The best part about bucket gardening is that you can grow a surprising amount of food in very little space. I tested this myself and was surprised at how well these plants performed.
DRAINAGE IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
Before you plant anything, drill 4-6 drainage holes in the bottom of each bucket. Without proper drainage, your plants will sit in waterlogged soil and rot. This is the number one mistake I see people make.
VEGETABLES THAT LOVE BUCKET LIFE
TOMATOES – One plant per bucket. Start seeds 8-10 weeks before your last frost date. These are water hogs, so expect to water daily during hot weather and add 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture.
PEPPERS – Perfect for buckets. Start after your last frost date and make sure they get at least 6 hours of sun daily.
POTATOES – Here’s the cool part: you can harvest 2-3 pounds of potatoes from a single 5-gallon bucket. That’s a lot of carbs from minimal space.
ONIONS – A single bucket can hold up to 10 onions at once. Plant bulbs 8-10 weeks before the last frost date for a summer harvest.
CARROTS – The depth of a 5-gallon bucket is actually perfect for root vegetables. Plant 3-4 weeks before the last frost in early fall. Light frost makes them taste sweeter.
LEAFY GREENS – Spinach (18-20 plants per bucket), kale, and bok choy all thrive in buckets. Plant 5-7 weeks before last frost. These cool-weather crops actually taste better after experiencing some frost.
PEAS – Plant 6-8 weeks before last frost. They’ll climb, so add a simple trellis or stake for vertical growing.
BROCCOLI – Plant 5-7 weeks before last frost, harvest in late fall. One plant per bucket.
EGGPLANT – Needs warm temperatures and NO frost risk. Start seeds 8-10 weeks before last frost date indoors, then transplant after all danger of frost has passed.
THE WATERING REALITY
Bucket gardens dry out faster than in-ground gardens. Check soil moisture daily by sticking your finger 2 inches deep. If it’s dry, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom holes.
THE SOIL MATTERS
Don’t use garden soil in buckets. It compacts too much. Use quality potting mix that drains well but holds moisture. Think of it like a sponge that releases water slowly rather than a rock that repels it.
What’s holding you back from trying bucket gardening – space, budget, or just not sure where to start?
