes, planted in layers of soil, and kept adding soil as the plants grew. By harvest time, I had a bucket full of earthy goodness—perfect for roasted potatoes or a hearty mash.
3. Strawberries – Sweet Treats in Small Spaces
I thought strawberries were too delicate for buckets, but I was wrong. These sweet little gems thrived when I hung my buckets on hooks, creating a vertical strawberry garden. They loved the drainage and sunlight, and I loved plucking fresh berries for my morning porridge.
4. Carrots – Perfect for Deep Buckets
Carrots are surprisingly easy to grow in a bucket, as long as the container is deep enough. I had so much fun watching their feathery green tops grow, knowing the crunchy goodness was hidden below. Pro tip: go for shorter varieties like Nantes if you’re unsure about the depth of your bucket.
5. Chillies – Small Plants, Big Flavour
If you love adding a bit of heat to your cooking, chillies are a must-grow. They’re small, resilient, and thrive in buckets with well-draining soil. My cayenne and jalapeño plants produced more than I could use, and it felt amazing to share jars of homemade chilli oil with friends.
6. Herbs – A Bucketful of Flavour
Herbs were my easiest win. Basil, parsley, mint, and even rosemary grew beautifully in buckets. With just a little water and some indirect sunlight, I always had fresh herbs at hand for soups, pastas, and teas. Plus, the fragrant greenery added a touch of charm to my balcony.
7. Leafy Greens – The Fast-Growing Heroes
Lettuce, spinach, and kale were my go-to for quick, satisfying harvests. These leafy greens thrived in shallow buckets and gave me a continuous supply of fresh salad. The best part? They grew so fast that I never had to worry about running out.
8. Beans – Bucket-Friendly Climbers
Green beans and pole beans are bucket champions. I rigged up a simple trellis using bamboo sticks, and my beans climbed their way to the top, producing tender, crunchy pods. Watching them grow upwards made the most of my limited space.
9. Cucumbers – Crunchy Bucket Wonders
I was sceptical about cucumbers in buckets, but dwarf varieties proved me wrong. I added a small trellis to the bucket for support, and before I knew it, I was harvesting crisp cucumbers for refreshing summer salads.
10. Radishes – Fast and Foolproof
Radishes were the perfect starter crop. They’re fast-growing and thrive in shallow soil, making them ideal for small buckets. Plus, their vibrant red bulbs and peppery flavour added a fun twist to my meals.
Why Bucket Gardening is a Game-Changer
There’s something deeply satisfying about growing your own food in the most unconventional spaces. For me, it was about more than just the harvest—it was a reminder that even in the smallest corners, life can thrive.
Whether you’re short on space or just looking for a fun gardening project, these 10 foods will thrive in buckets with minimal effort. So grab a bucket, some soil, and get growing—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve!