Tried, Tested & Thriving: My Go-To Container Veggies
There’s something magical about container gardening. It’s neat, contained (obviously), and incredibly rewarding — especially when space is limited, or when I just want to keep a few favourites close to the kitchen door. Over the years, I’ve experimented with all sorts of crops in pots, crates, buckets, and upcycled boxes. Some flopped. Some bolted. Some were so attacked by aphids, I just gave them to the chickens and walked away.
But a few… a glorious few… have never let me down.
These are the crops I turn to when I need quick wins, reliable harvests, and the comfort of watching something grow well — even in a small space. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your container game, here are my absolute go-tos.
1. Swiss Chard (Bright Lights or Fordhook Giant)
Honestly, if I could only grow one crop in containers forever, it would be Swiss chard. It doesn’t fuss. It doesn’t bolt. It forgives inconsistent watering and grows like it’s got something to prove. I snip the outer leaves and it just keeps giving. Bonus: the bright rainbow stalks make my patio look happy, even in winter.
2. Carrots (Especially in Deep Crates)
Carrots are surprisingly fun in containers — as long as the soil is loose and the container is deep. I love watching the frilly tops grow, and there’s something so satisfying about pulling up a plump orange root you grew on your stoep. Nantes and Chantenay types have done beautifully for me in wooden boxes.
3. Cucumbers (Climbing on a Trellis)
I always have one or two cucumbers climbing up a wire trellis in a big pot. They love the warmth that containers provide, and when I feed them regularly, they’re incredibly generous. One summer, I picked more cucumbers from a single pot than I did from the entire in-ground bed!
4. Herbs: Parsley, Thyme, and Chives
These are my non-negotiables. Parsley thrives in a semi-shaded pot, thyme is practically unkillable (and smells amazing), and chives… well, they just make everything taste better. All three tuck in beautifully between bigger crops and add instant green to my windowsills or hanging baskets.
5. Peppers (Especially Sweet Bells)
Peppers love containers. I think it’s the warm soil and good drainage. I’ve grown red, yellow, and even purple bell peppers in big pots, and they’ve always rewarded me with crunchy, sweet fruit. They also look lovely — glossy leaves and dangling peppers like ornaments.
6. Lettuce (Cut-and-Come-Again Style)
Perfect for morning harvests! I usually grow a mix of loose-leaf lettuce in shallow trays or wide pots. I just snip what I need for lunch, and it regrows beautifully. It’s fast, low-effort, and makes me feel like a forager every time I step outside.
Other favourites
Spring onions — practically grow themselves and take up no space.
Radishes — super quick and satisfying, especially for impatient little gardeners.
Tomatoes — they can be tricky, but when they work, they’re spectacular. Just feed them often and give them sun.
What I love most about container gardening is the flexibility — I can move things around with the seasons, chasing the sun or tucking tender plants into shelter when needed. It’s easier to control the quality of the soil, which means fewer surprises and healthier crops. I’m not at the mercy of our rocky garden beds or seasonal ant invasions, and on days when energy is low, it keeps gardening accessible — no need to hike to the far end of the veggie patch. Some days, a few leafy greens in a crate and a pot of basil by the kitchen door are enough to remind me: growth doesn’t have to be big to be beautiful.
Our Container Gardening eBook is now available — and it’s packed with everything I’ve learned about growing in small spaces! From what containers to use and how to build your own soil mix, to planting guides, watering tricks, and companion planting tips — it’s all in there. And as a bonus, members get a 20% discount at checkout with your special code.
Grab your copy, grow wherever you are, and let your patio, balcony, or bucket garden thrive.
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