At a glance
Container growing has transformed what is possible for UK gardeners without a traditional growing plot. A south-facing patio, balcony or doorstep with half a dozen well-chosen containers can produce a meaningful supply of salad, herbs, tomatoes, chillies, beans and more from May through to October. The key is choosing vegetables that genuinely perform well in containers – some crops adapt brilliantly, others are a waste of effort regardless of container size.
Best vegetables for containers in the UK
| Vegetable | Min pot size | Yield potential | Difficulty | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 30-40cm / 15L | Excellent | Medium | Best overall container crop |
| Chillies | 25cm / 10L | Very good | Easy | Ideal pot plant |
| Herbs | 15-20cm | Excellent | Easy | Most productive per pot size |
| Salad leaves | 20cm / 5L | Very good | Very easy | Fastest results |
| Dwarf French beans | 30cm / 15L | Good | Easy | Self-supporting |
| Potatoes | 40L bag | Good | Easy | Satisfying crop |
| Courgettes | 40cm / 25L | Very good | Easy | Prolific producer |
| Spring onions | 15-20cm | Very good | Very easy | Quick crop |
Herbs are the most productive container crop per unit of space in the UK. A 20cm pot of cut-and-come-again basil, a pot of chives and a pot of parsley on a kitchen windowsill or doorstep produces more value per square centimetre than any other crop. Low maintenance, high use, and fresh herbs versus dried from a jar is incomparable in the kitchen.
Tomatoes are the classic container crop and for good reason – they produce prolifically in a pot, they love the warmth that a south-facing wall or patio provides, and a single plant in a 15-litre container can yield 3-5kg of fruit over the season. Use bush or tumbling varieties like Tumbling Tom, Maskotka or Garden Pearl for containers – they don’t need staking or side shooting. Upright cordon varieties work well too but need a cane support.
Chillies are arguably even better suited to containers than tomatoes – they’re smaller plants, very productive, and the pots can be brought indoors at the end of the season to extend cropping into winter. Apache and Prairie Fire are compact, highly productive varieties ideal for container growing in the UK.
Courgettes seem like unlikely container crops given their size but perform excellently in a large (25L+) container. The key is a big enough pot, consistent watering and picking when young – small courgettes taste better and picking them keeps the plant producing prolifically.
Choosing the right containers
- Size matters above all else – the single most common container growing mistake is using pots that are too small. When in doubt, go bigger.
- Drainage holes are non-negotiable – every container must have drainage holes. Waterlogged compost causes root rot that kills plants quickly.
- Dark coloured pots warm faster – black or dark coloured pots absorb heat from spring sunshine and warm the compost earlier, which benefits heat-loving crops like tomatoes and chillies.
- Terracotta dries out quickly – beautiful but porous. Line with polythene to slow moisture loss if using terracotta for moisture-hungry crops.
Best compost for container vegetables
- For tomatoes and peppers – mix multipurpose compost 75% with 25% perlite or horticultural grit for improved drainage and aeration
- For root vegetables – 50/50 multipurpose and sharp sand to prevent compaction that causes forked roots
- For Mediterranean herbs – a free-draining mix with added grit suits rosemary, thyme and sage
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Watering and feeding in containers
Container watering is the most time-consuming aspect of container growing. In hot July weather a large tomato plant in a 15L pot may need a full watering can twice a day.
- Check daily throughout the growing season – push a finger 2cm into the compost. Water if it’s dry at that depth.
- Water thoroughly, not lightly – water until it flows freely from the drainage holes. Light watering only wets the surface and encourages roots to stay shallow.
- Feed weekly once crops are establishing – container compost nutrients deplete within 6-8 weeks. Tomatoes, courgettes and beans need weekly high-potash liquid feed once flowering begins.
Vegetables to avoid in containers
| Vegetable | Why containers don’t suit them | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Parsnips | Deep taproot needs very deep container (60cm+) | Grow in a deep raised bed instead |
| Sweetcorn | Needs wind pollination – single plants don’t set | Minimum 9 plants in a block |
| Pumpkins/squash | Too vigorous for container – takes over the space | Train over a fence or trellis in the ground |
| Brussels sprouts | Takes 6+ months and produces very little per plant | Use space for faster, more productive crops |
Tips for maximum yield
- Group containers together – grouped pots create a more humid microclimate and make watering more efficient
- Position on a south or west facing aspect – the extra warmth and light makes a significant difference to yield
- Use a water butt – rainwater is preferable to tap water for most container crops
- Refresh compost annually – container compost is exhausted after one growing season. Replace completely before the next season
Container growing is one of the most rewarding forms of UK gardening – the ability to grow food in almost any space, without a traditional garden, is genuinely transformative. Choose the right crops, use big enough containers and don’t let them dry out and you will be surprised how much you can produce from a patio or balcony. For more on small space growing read our guide on how to grow tomatoes in pots in the UK.
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