3-gallon buckets offer more root space, ideal for shallow-rooted vegetables and small fruiting plants. These are manageable in size but offer a bit more productivity.
Best Choices:
Lettuce – Grows quickly; perfect for cut-and-come-again harvests.
Spinach – Prefers cool weather; plant successively for continuous yield.
Radishes – Fast-growing; harvest in 30 days; thin seedlings for larger roots.
Green Onions – Great for vertical growth; plant densely for scallions.
Strawberries – Compact and easy to manage; choose everbearing varieties.
Dwarf Tomatoes – Smaller varieties like Tiny Tim or Patio Princess thrive here.
Peppers – Bell and chili peppers adapt well; stake as needed for support.
Bush Beans – Productive in small spaces; no trellis required for bush types.
Arugula – Spicy leafy green; harvest young for best flavor.
Small Succulents – Great for ornamental use; minimal watering required.
☀️ Tip: Place your buckets where they’ll receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Top 10 Plants to Grow in 5-Gallon Buckets
5-gallon buckets are the sweet spot for most container gardeners. They’re deep and wide enough for many vegetables, providing enough soil for healthy root systems.
Best Choices:
Cherry Tomatoes – Indeterminate types will need support; prolific and perfect for snacks or salads.
Cucumbers – Bush varieties work best; provide a small trellis.
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