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20 Plants That Flourish in Cheap 5-Gallon Buckets

Think you need a sprawling backyard to grow fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs? Think again. With just a few inexpensive 5-gallon buckets, you can grow a thriving container garden on a patio, balcony, driveway—or even indoors near a sunny window.

These humble buckets are budget-friendly, space-saving, and surprisingly versatile. When paired with the right soil and drainage, they create ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of plants.

Here are 20 plants that flourish in 5-gallon buckets, making it easier than ever to grow your own food and greenery—even in the smallest spaces.

🌿 Why 5-Gallon Buckets Are Perfect for Growing

Affordable: Often free or cheap at hardware stores or restaurants.
Portable: Easy to move around to catch sunlight or avoid storms.
Durable: Strong enough to last several seasons.
Customizable: Drill your own drainage holes, add handles, or paint them for style.

Pro tip: Use food-grade buckets if you’re growing edibles.

🌱 20 Best Plants to Grow in 5-Gallon Buckets

1. Tomatoes

Bucket Size: 1 plant per bucket
Needs staking or a cage
Loves full sun and rich, well-draining soil

2. Peppers (Bell & Hot)

Bucket Size: 1-2 plants per bucket
Compact, colorful, and great for patios

3. Potatoes

Bucket Size: 1 plant per bucket
Start with a few inches of soil and add more as they grow

4. Carrots

Bucket Size: Scatter seeds 2–3 inches apart
Deep soil and good drainage are key

5. Onions

Bucket Size: 6–8 onions per bucket
Ideal for green onions or full bulbs

6. Garlic

Bucket Size: 6–10 cloves per bucket
Plant in fall and harvest in late spring

7. Lettuce

Bucket Size: Several plants per bucket
Cut-and-come-again varieties yield multiple harvests

8. Spinach

Bucket Size: 4–6 plants per bucket
Loves cooler weather and partial shade

9. Kale

Bucket Size: 2 plants per bucket
Nutrient-dense and very forgiving

10. Radishes

Bucket Size: 10–15 per bucket
Ready to harvest in as little as 30 days

11. Cucumbers

Bucket Size: 1 plant per bucket
Provide a trellis or stake for vines to climb

12. Zucchini

Bucket Size: 1 plant per bucket
Big harvests from a single plant

13. Green Beans

Bucket Size: 3–4 bush bean plants per bucket
Pole varieties need support

14. Beets

Bucket Size: 6–8 per bucket
You get both roots and edible greens

15. Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro)

Bucket Size: Mix several herbs per bucket
Pinch back often for bushier growth

16. Strawberries

Bucket Size: 4–5 plants per bucket
Make drainage holes and raise buckets for trailing growth

17. Chard

Bucket Size: 2–3 plants per bucket
Colorful, nutritious, and heat-tolerant

18. Eggplant

Bucket Size: 1 plant per bucket
Thrives in heat and rich soil

19. Peas

Bucket Size: 4–5 plants per bucket
Use a small trellis or tomato cage for support

20. Broccoli

Bucket Size: 1 plant per bucket
Needs cooler temps and steady moisture

🛠️ Quick Tips for Bucket Gardening Success

Drainage is essential: Drill at least 4–6 holes in the bottom of each bucket.
Use quality potting mix: Don’t use garden soil alone—it compacts too easily.
Water consistently: Buckets dry out faster than in-ground gardens.
Fertilize regularly: Container-grown plants need feeding every 2–3 weeks.
Label your buckets: Especially if growing from seed.

🌞 Great for Small Spaces & Big Yields

5-gallon buckets make urban gardening simple. Whether you’re limited on space, want to avoid digging, or just love a tidy container garden, these cheap containers offer a powerful way to grow your own food.

So before you toss out that empty bucket—or walk past one at the hardware store—imagine the thriving garden it could become!

Would you like a printable chart of which plants to pair with each bucket or a DIY self-watering bucket guide?