17 Surprising Foods You Can Grow in 5 Gallon Buckets (You’ll Be Shocked!)

By Alice Jane

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Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding activities you can take up, and it’s especially great for those with limited space. Whether you’re living in an apartment or just don’t have a large backyard, 5-gallon buckets offer a simple solution for container gardening. Plus, with the right care, you can grow a variety of delicious foods that can be harvested right from your own home. Imagine having fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits at your fingertips, ready to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.

In this article, we’ll explore 17 delicious foods you can easily grow in 5-gallon buckets, perfect for small spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this guide will help you select the best crops to grow in buckets and provide helpful tips to ensure a successful harvest.

1. Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are one of the most popular and versatile plants to grow in containers. Whether you’re making homemade pizza, tossing them in a fresh salad, or using them in pasta dishes, homegrown tomatoes bring out the best in your cooking. 5-gallon buckets are an ideal way to grow tomatoes, as they give enough space for the roots to develop and provide great drainage.

Why It’s Great:

Tomatoes require a good amount of sun to thrive, and with a 5-gallon bucket, you can place them in your sunniest spot, whether it’s on a balcony, patio, or even a windowsill. In a bucket, tomatoes are also protected from pests and can be grown vertically, which saves space.

  • Type of Tomato: Choose determinate (bushy) varieties if you want smaller, manageable plants. Indeterminate (vining) varieties are also a good choice but will need staking or a cage.
  • Care Tips: Tomatoes need regular watering but should never be waterlogged. A well-draining soil mix with compost or organic fertilizer will help them flourish. As the plants grow, prune any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth.

Amazon product recommendation: Tomato Growing Kit – Everything you need to get started, including soil, fertilizers, and gardening tools.

2. Lettuce

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Lettuce is a fast-growing vegetable that thrives in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for growing in 5-gallon buckets. It doesn’t require a lot of space, and you can grow several varieties in one bucket.

Why It’s Great:

Lettuce is a perfect beginner plant for those new to container gardening. It grows quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh, crunchy salads in a matter of weeks. Since lettuce doesn’t require deep roots, it adapts well to the shallow depth of a 5-gallon bucket.

  • Type of Lettuce: You can grow leaf lettuce or romaine in buckets. These varieties don’t need as much space to spread out as head lettuce.
  • Care Tips: Lettuce needs consistent watering but dislikes sitting in soggy soil. Make sure your bucket has proper drainage. Lettuce also prefers partial shade, especially during the hotter months, so keep your bucket in a cool, shaded area.

Amazon product recommendation: Lettuce Seeds Variety Pack – A selection of lettuce varieties perfect for container gardening.

3. Bell Peppers

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Bell peppers are a delicious and nutritious addition to your garden, and they grow exceptionally well in 5-gallon buckets. With the right care, they can provide you with a bountiful harvest of colorful peppers, perfect for adding flavor to a variety of dishes.

Why It’s Great:

Bell peppers thrive in warm weather and require a lot of sunlight, making them perfect for container gardening. The compact nature of a 5-gallon bucket means you can grow them on a patio, balcony, or even a sunny windowsill. Bell peppers also do well in containers because they’re more manageable and easier to care for than other crops.

  • Care Tips: Bell peppers need rich, well-draining soil. To get the best results, feed them with organic compost or slow-release fertilizer. Keep the soil moist, but ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Prune any dead leaves or stems to keep the plant healthy and productive.

Amazon product recommendation: Bell Pepper Planting Kit – Includes everything you need to grow peppers, including instructions, soil, and containers.

4. Strawberries

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Who doesn’t love fresh, juicy strawberries? Growing strawberries in a 5-gallon bucket is not only possible but also highly rewarding. You can enjoy a fresh batch of sweet strawberries without taking up too much space.

Why It’s Great:

Strawberries are perfect for container gardening because they grow well in shallow soil and need less space than other fruit plants. Plus, growing them in a bucket keeps them off the ground, which helps prevent pests and diseases.

  • Care Tips: Choose ever-bearing or day-neutral strawberry varieties for continuous fruit production. Ensure the buckets have good drainage, as strawberries prefer moist but not soggy soil. They will also need full sun for at least six hours a day to produce the best fruit.

Amazon product recommendation: Strawberry Pot Planter – A special planter designed to maximize space for growing strawberries.

5. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley, etc.)

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Fresh herbs can completely transform your cooking, and the best part is that they are easy to grow in 5-gallon buckets. With just a few herbs, you can add vibrant flavors to your meals without having to buy them at the store every time.

Why It’s Great:

Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, and thyme thrive in containers and do well in a 5-gallon bucket. Since many herbs have shallow root systems, they’re perfect for growing in buckets, which makes them an excellent option for small spaces like balconies and kitchens.

  • Care Tips: Herbs need plenty of sunlight to grow strong and healthy, so be sure to place your bucket in a sunny spot. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as herbs don’t like to sit in soggy soil. Harvesting your herbs regularly will encourage fresh growth.

Amazon product recommendation: Herb Growing Kit – Includes a variety of herbs you can easily grow in containers.

6. Radishes

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Radishes are one of the easiest and quickest vegetables to grow in a bucket, making them perfect for beginners or anyone looking for fast results. Radishes can be harvested in as little as 3 to 4 weeks.

Why It’s Great:

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Radishes are a low-maintenance crop that thrives in shallow containers. The compact nature of a 5-gallon bucket makes it the perfect home for these root vegetables. Plus, radishes grow quickly, allowing you to enjoy a fresh, crunchy snack in no time.

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  • Care Tips: Radishes don’t need much care, but they do require well-draining soil. Be sure to water them regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. If you’re growing multiple radishes in a bucket, thin them out once they start to grow to ensure they have enough space.

Amazon product recommendation: Radish Seed Pack – A great selection of radish seeds ideal for container gardening.

7. Carrots

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Carrots are another root vegetable that grows surprisingly well in 5-gallon buckets. Growing them at home allows you to harvest them at their peak of sweetness and tenderness.

Why It’s Great:

Carrots don’t need deep soil to grow, making a 5-gallon bucket an excellent choice for container gardening. The depth of the bucket gives the carrots enough space to grow straight down, allowing you to harvest long, smooth carrots.

  • Care Tips: Carrots require loose, well-draining soil to grow properly. Be sure to choose a container with drainage holes, as they don’t like to be waterlogged. Carrots should be thinned out when they begin to grow to ensure they have enough room to develop.

Amazon product recommendation: Carrot Growing Kit – Everything you need to grow fresh, crunchy carrots at home.

8. Spinach

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Spinach is a fast-growing leafy green that thrives in cool weather, making it a perfect crop to grow in a 5-gallon bucket. With just a few plants, you can have a steady supply of nutritious spinach leaves for your salads, smoothies, and more.

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Why It’s Great:

Spinach doesn’t require much space to grow, and a 5-gallon bucket provides enough room for multiple plants. Plus, spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your homegrown food collection.

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  • Care Tips: Spinach prefers cooler weather, so it’s best to plant it in early spring or fall. It does well in partial shade, making it perfect for indoor container gardening. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as spinach is susceptible to root rot.

Amazon product recommendation: Spinach Seeds – High-quality spinach seeds that are perfect for growing in containers.

9. Cucumbers

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Cucumbers are a refreshing and versatile vegetable that’s perfect for container gardening. They can be eaten fresh, in salads, or used to make pickles. Growing them in 5-gallon buckets is easy, and they don’t require a lot of space.

Why It’s Great:

Cucumbers grow well in a container environment, especially when trained to grow vertically. This means you can save space while still getting a healthy harvest of crisp, refreshing cucumbers.

  • Care Tips: Cucumbers need full sun to produce the best fruit, so make sure your bucket is placed in a sunny spot. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to provide a trellis or other support system for the vines to climb on.

Amazon product recommendation: Cucumber Vertical Gardening Kit – A space-saving kit that helps cucumbers grow vertically in containers.

10. Green Beans

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Green beans are another excellent choice for growing in 5-gallon buckets. They are a nutritious, high-protein vegetable that can be enjoyed fresh, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.

Why It’s Great:

Green beans thrive in containers because they don’t need deep soil. Their compact root systems make them a perfect fit for a 5-gallon bucket. With the right care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh beans that are much tastier than store-bought options.

  • Care Tips: Green beans require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. They are also great climbers, so it’s helpful to provide a trellis or pole for them to grow vertically. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and ensure the bucket has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Amazon product recommendation: Green Bean Trellis Kit – Perfect for growing climbing green beans in containers.

11. Zucchini

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Zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in containers, and it’s also highly productive. A single plant can produce multiple zucchinis over the course of a growing season, making it an excellent food to grow for larger harvests.

Why It’s Great:

Zucchini plants are prolific producers, and their bushy nature allows them to grow well in a 5-gallon bucket. They need plenty of space to spread out, and a bucket offers enough room for a single plant. Plus, zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in everything from stir-fries to baked goods.

  • Care Tips: Zucchini loves full sun and needs regular watering to thrive. Be sure to add compost or organic fertilizer to the soil to keep the plant nourished. Regularly harvest the zucchinis to encourage further growth and prevent them from becoming too large.

Amazon product recommendation: Zucchini Seed Pack – A great selection of zucchini varieties perfect for small spaces.

12. Sweet Potatoes

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If you’ve always wanted to grow your own sweet potatoes, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s possible to grow them in 5-gallon buckets. These delicious, nutrient-packed root vegetables can thrive in containers with a little extra care.

Why It’s Great:

Sweet potatoes are ideal for growing in buckets because they have shallow roots that don’t need a lot of depth. With a little patience, you can grow your own supply of these sweet, creamy potatoes right at home. They are great for baking, mashing, or even frying.

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  • Care Tips: Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained soil and require full sun. When planting, ensure the soil is loose and light so the roots can spread out easily. Water the plants regularly but avoid overwatering, as sweet potatoes are prone to rot in soggy soil.
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Amazon product recommendation: Sweet Potato Slips – High-quality sweet potato slips to get your container garden started.

13. Onions

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Onions are a staple in most kitchens, and growing them in 5-gallon buckets is surprisingly simple. You can grow both bulb onions and green onions in containers, making them an incredibly versatile addition to your bucket garden.

Why It’s Great:

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Onions have shallow roots, so they grow perfectly well in a 5-gallon bucket. Whether you’re growing them for their flavorful bulbs or their tender green stalks, onions are an easy and rewarding vegetable to cultivate at home. Plus, you can use them fresh in salads or cooked into a wide range of dishes.

  • Care Tips: Onions require well-drained soil, full sun, and consistent watering. Bulb onions need plenty of space to form large bulbs, so avoid overcrowding them in the bucket. Green onions can be harvested regularly, while bulb onions take longer to mature.

Amazon product recommendation: Onion Growing Kit – Everything you need to grow onions, including seeds and tips.

14. Eggplants

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Eggplants are a fantastic vegetable to grow in a 5-gallon bucket, and they’re perfect for those who love adding a meaty texture to their dishes without the meat. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or making a delicious eggplant parmesan, homegrown eggplants bring unbeatable flavor.

Why It’s Great:

Eggplants do well in containers and are relatively easy to grow. They produce large, glossy fruits that can be used in a variety of dishes. Since they don’t require as much space as some other vegetables, they adapt well to life in a bucket.

  • Care Tips: Eggplants need full sun and warm temperatures to grow well. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Be sure to provide support for the plants as they grow, as the heavy fruits can weigh down the branches.

Amazon product recommendation: Eggplant Growing Kit – A complete kit with all you need to grow healthy, flavorful eggplants.

15. Chili Peppers

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If you like a little heat in your meals, growing chili peppers in a 5-gallon bucket is an excellent way to enjoy fresh, spicy peppers all season long. Whether you’re making salsa, hot sauce, or just adding some spice to your cooking, homegrown chili peppers are a must-have.

Why It’s Great:

Chili peppers are perfect for growing in containers because they have a compact growth habit. You can grow multiple plants in a single bucket, providing a steady supply of fresh peppers. Plus, they require minimal space and care.

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  • Care Tips: Peppers need plenty of sun and well-drained soil. Be sure to water consistently, but avoid letting the soil become soggy. You can harvest the peppers as they mature, allowing for a longer growing season. Regular pruning will help keep the plant healthy and productive.

Amazon product recommendation: Chili Pepper Growing Kit – A great option for starting your chili pepper garden.

16. Cabbage

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Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that thrives in 5-gallon buckets. While it requires a bit more space than some of the other vegetables, it can still be successfully grown in containers, providing fresh cabbage for salads, soups, and slaws.

Why It’s Great:

Cabbage grows well in buckets due to its compact root system and ability to adapt to container life. It doesn’t require deep soil, making it a good fit for the shallow depth of a 5-gallon bucket. Plus, cabbage is incredibly nutritious and adds crunch and flavor to many dishes.

  • Care Tips: Cabbage needs full sun and regular watering. To ensure a good head of cabbage, keep the soil moist and avoid letting it dry out completely. Cabbage also benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Amazon product recommendation: Cabbage Seed Pack – A selection of cabbage seeds that thrive in containers.

17. Raspberries

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Raspberries are a sweet, juicy fruit that can easily be grown in a 5-gallon bucket. They are perfect for snacking, making jams, or adding to smoothies and desserts.

Why It’s Great:

Raspberries are perfect for growing in containers because they don’t require much space, and you can place them wherever they will receive full sun. With the right care, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, homegrown raspberries.

  • Care Tips: Raspberries need full sun to produce the best fruit. Ensure that the bucket has proper drainage to keep the roots from becoming waterlogged. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. Prune the plants as needed to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

Amazon product recommendation: Raspberry Growing Kit – A kit with all the essentials to grow fresh raspberries.

Conclusion

Container gardening with 5-gallon buckets offers a unique and practical way to grow a wide variety of foods, even in small spaces. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or fruits, these 17 foods can provide fresh, nutritious, and delicious additions to your diet. The beauty of using 5-gallon buckets is that they are portable, easy to manage, and perfect for urban environments or small gardens.

By following the care tips and selecting the right varieties for your climate and space, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting fresh produce right from your own backyard or balcony. Happy gardening, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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Written By
Alice Jane
Alice is a gardening expert with 4 years of experience writing about horticulture and over 2 years of experience working in landscaping firms.

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