Is it safe to grow vegetables in 5 gallon buckets? YES, it is possible and it’s bucket gardening is becoming even more popular and common to do. It’s best for those who don’t have a large garden while still being able to grow and harvest vegetables to eat.
Of course, you just need to make sure you choose the right bucket and gardening techniques for your plants to grow. There are numerous vegetables plants that will thrive in buckets, and this article will show you more about it.
Is It Safe to Grow Vegetables in 5 Gallon Buckets?
As mentioned, it IS safe to grow vegetables in 5 gallon buckets, but not all vegetables are suited for this method. Fortunately, a lot of plants will grow well in buckets and are considered safer for most vegetable plants since they gain access to the adequate potting soil to grow.
But why grow vegetables in buckets anyway?
5 gallon buckets are excellent choices since they have enough depth to accommodate the roots of many plants, but are still narrow enough that they fit in smaller areas. Furthermore, they are lightweight so you can move the buckets and plants easily as needed, such as when bad weather arrives.
Plus, they are affordable choices, sometimes free, when you know where to go! Make sure you choose food-based ones and clean the buckets well before using them for plants. Avoid buckets that came from questionable sources or are known to have carried chemicals, herbicides, asphalt, and the like.
The gallon should be well-draining as well, to prevent water pooling and drowning your plants. Drill holes underneath your chosen bucket before using it to plant.
The Vegetables You Can Plant
If you’re planning to use your 5 gallon buckets for planting, you’re probably wondering, ‘what vegetables are best suited for buckets?’
Here are the best ones to consider planting:
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the most popular choices when planting in buckets and containers. Doing so will allow you to move the plants indoors or cover it properly when cold weather arrives. This gives tomatoes time to ripen and be ready for harvest on time.
2. Peppers
Peppers are another popular summer crop, part of the same family tomatoes are. Because of this, and the fact that they have shallow roots, they grow well in buckets and containers. You can grow most varieties of sweet and chili peppers, which thrive in 5 gallon buckets.
3. Eggplants
Eggplants can be grown easily in buckets and containers. Place one plant in a 5 gallon bucket, which provides enough space and nutrients for the entire summer season.
Like planting tomatoes, you may want to provide support for these plants as the fruits begin growing. Also, make sure that your bucket and soil are built for good drainage.
4. Zucchinis
Zucchinis have the similar rooting form and habits of an eggplant, so it’s no surprise that they are great options to plant in 5 gallon buckets. Just make sure that you give them enough water and fertilizer, as they are thirsty and hungry plants that require a bit more than the typical vegetable crop.
5. Potatoes
5 gallon buckets are best suited for one potato plant. While it sounds like it isn’t worth much, you can actually get up to 10 potatoes from a single plant!
You will need nutrient-rich growing medium for your potato plant to thrive, along with mulch and a lot of water.
6. Peas
Peas are a favorite when looking for plants to grow in buckets and containers. Just place a branching stick at the center of your bucket, sow your pea seeds, and allow them to grow.
7. Brassicas
Large leafy plants such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower will thrive in 5-gallon buckets. These are great to grow in buckets, particularly in warmer climates, since you can move them to the shade when the weather warms up. They will need to be protected from birds, butterflies, among other pests, though!
8. Leafy Crops
Loose leaf lettuce is the perfect option for those new to gardening and will use a 5 gallon bucket. All you need to do is to sprinkle seeds over the soil in the bucket. Then, give it time to grow, with proper watering and sun exposure, of course.
Other leafy crops also grow well in 5-gallon buckets, such as arugula, leaf mustards, chard, and spinach.
9. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like carrots are great to grow in vegetable gardens. This is because carrots have low nutritional needs compared to other common crops.
However, other root vegetables like beets and parsnips will require more water and richer soil, along with more space compared to carrots.
Wrapping It Up
Bucket planting is a great way to plant vegetables, especially if you live in a smaller home without a garden. It’s also a great way to recycle your old buckets just lying around, and it does wonders for any future plants. Provided you give your vegetables the optimum environment, you’ll reap the benefits bucket planting offers.
I hope that you learned a lot about planting vegetables in buckets and where to start! If you would like to begin planting vegetables in buckets, make sure you select the right tools and prepare ahead. Good luck!