Perhaps you’ve heard of bucket gardening before or been intrigued to find out more.
We’ve been bucket gardening for three seasons now and really love the vegetables and ease of use it has provided us.
Bucket gardens are just that. Your garden in buckets. It is a great way to garden if you have limited space, poor soil, or just want to try something new.
Here are the basics to start bucket gardening
- Gallon buckets – you can do smaller if you prefer, we use five gallon
- Rocks
- Dirt
- Plants
First, we drill holes in the bottom. This allows excess water to drain out properly.
Then, we place rocks in the buckets. We have used river rock, but you can experiment with what you find works best for drainage.
Next, fill the buckets with soil. If you are doing a larger number of buckets, it might be best to purchase a yard of soil from a greenhouse.
Finally, add your choice of plants to the buckets. We have planted tomatoes, carrots, peas, peppers, onions, and lettuce. All have thrived in our bucket system!
Read More: Fresh Tips for Starting a Garden
An optional item: bucket stand. My husband built a stand to place our buckets in, but they can be kept on the ground. I recommend moving them from time to time if you place them on the ground so your grass doesn’t die. Also, make sure the drainage isn’t clogged.
Commonly Asked Questions About Bucket Gardening
What plants are good for bucket gardening?
Bucket gardening works well with vegetables, herbs, and small fruits. Try tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, radishes, bush beans, and cucumbers. Herbs like basil, parsley, and mint also thrive, along with strawberries or dwarf blueberries. Choose compact or bush varieties for best results.
Can you grow vegetables in a 5-gallon bucket?
Yes, 5-gallon buckets are ideal for many vegetables. They provide enough space for most herbs, leafy greens, and small fruiting plants. Larger plants like tomatoes or peppers should have one per bucket to ensure healthy growth and proper nutrient access.
How many bags of potting soil do I need for a 5-gallon bucket?
A 5-gallon bucket requires roughly 4–5 gallons of soil. One standard 1–2 cubic foot bag of potting soil can fill one or two buckets. Mixing in perlite or vermiculite helps improve drainage and prevents soil from becoming waterlogged.
How many plants can I put in a 5-gallon bucket?
The number of plants depends on type and size. One tomato or pepper, three to four leafy greens or herbs, and five to ten small root vegetables like radishes or carrots fit comfortably. Avoid overcrowding to maintain growth and reduce disease risk.
Make sure to water regularly as with any garden, and enjoy!
