20 Plants That Thrive in 5-Gallon Buckets (Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers)

Container gardening has revolutionized the way we grow food and ornamental plants, making it accessible for everyone—from apartment dwellers with tiny balconies to homeowners seeking portable garden solutions. Among all the container gardening options available, 5-gallon buckets stand out as the most versatile, affordable, and effective growing vessels for cultivating a thriving garden in limited spaces.

Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced green thumb looking to maximize your growing area, bucket gardening offers incredible flexibility and convenience. These humble containers, measuring approximately 14 inches in height and 12 inches in diameter, provide the perfect environment for deep-rooted vegetables, aromatic herbs, and stunning flowers. The beauty of growing plants in buckets lies in their portability—you can easily move them to follow the sun, protect them from harsh weather, or simply rearrange your outdoor space for aesthetic appeal.

Growing vegetables in 5-gallon buckets has become increasingly popular because it eliminates many traditional gardening challenges. You won’t need to deal with poor soil quality, stubborn weeds, or back-breaking labor associated with conventional in-ground gardens. Instead, you’ll have complete control over your growing medium, watering schedule, and plant placement. This makes container gardening ideal for urban gardeners, renters, seniors with mobility concerns, or anyone who wants to grow fresh produce without dedicating large yard spaces to traditional garden beds.

The cost-effectiveness of 5-gallon bucket gardens is another compelling advantage. These containers are readily available at hardware stores for just a few dollars, and many restaurants, bakeries, and delis give away food-grade buckets for free. When properly prepared with drainage holes and filled with quality potting soil, these simple containers transform into productive mini-gardens capable of yielding impressive harvests throughout the growing season.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 exceptional plants—including nutrient-rich vegetables, flavorful herbs, and vibrant flowers—that not only survive but truly thrive when grown in 5-gallon containers. You’ll discover which varieties perform best, how many plants each bucket can support, and essential care tips to ensure your bucket garden flourishes from spring through fall.

Why Choose 5-Gallon Buckets for Container Gardening

Container gardening with 5-gallon buckets offers numerous advantages that make this method superior to traditional gardening or using expensive decorative planters. Understanding these benefits will help you appreciate why so many successful gardeners have embraced this practical growing approach.

Space Efficiency and Portability

Five-gallon buckets are perfectly sized for small spaces like patios, decks, balconies, and even fire escapes. Their compact 12-inch diameter footprint means you can fit multiple buckets in tight areas while still providing adequate growing space for each plant. The lightweight nature of these containers makes them easy to relocate throughout the day to optimize sun exposure or protect plants from extreme weather conditions.

Cost-Effective Gardening Solution

Traditional garden containers and decorative pots can cost $20 to $50 or more, but food-grade 5-gallon buckets typically cost between $3 and $5 at hardware stores. Many businesses that receive bulk food deliveries will gladly give away used buckets for free, making this one of the most economical gardening methods available. This affordability allows you to start a substantial container garden without breaking your budget.

Superior Drainage and Root Development

The depth of 5-gallon containers (14 inches) provides excellent vertical growing space for extensive root systems. This depth is crucial for producing healthy, productive plants because well-developed roots absorb more nutrients and water, leading to stronger growth and higher yields. When properly modified with drainage holes, buckets prevent waterlogging—one of the most common causes of plant failure in container gardening.

Complete Growing Environment Control

Bucket gardening gives you absolute control over soil quality, pH levels, and nutrient content. This is especially valuable if your native soil is contaminated, heavily compacted, or nutritionally deficient. You can customize the potting soil mixture for specific plant requirements, ensuring optimal growing conditions that would be difficult or impossible to achieve in traditional garden beds.

Essential Setup Tips for Your 5-Gallon Bucket Garden

Before planting your vegetables, herbs, or flowers, proper bucket preparation is crucial for success. Following these essential steps will create an ideal growing environment for your plants.

Selecting Food-Safe Buckets

Always choose food-grade buckets marked with BPA-free labels, especially when growing vegetables or herbs for consumption. Look for recycling codes 1, 2, 4, or 5 on the bottom of the bucket. Avoid buckets that previously contained paint, chemicals, pesticides, or other toxic substances, as these materials can leach into your soil and plants.

Creating Proper Drainage

Adequate drainage is absolutely critical for healthy container plants. Use a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch drill bit to create 4-6 evenly spaced holes in the bucket bottom. Additionally, drill 3-4 holes around the sides about 2 inches from the bottom to promote air circulation to the roots and prevent water from pooling. Without proper drainage, even drought-tolerant plants will suffer from root rot.

Choosing the Right Potting Soil

Never use garden soil in containers—it compacts too densely and restricts root growth. Instead, use a high-quality potting soil mix designed specifically for container gardening. An excellent DIY mixture combines equal parts peat moss or coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite, and compost. This blend provides good drainage, adequate moisture retention, and essential nutrients. Each 5-gallon bucket requires approximately 0.75 cubic feet of potting soil, meaning one 2-cubic-foot bag will fill three buckets.

Adding Drainage Material

Place a layer of drainage material at the bucket bottom before adding soil. Options include small rocks, gravel, perlite, or broken pottery pieces. This 1-2 inch layer prevents drainage holes from clogging with soil while keeping the overall bucket weight manageable. Some gardeners also place landscape fabric over the drainage layer to further prevent soil migration through the holes.

20 Best Plants That Thrive in 5-Gallon Buckets

Now let’s explore the vegetables, herbs, and flowers that perform exceptionally well in 5-gallon containers, organized by category for easy reference.

Vegetables That Excel in Bucket Gardens

1. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

• Tomatoes are the quintessential bucket garden crop and consistently rank as the most popular choice for container gardening. These sun-loving plants produce abundant harvests when given proper support and care.
• Best Varieties: Choose determinate (bush) varieties like ‘Patio’, ‘Tiny Tim’, ‘Bush Early Girl’, or cherry tomato varieties such as ‘Sweet 100’ and ‘Sun Gold’. These compact plants naturally stay smaller than indeterminate vining types.
• Planting Guidelines: Grow one tomato plant per 5-gallon bucket. Tomatoes require full sun (6-8 hours daily), consistent moisture, and weekly feeding once fruits begin forming. Install a sturdy tomato cage or stake at planting time to support the growing plant.

2. Peppers (Capsicum annuum)

Both sweet bell peppers and spicy chili varieties thrive in the warm, well-drained environment of bucket gardens. Peppers appreciate the ability to move containers to follow the sun or protect plants from unexpected cold snaps.

• Best Varieties: ‘California Wonder’, ‘Sweet Banana’, ‘Cayenne’, ‘Jalapeño’, and ‘Shishito’ all perform excellently in containers.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant one standard-sized pepper per bucket, or three dwarf varieties together. Peppers prefer warm temperatures, consistent moisture, and benefit from companion planting with basil or oregano around the bucket edges.

3. Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

• Cucumbers grow remarkably well in 5-gallon buckets, especially bush or compact vining varieties. Their relatively shallow root systems make them perfectly suited to container gardening.
• Best Varieties: Bush varieties like ‘Bush Champion’, ‘Bush Pickle’, or compact types such as ‘Spacemaster’ and ‘Salad Bush’ work best.
• Planting Guidelines: Grow one cucumber plant per bucket. Provide a trellis or stake for support, even with bush varieties, to keep fruits clean and maximize space. Cucumbers are heavy feeders requiring frequent watering and bi-weekly fertilization.

4. Lettuce and Salad Greens (Lactuca sativa)

• Lettuce is perfect for beginning bucket gardeners because it grows quickly, tolerates partial shade, and doesn’t require the full depth of a 5-gallon container, making it highly productive.
• Best Varieties: ‘Buttercrunch’, ‘Black Seeded Simpson’, ‘Red Sails’, ‘Oak Leaf’, and mixed mesclun blends all grow beautifully in buckets.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant 4-6 lettuce plants per bucket with 4-6 inch spacing. For continuous harvests, practice succession planting by sowing new seeds every two weeks. Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures and appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates.

5. Kale (Brassica oleracea)

• Kale is a nutrient powerhouse that thrives in containers and actually tastes sweeter after light frost exposure. This hardy leafy green provides harvests from early spring through late fall.
• Best Varieties: ‘Lacinato’ (Dinosaur Kale), ‘Redbor’, ‘Winterbor’, and ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ are excellent container choices.
• Planting Guidelines: Grow 1-2 kale plants per bucket, depending on the variety size. Kale tolerates both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various growing locations. Harvest outer leaves continuously while allowing the center to continue producing.

6. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

• Spinach grows rapidly in cool weather and produces abundantly in bucket gardens. This cold-hardy green is perfect for spring and fall growing seasons.
• Best Varieties: ‘Bloomsdale’, ‘Space’, ‘Tyee’, and ‘Regiment’ perform well in containers.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant 3-5 spinach plants per bucket with 5-inch spacing. Spinach bolts (goes to seed) quickly in hot weather, so time plantings for cool seasons or provide shade during summer months.

7. Carrots (Daucus carota)

• Carrots surprise many gardeners with their excellent performance in 5-gallon buckets. The deep, loose soil environment encourages straight, well-formed roots without the rocks and clay that plague ground-grown carrots.
• Best Varieties: Choose shorter varieties like ‘Danvers Half Long’, ‘Short’n ‘n Sweet’, ‘Thumbelina’, and ‘Little Finger’ for best results.
• Planting Guidelines: Sow carrot seeds directly in the bucket (they don’t transplant well), thinning seedlings to 2-3 inches apart. One bucket can yield 15-20 carrots. Provide consistent moisture for the sweetest flavor and avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers that promote leafy growth over root development.

8. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)

• Radishes are among the fastest-growing vegetables, often ready for harvest in just 25-30 days. They’re perfect for impatient gardeners or children learning to grow food.
• Best Varieties: ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘French Breakfast’, ‘Easter Egg’, and ‘Icicle’ (a white elongated type) all grow well in containers.
• Planting Guidelines: Sow radish seeds 1 inch apart and thin to 2 inches as they grow. One 5-gallon bucket can accommodate approximately 20-30 radishes. Practice succession planting every week for continuous harvests throughout the growing season.

9. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

• Broccoli develops excellent heads when given the space and nutrients available in 5-gallon buckets. This cool-season crop prefers spring and fall growing periods.
• Best Varieties: Compact varieties like ‘DeCicco’, ‘Green Comet’, ‘Calabrese’, and ‘Waltham 29’ are suitable for container gardening.
• Planting Guidelines: Grow one broccoli plant per bucket. Broccoli requires full sun, consistent moisture, and regular feeding with nitrogen-rich fertilizer. After harvesting the main head, many varieties produce smaller side shoots for extended harvests.

10. Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

• Eggplant thrives in the warm, well-drained conditions of bucket gardens. These attractive plants with purple-veined leaves and colorful fruits serve dual purposes as both edible and ornamental plants.
• Best Varieties: ‘Black Beauty’, ‘Ichiban’, ‘Fairy Tale’, ‘Little Finger’, and ‘Slim Jim’ work excellently in containers.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant one eggplant per bucket. These heat-loving plants require full sun, warm temperatures, and consistent moisture. Stake tall varieties to support the weight of developing fruits.

11. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

• Potatoes are perfectly suited to bucket gardening because you can easily “hill” them by adding more soil as they grow, and harvest is as simple as tipping over the bucket to collect your tubers.
• Best Varieties: ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Red Pontiac’, ‘Kennebec’, and fingerling varieties all produce well in 5-gallon buckets.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant 2-3 seed potatoes per bucket. Start with 4 inches of soil at the bottom, place potato pieces, and cover with 4 more inches. As plants grow, continue adding soil until the bucket is filled, leaving only the top leaves exposed. This technique dramatically increases yield.

12. Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris)

• Swiss chard is an underappreciated vegetable that produces continuously throughout the season. Its colorful stems (red, yellow, orange, or white) make it visually striking in container gardens.
• Best Varieties: ‘Bright Lights’, ‘Fordhook Giant’, ‘Ruby Red’, and ‘Peppermint’ offer beautiful stem colors and excellent flavor.
• Planting Guidelines: Grow 2-3 chard plants per bucket with 8-inch spacing. Harvest outer leaves continuously while leaving the center growth point intact for ongoing production. Chard tolerates both heat and light frost better than many leafy greens.

Herbs Perfect for 5-Gallon Buckets

13. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

• Basil is arguably the most popular culinary herb for bucket gardening. This aromatic annual thrives in warm weather and produces abundantly with regular harvesting.
• Best Varieties: ‘Genovese’, ‘Sweet Basil’, ‘Thai Basil’, ‘Purple Ruffles’, and ‘Lemon Basil’ all excel in containers.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant 3-4 basil plants per bucket with 4-6 inch spacing. Basil requires full sun, warm temperatures, and consistent moisture. Pinch off flower buds regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from going to seed.

14. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

• Parsley grows exceptionally well in containers and provides fresh herbs from spring through fall. This biennial herb (grown as an annual) has deep roots that appreciate the depth of 5-gallon buckets.
• Best Varieties: Both curly-leaf types like ‘Moss Curled’ and flat-leaf (Italian) varieties such as ‘Giant of Italy’ work well.
• Planting Guidelines: Grow 3-4 parsley plants per bucket. Parsley seeds germinate slowly (2-3 weeks), so consider purchasing transplants. This herb tolerates partial shade and continues producing even after light frosts.

15. Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

• Cilantro (the leaves) and coriander (the seeds) come from the same plant, making this a dual-purpose herb for bucket gardens. It grows quickly but bolts in hot weather, so plan accordingly.
• Best Varieties: ‘Santo’, ‘Slow Bolt’, ‘Calypso’, and ‘Leisure’ resist bolting longer than standard varieties.
• Planting Guidelines: Sow cilantro seeds directly in the bucket, thinning plants to 4-6 inches apart. One bucket can support 6-8 plants. For continuous fresh cilantro, practice succession planting every 2-3 weeks during cool weather.

16. Mint (Mentha spp.)

• Mint is actually ideal for container gardening because its aggressive spreading habit makes it problematic in garden beds, where it can quickly become invasive. Buckets provide perfect containment.
• Best Varieties: ‘Spearmint’, ‘Peppermint’, ‘Chocolate Mint’, ‘Apple Mint’, and ‘Mojito Mint’ all thrive in containers.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant 1-2 mint plants per bucket. Mint prefers partial shade and consistent moisture. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth, and divide plants every 2-3 years if they become root-bound.

17. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

• Oregano is a low-maintenance perennial herb that flourishes in bucket gardens. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil conditions better than most culinary herbs.
• Best Varieties: ‘Greek Oregano’, ‘Italian Oregano’, ‘Hot & Spicy’, and ‘Variegated Oregano’ offer different flavors and appearances.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant 1-2 oregano plants per bucket. This herb requires full sun and excellent drainage. Oregano becomes more flavorful in lean soil with less nitrogen, so avoid over-fertilizing.

18. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Thyme is a compact, woody perennial herb perfect for 5-gallon bucket cultivation. It requires minimal maintenance once established and provides fresh leaves year-round in mild climates.
• Best Varieties: ‘English Thyme’, ‘Lemon Thyme’, ‘Caraway Thyme’, and ‘French Thyme’ offer varying flavors for different culinary applications.
• Planting Guidelines: Grow 3-4 thyme plants per bucket. Thyme demands full sun and excellent drainage—it’s one of the few herbs that prefers drier conditions. Trim back after flowering to maintain a compact shape.

Flowers That Flourish in 5-Gallon Buckets

19. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

• Marigolds are classic container flowers that serve multiple purposes—they’re visually stunning, attract beneficial insects, and repel many garden pests. These cheerful annuals bloom prolifically throughout summer.
• Best Varieties: French marigolds (‘Bonanza’, ‘Safari’), African marigolds (‘Inca’), and Signet marigolds (edible petals) all perform well.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant 3-5 marigolds per bucket, depending on variety size. Marigolds thrive in full sun, tolerate heat and drought, and require minimal care. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

20. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

• Nasturtiums are both ornamental and edible flowers with peppery-tasting leaves, flowers, and seed pods. These easy-care annuals cascade beautifully over bucket edges.
• Best Varieties: Bush varieties like ‘Jewel Mix’ and ‘Alaska’ work for single-bucket plantings, while trailing types such as ‘Moonlight’ create stunning vertical displays.
• Planting Guidelines: Plant 2-3 nasturtium plants per bucket for bush types, or 1 plant for trailing varieties. Nasturtiums prefer full sun to light shade and actually bloom better in poor soil. They’re also excellent companion plants for vegetables, deterring aphids and other pests.

Essential Care Tips for Your 5-Gallon Bucket Garden

Successful bucket gardening requires understanding the unique care requirements of container plants, which differ from traditional in-ground gardening in several important ways.

Watering Requirements

Container plants dry out much faster than garden beds, especially during hot weather. Check soil moisture daily by inserting your finger 2 inches deep—if it feels dry, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom holes. Buckets typically need watering every 1-2 days in summer heat. Morning watering is ideal as it allows foliage to dry before evening, reducing disease risk.

Fertilization Schedule

Even the richest potting soil depletes nutrients quickly as plants grow. Begin fertilizing 2-3 weeks after planting, then feed every 2 weeks throughout the growing season. Use a balanced organic liquid fertilizer or compost tea diluted to half strength. For fruiting plants like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus formula once flowering begins to promote fruit production rather than excessive foliage.

Sunlight Optimization

Most vegetables and herbs require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal production. The portability of 5-gallon buckets allows you to move them throughout the day or season to maximize sun exposure. Track sun patterns in your space and relocate buckets as needed. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and chard can tolerate partial shade, making them suitable for spots with less direct sun.

Pest and Disease Management

Container gardening naturally reduces many pest and disease problems compared to traditional gardens, but issues can still arise. Inspect plants regularly for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Use companion planting strategies—for example, planting basil with tomatoes or marigolds with vegetables—to naturally deter pests. Proper spacing between buckets ensures good air circulation, reducing fungal diseases. Remove yellowing or diseased leaves promptly.

End-of-Season Maintenance

When the growing season ends, pull spent plants and empty buckets. Add the old potting soil and plant material to your compost pile, where it will rejuvenate over winter. Clean buckets with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to eliminate disease pathogens, rinse thoroughly, and store in a dry location. This simple maintenance ensures your containers remain in excellent condition for next season’s garden.

Also Read: Best Native Plants for a Sustainable Garden

Conclusion

Container gardening with 5-gallon buckets opens endless possibilities for growing fresh, nutritious vegetables, aromatic herbs, and beautiful flowers regardless of your available space or gardening experience level. These versatile, affordable containers provide the ideal growing environment for 20 exceptional plants we’ve explored, from productive tomatoes and peppers to flavorful basil and stunning marigolds.

The beauty of bucket gardening lies in its accessibility—apartment dwellers, renters, seniors, and anyone without traditional garden space can successfully cultivate thriving plants that yield impressive harvests. By following proper setup procedures, including adequate drainage, quality potting soil, and appropriate plant selection, your 5-gallon bucket garden will flourish from spring through fall. Remember to monitor watering needs carefully, fertilize regularly, and take advantage of your buckets‘ portability to optimize growing conditions.

Whether you start with a single bucket of cherry tomatoes or create an entire patio garden featuring multiple vegetables, herbs, and flowers, you’ll discover that container gardening delivers both practical rewards and genuine satisfaction. Start your bucket garden today and experience the joy of harvesting homegrown produce just steps from your kitchen door!