I'm living in a trailer and the gardening space isn't ideal, but I'm eager to try planting some things next spring. I've successfully grown tomatoes in containers before, so I'm curious about other options like bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins. I saw watermelon grown this way, so I'm wondering if bigger plants like pumpkins can thrive in a container as long as they have enough sun, water, and warmth. I'm in the Midwest and want to start small since I work too, but I really enjoy gardening videos and am excited to give it a shot. Any suggestions or tips?
4 Answers
There are only a couple of grape varieties that work well in containers, and honestly, I've heard mixed reviews about them. Mangos don't usually do well either. The cottonwood we got from Costco really struggled in its pot. But for everything else, as long as you pick a big enough container and the right variety, you should be good to go!
Most things should do fine in a planter, but it really depends on the variety. For example, asparagus has deep roots and corn needs specific growing conditions, so they're tough in containers. Large vining plants like squash can also struggle without enough space for their roots. If you're aiming for more flexibility, consider using grow bags—they're often cheaper and give you more options! Just keep an eye on the varieties that are recommended for containers.
Yeah, unless you're using a deep planter, asparagus is better off in the ground.
Absolutely! You can definitely grow potatoes and carrots in planters. For carrots, just make sure to go for shorter varieties or use a deep enough planter—I'm growing some in a bag right now, and they look great so far! I thought underground crops wouldn't work in containers, but it turns out many do well above ground.
I've had great luck with growing carrots, just remember to choose the right type! Potatoes should be fine too; just give them enough depth in your containers.
Definitely! Keep in mind there are lots of options for above-ground crops too.

I'm really focused on bell peppers, tomatoes, and watermelon. I love pumpkins too, but I find it hard to imagine growing them in a container—spiders are a huge no for me, so maybe I'll stick with bell peppers and tomatoes for now.