Vegetable Container Size Chart: What Size Pot to Use
This guide will help you choose the right size container from the beginning so your plants have the room they need to grow well and produce. Gardening in containers can be challenging. Learn more in this guide: Pros & Cons of Container Gardening.
I love gardening in containers. But if the pot is too small, you’ll be fighting that plant the whole time. Small containers dry out faster, hold less soil, and leave less room for roots to grow. That usually means more stress for the plant and more work for you.
Key Takeaways: Guide to Container Sizes
- Choosing the right pot size impacts plant growth by providing room for roots, moisture retention, and access to nutrients.
- Follow the guide to container sizes for various crops: larger pots typically yield better results, especially in hot climates.
- Different containers are suitable for varying crops: extra small for herbs, large for vigorous plants like tomatoes.
- As a general rule of thumb, always opt for a larger container to simplify gardening and improve plant health.
- Refer to this guide to container sizes and additional resources for effective container gardening.
What We’ll Cover:
A Note About Container Sizes
- Container sizes aren’t standardized, so use these as general guidelines. I’m grouping containers by the approximate amount of soil they hold, because pot diameter alone doesn’t always tell you how much growing room the roots actually have.
- In general, choose the largest container you have room for. More soil means more room for roots, better moisture retention, and less frequent watering. That matters even more in hot climates.
- As a general rule, aim for a container that’s about as deep as it is wide. That usually gives roots the best balance of space. Grow bags often meet this ratio. Learn more about gardening in grow bags in this guide.
- Containers that hold less than 2 gallons of soil are not the best choice for growing most vegetables to maturity. They dry out quickly and don’t leave much room for roots.
Vegetable Container Size Chart
Use the minimum size as a starting point, but in hot climates, I usually recommend going one size larger whenever possible.
- Trying to decide what to plant? This resource, 20 Best Vegetables for Container Gardening, lists my favorites. Just getting started?
- Herbs are an easy choice for first-time gardeners. Learn more here: How to Grow Herbs in Containers.
(Crop names in the chart below link to detailed growing guides.)
| Crop | Minimum Size | Better | How Many Per Pot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | 1 plant | Can share a wider container with other herbs |
| Sage | 3 gallons | 5+ gallons | 1 plant | Better long-term in a larger pot |
| Thyme | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | 1 plant | Good for smaller containers |
| Rosemary | 10 gallons | 15+ gallons | 1 plant | Better long-term in a larger pot |
| Green onions | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | Several | Best in a wider container |
| Radishes | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | Several | Good for succession planting |
| Lettuce | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | Several | Best in wide containers |
| Arugula | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | Several | Good for succession planting |
| Kale | 2 gallons | 3–5 gallons | 1 plant | More room helps plants size up |
| Chard | 2 gallons | 3–5 gallons | 1 plant | Can grow longer in a larger pot |
| Nasturtium | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | 1 plant | Trailing types do well in baskets |
| Calendula | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | 1–2 plants | Best in cooler seasons |
| Kohlrabi | 3 gallons | 5 gallons | 1 plant | Needs room to size up well |
| Carrots | 3 gallons | 5 gallons | Several | Depth matters more than width |
| Beets | 3 gallons | 5 gallons | Several | Thin seedlings for best roots |
| Strawberries | 3 gallons | 5 gallons | 1–3 plants | Depends on container width |
| Dill | 3 gallons | 5 gallons | 1 plant | Tall plants do better with more room |
| Cilantro | 3 gallons | 5 gallons | Several or 1 clump | Better in cool weather |
| Celery | 3 gallons | 5 gallons | 1 plant | Likes even moisture |
| Beans | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | Varies | Bush beans can share a wider pot |
| Broccoli | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | 1 plant | More soil helps head size |
| Cabbage | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | 1 plant | Larger pot helps hold moisture |
| Lemongrass | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | 1 plant | Gets large over time |
| Okra | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | 1 plant | Bigger pot is easier in heat |
| Potatoes | 5 gallons | 10+ gallons | 1–2 seed pieces | More soil usually means better yield |
| Cucumbers | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | 1 plant | Add a trellis |
| Eggplant | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | 1 plant | Bigger pot is often easier |
| Peppers | 5 gallons | 7–10 gallons | 1 plant | Larger pots dry out less quickly |
| Ginger | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | Several pieces | Wide containers work well |
| Turmeric | 5 gallons | 10 gallons | Several pieces | Needs a long growing season |
| Tomatoes | 10 gallons | 15–20 gallons | 1 plant | Especially helpful for indeterminate types |
| Sweet potatoes | 10 gallons | 15–20 gallons | 1 plant | More room gives better yields |
| Cantaloupe | 10 gallons | 20 gallons | 1 plant | Best for smaller varieties |
| Watermelon | 10 gallons | 20+ gallons | 1 plant | Best for compact varieties |
| Dwarf citrus | 20 gallons | Larger as it grows | 1 tree | Long-term crop |
| Fig trees | 20 gallons | Larger as it grows | 1 tree | Will need room over time |
How to Think About Container Size
1. Bigger containers are usually easier
A larger container holds more soil, which means it dries out more slowly and gives roots more room to grow. That makes watering easier and gives plants a better chance to produce, especially during hot weather.
2. Minimum size and better size are not always the same
A plant may survive in the minimum recommended size, but that doesn’t always mean it will be easy to keep healthy. If you’re gardening in a hot climate, or you want to water less often, going up a size is often worth it.
3. Match the pot to the mature plant, not the transplant
Small transplants can be misleading. Many crops start out the same size, but once they begin growing, their needs are very different. Think about the full-grown size of the plant and the root system it will need to support healthy growth.
Container Size Categories
Extra Small Containers
- About 2 gallons of soil
- These are best for smaller herbs, leafy greens, and quick-growing crops. Think thyme, basil, green onions, radishes, lettuce, arugula, and calendula.
- These containers dry out quickly, so they’re usually best for smaller crops rather than large fruiting vegetables.
Small Containers
- About 3 gallons of soil
- Small containers work well for crops that need a little more root room but still stay fairly compact. Good examples include carrots, beets, strawberries, cilantro, dill, and celery.
- If the container is wide enough, you can grow several small crops together. For larger crops, stick to one plant per pot.
Medium Containers
- About 5 gallons of soil
- This is a common size for container gardening and works well for one plant at a time. Peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, okra, potatoes, ginger, and turmeric can all grow in this size.
- That said, in hot climates these crops are often easier to grow in a larger container that holds more moisture.
Large Containers
- About 10 gallons of soil
- Large containers are a good choice for bigger, more vigorous plants like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and some melons.
- For crops like tomatoes, one plant per container is best. For melons, larger containers are even better, especially if you’re growing them through hot weather.
Extra Large Containers
- 20 gallons of soil or more
- These are best for long-term crops like dwarf citrus and fig trees, or for gardeners who want the easiest watering and the most root room possible.
- With container gardening, bigger usually gives you more margin for error.
This is the size I use for growing a three-sisters garden in grow bags.
A Good Rule of Thumb
If you’re not sure which size to choose, go bigger. A larger container gives roots more room, holds moisture longer, and makes container gardening easier. That’s especially true in hot, dry climates where small containers can dry out fast. Get ideas for creative container gardens in this guide, Grow Anywhere: Smart and Creative Gardening Container Ideas.
Container Gardening Supplies I Use
If you’re setting up a container garden, having the right supplies makes it much easier. These are the types of containers and tools I use most often when gardening in pots, grow bags, and other small-space setups.
- Grow bags: Once you know which size grow bag to use, this guide on how to garden in grow bags will help you set them up and use them successfully in hot climates.
- Elevated garden bed. This is basically a large container and a great choice for balconies, patios, and smaller spaces. You can grow a surprising amount of food in one. Get tips for growing in elevated garden beds here.
- I get most of my terra cotta pots and whiskey barrels at Home Depot or Lowes
- Potting Mix: I use the Raised Bed and Container Mix from Arizona Worm Farm. If you’re not local, this bagged potting mix is a good alternative for filling containers.
- Fertilizer. This is the type I like to use throughout my garden, but especially in containers.
- Watering tools for containers: Garden hose and watering wand
- Ollas for watering make a huge difference. Learn how to use them here: The Best Way to Water Containers.
- Shade cloth for hot weather
- Plant labels
- Trellises and cages for tomatoes and cucumbers
If you’re gardening in a hot climate, I’d encourage you to choose the largest container you have room for and consider adding ollas. Those two things make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Container Sizes
Different vegetables need different amounts of soil and root space. Leafy greens, green onions, radishes, and many herbs can grow well in smaller containers, while crops like peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, and broccoli usually do better in at least a 5-gallon container. Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and larger crops are usually better in 10 gallons or more. If you garden in a hot climate, going up a size often makes watering easier and helps plants grow better.
Grow one broccoli plant per 5-gallon bucket. A 5-gallon container can work for broccoli, but one plant is best, so it has enough room for roots, water, and nutrients.
A 5-gallon bucket works well for one larger vegetable plant such as broccoli, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, okra, or tomatoes, depending on the crop and growing conditions. In hot climates, some of these crops are easier to keep watered and productive in larger containers, but 5 gallons is a common starting point for many vegetables.
Yes, a 5-gallon bucket is big enough for many vegetables, but not all of them. It’s a good size for one plant of crops like broccoli, peppers, eggplant, or cucumbers. Larger or longer-season crops, including many tomatoes and melons, usually do better in larger containers that hold more soil and retain moisture longer.
More Container Gardening Resources
To learn more about gardening in containers, read my book on this topic. Learn more about the book “How to Grow Your Own Food: A Beginner’s Guide to Container Gardening” in this post or purchase the book here.
I also teach about container gardening inside Growing in the Garden Academy. These monthly classes cover dozens of topics. Join us on Patreon to start learning today, and don’t miss my class tailored specifically to this topic: Container and Grow Bag Gardening
If you enjoyed this post on which container size to use, please share it.
I love to garden, and have for many many years. Do I have to put plant food in my soil mix before I put in my plant or seeds? I usually put liquid fertilizer as the plant grows and many times have little vegetables.
I would encourage you to add compost and worm castings before planting. You could also mix in a small amount of an organic plant food if you would like too. Small amounts more frequently are better generally for containers.
What about the Arizona heat? My pots cook the plants. What helps that?
I put most of my smaller containers away for the hottest months of the year. If you need to garden in smaller containers, move them to where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Group them together to prevent direct sunlight on the containers.
What size container for a 6 feet butterfly bush/ “Ruby spice” Pepperbush?
No smaller than 10 gallon.
I have a 100 gallon grow bag, should I use Ollas in them?
Yes, Oyas are a great option for grow bags, especially large ones like that. Good idea.