Do you want EASY vegetables to grow in pots?
Do you want a garden, but don’t have the time, energy, or money for it?
Based on personal experience, scientific studies, and extensive research, I have created a list of 20 EASY Vegetables to Grow in Pots for Beginners.
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The goal of this article is to provide you with the EASIEST Vegetables to Grow.
Also, I am providing the necessary instructions on how to select the correct supplies, planting, caring, harvesting tips, and answers to frequently answered questions. I recommend using these growing guides for extra support along the way.
20 EASY Vegetables to Grow in Pots
Below, you will find the 20 EASIEST Vegetables to Grow in Pots.
You’ll notice squash, cucumbers, sweet corn doesn’t make the list. You can grow them in pots, but it takes too much work to be considered easy.
I also recommend purchasing your vegetable plants from Amazon.
Using seeds is too difficult and time-consuming.
1. Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious vegetable that is grown in both cold and warm weather. It contains high amounts of vitamin B6, B9, C, and Folic Acid.
You can plant it as early as spring and as late as early fall.
You can use it in salads, meat and fish dishes, and even eat it by itself.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: Immediately after last spring frost. A second planting in Early Fall
- How to Grow it: Plant 4-6 inches deep. Plant 6-8 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then twice a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 30 days after planting
2. Lettuce
Lettuce is another nutritious plant that is cold hardy and can flourish in warm weather. It is high in fiber and manganese.
You can plant it immediately after your last frost. You can also plant it throughout the summer and early fall.
Lettuce is great in salads, on sandwiches, or paired with meat and poultry.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: Immediately after last spring frost. A second planting in Early Fall
- How to Grow it: Plant 4-6 inches deep. Plant 6-8 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then twice a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 30 days after planting
3. Asian Greens
Asian greens are one of the most nutritious foods on this list. And best of all, they can be grown at any time of the year. Asian greens contain vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
As with lettuce and spinach, Asian greens are great in salad, paired with meat and poultry, and cooked on its own.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: Immediately after last spring frost. A second planting in Early Fall
- How to Grow it: Plant 6 inches deep. Plant 8-10 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then twice a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 45 days after planting
4. Onions
Onions are the perfect vegetable for fiber, folic acid, and vitamin C.
They are a great cold weather vegetable that typically can only be planted in the spring.
They can be eaten raw, have on sandwiches, or added to a stir fry.
- Container Size: 5-gallon pot
- When to Plant: Immediately after last spring frost.
- How to Grow it: Plant 6 inches deep. Plant 6 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then once a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Full-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
5. Green Onions
Green Onions are a great source of Vitamins A, C, & K. In addition, it is a good source of Folic acid and Riboflavin.
Green Onions is another cold hardy plant that can be planted immediately after the last spring frost.
This vegetable can be used in taboule, vegetable dishes, and meat and poultry dishes.
- Container Size: 5-gallon pot
- When to Plant: Immediately after last spring frost.
- How to Grow it: Plant 3 inches deep. Plant 6 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then once a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Full-Sun
- Life Cycle: Perennial Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
6. Radishes
Radishes provide a great source of Vitamin C, Folate, and Potassium. It is one of the many easy vegetables to grow in pots.
Radishes are another cold hardy vegetable that can be grown in early spring and again in late summer.
This vegetable is great to pair with cheese, chicken, or in a vegetable salad.
- Container Size: 5-gallon pot
- When to Plant: Immediately after last spring frost and again in late summer (mid-July)
- How to Grow it: Plant 6 inches deep. Plant 6 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then once a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
7. Asparagus
Asparagus is one of my favorite perennial vegetables to grow in a pot. It is a great source of vitamin A, C, E, and K. It also folate, copper, and iron.
Asparagus can be planted immediately after the last spring frost.
The majority of consumers cook and eat Asparagus with butter as a side dish to their entree.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box.
- When to Plant: Immediately after last spring frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 3-4 inches deep. Plant 3-6 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then once a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Perennial Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
8. Artichokes
Artichokes are another great perennial plant that has a strong source of vitamins C, K, and Folate.
This is another vegetable you want to plant after the last spring frost and will come up every year.
Artichokes are a great vegetable that can be added warm and cold vegetable and entree dishes.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box.
- When to Plant: Immediately after last spring frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 4-6 inches deep. Plant 6 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then twice a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Perennial Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
9. Peppers
Peppers are my favorite vegetable. They are a great source of iron and vitamin C.
Peppers must be planted one month after your last spring frost. Any sign of frost or cold weather will kill your peppers.
Peppers have many uses. They are used in pasta dishes, stuffed with sausage, and added to salads.
- Container Size: 5-gallon pot.
- When to Plant: One month after last spring frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 6-8 inches deep. Plant 12-14 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Full-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes were recently voted the most popular vegetable in the United States. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate. This is one of the surprisingly easy vegetables to grow in pots.
Tomatoes should be planted one month after the last spring frost. Any sign of cold weather or frost will kill the plant.
Tomatoes can be made into paste and sauces, added to salads, and vegetable dishes.
It should be noted that I recommend only planting cherry and grape tomatoes in pots. Other tomatoes will take too much work and care to make it on this list.
- Container Size: 5-gallon pot.
- When to Plant: One month after last spring frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 8-10 inches deep. Plant 14 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Full-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
11. Chard
Swiss chard is one of the least known, but most beneficial vegetables. This vegetable is rich in vitamin c, folic acid, iron, and potassium.
Swiss Chard is a cold hardy plant that can be planted in early spring and again in the summer.
This vegetable is used in fish dishes, salads, and or even eaten raw.
- Container Size: 5-gallon pot.
- When to Plant: Immediately after the last frost and in early summer.
- How to Grow it: Plant 4-6 inches deep. Plant 6 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 60 days after planting
12. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is becoming an increasingly popular vegetable in the United States. It is a high source of Thiamin, Folate, Magnesium, and Phosphorous.
Kohlrabi can be planted immediately after the last frost and again in early summer.
This vegetable cooks with olive oil and other herbs. It serves well as a side dish.
- Container Size: 5-gallon pot.
- When to Plant: Immediately after the last frost and again in early summer.
- How to Grow it: Plant 6 inches deep. Plant 6-8 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 60 days after planting
13. Carrots
If you follow my instructions carrots are incredibly easy to grow. And they are a great source of vitamin A, K, and potassium.
Typically, you will plant carrots one month after the last spring frost.
Carrots are eaten raw, cooked, in soups, and in meat dishes.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: One month after the last frost.
- How to Grow it: Plant 4-6 inches deep. Plant 3-4 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Full-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 100 days after planting
14. Broccoli
Broccoli is another fantastic vegetable for gardeners. It is a great source of protein, thiamin, and vitamin E.
Broccoli is a cold hardy plant that can be planted immediately after the last frost.
Broccoli is best served cooked with olive oil or cheese but also can be eaten raw.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: Immediately after the last frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 6-8 inches deep. Plant 12 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
15. Beets
Beets may not be a favored plant among gardeners, but it is high in nutrients. It is an excellent source of fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin C.
Beets can be planted immediately after the last spring frost and again in early summer.
Beets can be eaten raw. They can be pickled. And they can be served in many cooked vegetable dishes.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: Immediately after the last frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 6-8 inches deep. Plant 6 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
16. Kale
Kale has fastly become one of the most popular vegetables in the world. This vegetable has fiber, protein, almost every vitamin, and iron.
Kale is a cold hardy vegetable that is planted immediately after the last spring frost and again in early summer.
This vegetable is used in salads, smoothies, and entree dishes.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: Immediately after the last frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 6 inches deep. Plant 6 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
17. Eggplant
Eggplants are one of the most hearty vegetables on this list. They are a rich source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
They should be planted at least a month after the last spring frost.
This type of vegetable is great for pasta dishes and as a side for entrees.
- Container Size: 5-gallon pot
- When to Plant: One month after the last frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 6-8 inches deep. Plant 12 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Full-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 90 days after planting
18. Green Beans
While there are many beans out there, green beans are the best for pots. Green beans are a high source of folate, fiber, and potassium.
This vegetable should be planted 1 month after the last spring frost and again in early summer.
Typically, green beans are served as a side dish to pasta and other entrees.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: One month after the last frost and again in early summer
- How to Grow it: Plant 3 inches deep. Plant 3-4 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Full-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 60 days after planting
19. Sweet Peas
How delicious are sweet peas? They are also very nutritious. These vegetables are a high source of protein, riboflavin, and niacin.
Typically, you plant sweet peas about one month after the last frost and again in early summer.
Sweet Peas can be eaten raw right off the plant or cooked and served as a side dish to entrees.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: One month after the last frost and again in early summer
- How to Grow it: Plant 3 inches deep. Plant 3-4 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Full-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 60 days after planting
20. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a very similar plant to broccoli in regards to how you plant, care, and harvest it. It is an excellent source of fiber and multiple B vitamins.
Cauliflower can be planted a little less than one month after the last spring frost.
Like Broccoli, cauliflower can be served raw or cooked with cheese or olive oil.
- Container Size: 5-gallon window box
- When to Plant: One month after the last frost
- How to Grow it: Plant 6-8 inches deep. Plant 12 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Water Immediately after planting and then two to three times a week for 15 seconds.
- Where to place it: Partial-Sun
- Life Cycle: Annual Plant
- When to Harvest: Slowly pick 60 days after planting
Bonus – EASY Herbs to Grow in Pots
While this article is focused on EASY vegetables to grow in pots, there are also plenty of herbs I recommend growing in pots.
Below, is a list of 10 EASY Herbs to Grow in Pots
Bonus – EASY Fruits to Grow in Pots
In addition to vegetables and herbs, there are also incredibly EASY fruits to grow in pots.
Below, is a list of the 10 EASIEST Fruits to Grow in Pots
- Strawberries
- Cherry Bush
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Lemon Tree
- Fig Tree
- Lime Tree
- Avocado
- Orange Tree
- Grapefruit Tree
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. What is Needed to Grow Vegetables in Pots?
A) Purchase the Correct Pot
Not all pots are created equal. And while your plants may not care, selecting the appropriate pot will help make gardening EASY!
Below, are four types of pots that you can use.
If you are looking for the easiest pot to use then purchase plastic.
- Ceramic– This is a highly durable and decorative pot that fits great on decks and patios. This is also one of the most expensive pots and can crack in cold weather.
- Clay – This is a great option that can be kept inside or outside. It is also very affordable. It does dry out faster though and can easily break.
- Plastic – This is the best type of pot for overall uses. It can be kept indoor and outdoor and is the cheapest. It is the least durable and decorative.
- Wooden – This is the best outdoor option. It is incredibly durable too. It is also very expensive and can be extremely heavy.
*If you plan on keeping your plant inside, I would recommend purchasing a saucer with it. This will prevent any water from getting onto your floor.
B) Size of Pot
Don’t listen to what a gardening mom says. When it comes to pots, size matters.
You should purchase a container that is 25% to 50% bigger than the root ball of the plant. The root ball is the bottom of the plant.
If you want to make growing vegetables easy then buy a bigger pot. Bigger containers hold more soil which will hold more water. This means less watering for you.
Typically, you want a pot that is 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep.
The perfect size for herbs and small vegetables is 5 gallons. For larger vegetables like tomatoes and herbs then I recommend purchasing a 10-gallon pot.
C) The Right Soil is Essential
Soil is arguably the most important supply needed for growing vegetables in pots.
If you do not have the right soil your plants may not grow, bear fruit, and can even die.
For any type of vegetable, you plant in a pot then purchase Potting Soil.
It is that Simple!
I personally use and recommend Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix.
This is the perfect mix for beginner gardeners. It is easy to use and it helps prevent over and under-watering.
If you want an organic option then use: Fox Farm Organic Potting Soil
D) Use These 3 Tools
If you want minimal frustration with planting, caring, and harvesting your vegetables from pots then you’ll need a few tools.
You will need the following:
- Hand Shovel – This is essential for digging a hole for your plant
- Gloves – If you want minimal work and clean-up then use gloves.
- Watering Can – This is a must-have if you don’t want to create a mess while watering your plants.
#2. How do you Grow Vegetables in Pots?
There are 3 Steps to EASILY Growing Vegetables in Pots
Step 1
First, you will want to determine your last spring frost date. The best way to determine this is by using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for your zip code.
To plant your vegetables, you will first want to take your pot and place it in an area that either gets direct or partial sunlight. Where you place, it depends on which vegetable you use from the above list.
You will then fill your pot with your potting soil. Fill it to about 3 inches from the top.
Step 2
Next, you will dig a hole based on your vegetable. To see how deep and how far apart you should plant your vegetables please see the list above.
You will then cover the base of your plant. The base of your vegetable is where typically a few inches above its root ball. If you have purchased a vegetable to plant from Amazon or a local garden store the root ball will be where the plant meets the “soil mix”.
If you are interested in planting several vegetables in one pot then I recommend using my pairings below:
- Beans, Peas, and Carrots
- Eggplant, Peas, and Beans
- Tomatoes, Onions, and Green Onions
- Lettuce, Kohlrabi, and Chard
- Spinach, Chard, and Onions
- Peppers, Onion, and Green Onions
Step 3
Immediately after planting your vegetable you will want to add fertilizer. Apply it per the instructions on the back of the fertilizer package.
For a fertilizer that will work on all your vegetables then I recommend Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Fertilizer.
You will then water your plant for about 10-15 seconds.
#3. How do You Care for Vegetables in Pots?
1 EASY Step to Caring for Your Vegetables in Pots
If you want to care for your vegetables in the easiest way possible then there is only one thing you need to do.
Depending on the vegetable you plant you will want to water your plant one to two times a week. Spend about 10-15 seconds watering each vegetable plant.
#4. How do You Harvest Vegetables?
1 EASY Step to Harvesting Your Vegetables
If you thought caring for your vegetables in pots was easy then you will be amazed how easy it is to harvest your vegetables.
All you need to do is pick your vegetables when it is ready.
Honestly, it is okay to pick your harvest a little early or a little late. And if you are still unsure use my harvest time in the above section and you cannot go wrong.
All you have to do to harvest your crop is pick your vegetable from where it meets the branch it is growing on. If it is a leafy vegetable just pinch and pull. If it is a vegetable like a pepper or a tomato twist it from where the vegetable meets the branch.
Remember to harvest early and often. This will encourage new growth. This will also allow you to get a second planting in for certain vegetables.
When you are finished harvesting your plant you can pull it and compost it. Please review my composting article for more information:
Winter Composting (10 PROVEN Tips)
What to Compost: 9 Best Foods to Compost (and 10 You Shouldn’t)
#5. What are the Best Uses for Vegetables?
There are many uses for vegetables. Regardless of the use, vegetables are a great wait to add essential vitamins and nutrients to your diet.
You can:
- Cook vegetables and eat them by themselves
- Add vegetables as a side dish to entrees
- Eat vegetables raw
- Freeze vegetables and save them for later
- Dry vegetables and add them to flavor dishes
- Use the seeds of vegetables to grow more vegetables
Conclusion
As you can tell by now, Growing Vegetables in Pots can be easy and fun!
If you want to have the greatest chance of success then you’ll want to plant one of the 20 EASY Vegetables to Grow in Pots above!
Also, there are plenty of herbs and fruits that can be easily planted in pots.
If you want to make the best use of your space don’t forget to plant two to three kinds of vegetables, herbs, and fruits together.
Regardless of what you plant, make sure you:
- Purchase the right type of pot for your planting needs
- Purchase the correct tools to make gardening as easy as possible
- Plant using my easy to follow instructions. Digging the appropriate size hole, fertilizing, and watering during planting is essential!
- The only plant care tip you need to take advantage of is watering 1 to 2 times a week
- Remember to harvest early and often to help promote new vegetable growth and to extend your harvest
If you thought this article was helpful, I highly recommend reading my favorite article:
