Small Space Big Harvest with Container Gardening
Even if you don’t have a full allotment plot or a large garden, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a bountiful harvest. Container gardening is an ideal solution for patios, balconies, small gardens, or compact allotments. With the right vegetables, fruit, and a little planning, you can grow fresh, homegrown produce all year round.
Benefits of Container Gardening
Container gardening is more than just a space-saving solution — it offers several advantages for allotmenteers and small-space growers:Space Efficiency:
Ideal for small areas, allowing you to maximise every inch of your garden, patio, or allotment.
Mobility:
Containers can be moved to optimise sunlight exposure or to protect plants from harsh weather conditions.
Soil Control:
Create the perfect soil mix tailored to your chosen plants, avoiding poor ground conditions or compacted soil.
Reduced Weeds:
Fewer weeds to manage compared to traditional gardening, making maintenance easier and more enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Containers
Selecting the correct container is key to successful growing:Size Matters:
Larger containers retain moisture better and provide ample room for root growth. Tomatoes and peppers thrive in at least 5-gallon containers, while herbs and strawberries can flourish in smaller pots.
Material:
Plastic, ceramic, or wooden containers are all suitable. Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can harm roots.
Container-Friendly Vegetables
Even in limited space, there’s a wide range of vegetables that grow exceptionally well in pots:Lettuce & Salad Leaves
Varieties: Butterhead, Lollo Rosso, Rocket, Mixed Salad Leaves
Container: 20–30cm deep pot or trough
Planting: Sow indoors Feb–Aug; outdoors Mar–Sep. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Radishes
Varieties: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, Easter Egg
Container: 15–20cm deep pot
Planting: Sow outdoors Mar–Sep; ready in 4–6 weeks.
Carrots
Varieties: Nantes, Paris Market (shorter varieties suit containers)
Container: At least 25–30cm deep
Planting: Sow outdoors Mar–Jul; late summer sowing for winter storage.
Tomatoes
Varieties: Bush or dwarf types such as Tumbling Tom, Tiny Tim, Patio
Container: 30–40cm deep pot
Planting: Sow indoors Feb–Mar; transplant outdoors after last frost (May).
Peppers & Chillies
Varieties: Sweet bell peppers, Cayenne, Jalapeño
Container: 25–30cm pot
Planting: Sow indoors Feb–Apr; transplant outdoors May–Jun.
Spinach & Swiss Chard
Varieties: Bloomsdale (spinach), Bright Lights (chard)
Container: 20–25cm deep
Planting: Sow outdoors Mar–Sep.
Herbs
Varieties: Basil, Parsley, Thyme, Chives, Coriander
Container: Small pots or window boxes
Planting: Sow indoors Feb–Apr; transplant outdoors May–Jun.
Potatoes
Varieties: Charlotte, Rocket, Maris Peer (for container growing)
Container: 40–50cm deep potato bag or large bin
Planting: Early potatoes Mar–Apr; maincrop Apr–May.
Beans
Varieties: Dwarf French beans, Runner beans
Container: 20–30cm for dwarfs; 30–40cm with trellis for climbers
Planting: Sow outdoors May–Jun.
Courgettes / Summer Squash
Varieties: Black Beauty, Gold Rush
Container: 40–50cm deep, large pot
Planting: Sow indoors Mar–Apr; transplant outdoors May–Jun.
Container-Friendly Fruit
Many fruits grow surprisingly well in containers, making them perfect for small-space growers:
Strawberries
Varieties: Elsanta, Albion, Honeoye
Container: Hanging baskets, troughs, or 20–25cm deep pots
Planting: March–April for June–July harvest; choose everbearing varieties for a longer season.
Blueberries
Varieties: Top Hat, Sunshine Blue (dwarf, container-friendly)
Container: 40–50cm deep pot
Planting: Sow or transplant April–May; needs acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5)
Dwarf Fruit Trees
Types: Apples, Pears, Plums (“patio” or dwarf varieties)
Container: 40–60cm pots
Planting: Bare root late winter/early spring, or container-grown in spring
Raspberries & Blackberries
Varieties: Dwarf/patio cultivars such as Autumn Bliss or Himalayan Giant
Container: 40–50cm deep pot with trellis
Planting: March–April; summer-bearing types for early fruiting
Citrus (Lemons, Limes, Oranges)
Varieties: Meyer Lemon, Lisbon Lemon, Calamondin Orange
Container: 40–50cm pots
Planting: Spring; keep indoors in winter if frost-prone
Grapes
Varieties: Dwarf or bush types suited to pots
Container: Large deep container (50cm+)
Planting: Spring; provide strong support for climbing
Tip: Prune annually to encourage fruiting and airflow
Container Gardening Tips
Use quality compost: Multi-purpose or veg-specific compost works best.
Water frequently: Containers dry out faster than garden soil. Water early or late in the day.
Feed regularly: Liquid tomato feed or general veg feed every 2–3 weeks.
Maximise sunlight: Most veg and fruit need 6+ hours of sun per day.
Succession planting: Sow new crops as soon as old ones are harvested to keep a continuous supply.
Seasonal Container Planting Guide (UK)
Spring: Lettuce, Radish, Carrots, Spinach, Herbs, Peas, Strawberries, Blueberries
Summer: Tomatoes, Peppers, Courgettes, Beans, Basil, Raspberries
Autumn: Spinach, Chard, Winter lettuces, Garlic, Apples & Pears (dwarf trees)
Winter: Overwintering herbs, Broad beans (indoors or cold frame), Citrus (protected)
Conclusion
Container gardening is a fantastic way for allotmenteers and small-space growers to enjoy the joys of fresh, homegrown produce. By choosing the right containers, using quality soil, and selecting suitable vegetables and fruits, even the smallest garden, patio, or compact allotment can be productive and rewarding.
At the National Allotment Society, we encourage gardeners of all levels to experiment with container gardening — it’s flexible, manageable, and brings the satisfaction of harvests right to your doorstep.
Become a National Allotment Society member and help to preserve and protect allotments for future generations.
You'll also gain a range of benefits, including free liability insurance, initial legal support, expert advice and much more.
Non Member Newsletter Signup
National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd
Registered in 1930 under the Industrial & Provident Societies Acts no. 11144R
VAT No. 1212930 14
Patron His Majesty King Charles III
© 2022-2023 National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd