There’s something incredibly satisfying about stepping into my backyard and seeing a vibrant, thriving garden—all grown in colorful 5-gallon buckets! Whether you have limited space, poor soil, or just want a low-maintenance gardening solution, bucket gardening is a fantastic way to grow fresh vegetables and herbs.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my cozy homestead bucket garden, sharing which plants thrive in containers and how you can grow them successfully.
Why Grow a Garden in 5-Gallon Buckets?
Before diving into the plants, let’s talk about why 5-gallon buckets are perfect for gardening:
✅ Space-saving – Ideal for small yards, patios, or balconies.
✅ Portable – Move plants to optimize sunlight or protect from harsh weather.
✅ Weed-free – No battling invasive weeds like in-ground gardens.
✅ Better soil control – Customize soil for each plant’s needs.
✅ Affordable & reusable – Cheap (or free) and lasts for years.
How to Prepare Your 5-Gallon Buckets for Planting
- Drill Drainage Holes – Use a ½-inch drill bit to make 4-6 holes in the bottom.
- Add Gravel or Pebbles (Optional) – A thin layer improves drainage.
- Fill with Quality Potting Mix – Avoid garden soil; it compacts too easily.
- Choose the Right Location – Most veggies need 6-8 hours of sunlight.
Now, let’s explore what you can grow!
1. Juicy Tomatoes (With Cage Support)
Varieties: Cherry tomatoes, Roma, Beefsteak
Why They Thrive: Tomatoes love deep soil, and a 5-gallon bucket is perfect for their roots.
How to Grow:
- Plant one tomato per bucket.
- Insert a tomato cage or stake at planting to avoid damaging roots later.
- Water deeply 2-3 times per week (keep soil consistently moist).
- Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Pro Tip: Prune suckers to direct energy toward fruit production!
2. Bushy Green Basil (Perfect for Pestos & Salads)
Varieties: Genovese, Sweet Basil, Purple Basil
Why It Thrives: Basil grows quickly in containers and pairs well with tomatoes.
How to Grow:
- Plant 2-3 basil plants per bucket.
- Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf growth.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Harvest leaves regularly to promote bushiness.
Bonus: Basil repels mosquitoes—great for patio gardening!
3. Vibrant Peppers (Bell or Hot Varieties)
Varieties: Bell peppers, Jalapeños, Cayenne
Why They Thrive: Peppers love warm roots, and black buckets absorb heat well.
How to Grow:
- Plant one pepper plant per bucket.
- Use a small stake if the plant gets top-heavy.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize with a high-phosphorus mix for more fruit.
Pro Tip: Peppers take time—be patient, and they’ll reward you!
4. Leafy Lettuce (Fast-Growing & Cut-and-Come-Again)
Varieties: Buttercrunch, Romaine, Mixed Greens
Why It Thrives: Lettuce has shallow roots and grows quickly.
How to Grow:
- Scatter seeds or plant 4-6 lettuce plants per bucket.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Harvest outer leaves to allow continuous growth.
- Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
Bonus: You can harvest in just 30 days!
5. Potato Plants (Grown with Straw Mulch)
Varieties: Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac, Fingerlings
Why They Thrive: Buckets make “hilling” potatoes easy!
How to Grow:
- Plant 2-3 seed potatoes per bucket, eyes up.
- Cover with 4 inches of soil, then add straw mulch.
- As plants grow, add more soil/straw to encourage tuber growth.
- Harvest when foliage dies back—just dump the bucket!
Pro Tip: New potatoes can be harvested early for tender, small spuds.
Final Tips for a Thriving Bucket Garden
🌿 Rotate crops – Don’t grow the same plant in the same bucket year after year.
💧 Use self-watering systems (or ollas) for consistent moisture.
🐝 Attract pollinators – Add marigolds or lavender in a separate bucket.
🌱 Try companion planting – Basil with tomatoes, lettuce with peppers.
Conclusion: A Cozy, Productive Bucket Garden Awaits!
Transforming my backyard into a colorful, edible oasis with 5-gallon buckets has been one of my best homesteading decisions. Whether you're growing tomatoes, basil, peppers, lettuce, or potatoes, this method is simple, space-efficient, and highly rewarding.
Ready to start your bucket garden? Grab some buckets, pick your favorite veggies, and get planting!
