Container size chart for vegetables
How big a pot, tub or window box should be at least for vegetables and herbs to grow in it. And which compost goes in.
| Plant | Volume | Width | Depth | Plants | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruiting vegetables · 10 | |||||
| Aubergine (eggplant) | 10 l | 30 cm (12 in) | – | – | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Cape gooseberry | 10 l | 30 cm (12 in) | – | – | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Chilli pepper | – | 22 cm (9 in) | – | 1 | RHS |
| Cucumber | 3 gal (11 l) | – | 8 in (20 cm) | 1 | Colorado State University Extension |
| Melon | – | 40 cm (16 in) | 40 cm (16 in) | 1 | RHS |
| Pumpkin and winter squash | – | 45 cm (18 in) | – | 1 | RHS |
| Sweet pepper | 10 l | 30 cm (12 in) | – | – | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Sweetcorn | – | – | – | – | – |
| Tomato | 10 l | 30 cm (12 in) | – | – | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Zucchini (courgette) | 5 gal (19 l) | – | 8 in (20 cm) | 1 | Colorado State University Extension |
| Beans and peas · 6 | |||||
| Broad bean (fava bean) | – | 40 cm (16 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Bush bean | – | 6 in (15 cm) | – | 1 | Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (B. Rosie Lerner) |
| Pea | – | 5 in (13 cm) | – | 1 | Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (B. Rosie Lerner) |
| Pole bean | – | 75 cm (30 in) | 45 cm (18 in) | – | RHS |
| Runner bean | – | 75 cm (30 in) | 45 cm (18 in) | – | RHS |
| Sugar snap and snow pea | – | 45 cm (18 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Cabbages and turnips · 12 | |||||
| Broccoli | 5 gal (19 l) | – | – | 1 | Cornell University Garden-Based Learning (Lori J. Brewer) |
| Brussels sprouts | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | 1 | RHS |
| Cauliflower | 5 gal (19 l) | – | 10 in (25 cm) | 1 | Colorado State University Extension |
| Chinese cabbage | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | – | RHS |
| Kale | 5 gal (19 l) | – | 10 in (25 cm) | 1 | Colorado State University Extension |
| Kohlrabi | – | – | 8 in (20 cm) | – | Colorado State University Extension |
| Pak choi | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Red cabbage | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | 1 | RHS |
| Savoy cabbage | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | 1 | RHS |
| Swede (rutabaga) | – | 40 cm (16 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Turnip | 2 gal (8 l) | – | – | 2 | Texas AgriLife Extension (Joseph G. Masabni) |
| White cabbage | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | 1 | RHS |
| Roots and tubers · 10 | |||||
| Beetroot | – | – | 12 in (30 cm) | – | Oregon State University Extension |
| Black salsify | – | – | – | – | – |
| Carrot | – | – | 12 in (30 cm) | – | Oregon State University Extension |
| Celeriac | – | – | – | – | – |
| Hamburg parsley | – | – | – | – | – |
| Parsnip | – | – | – | – | – |
| Potato | – | 50 cm (20 in) | – | 2–3 | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Radish | 1 gal (4 l) | – | – | 3 | Texas AgriLife Extension (Joseph G. Masabni) |
| Sweet potato | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | 1 | RHS |
| Winter radish (daikon) | – | – | – | – | – |
| Onions and leeks · 5 | |||||
| Garlic | – | – | 8 in (20 cm) | – | Cornell University Garden-Based Learning (Lori J. Brewer) |
| Leek | – | 40 cm (16 in) | – | 4–5 | RHS |
| Onion | – | 45 cm (18 in) | 45 cm (18 in) | – | RHS |
| Shallot | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | – | RHS |
| Spring onion (scallion) | 1 gal (4 l) | – | – | 3–5 | Texas AgriLife Extension (Joseph G. Masabni) |
| Salads and leafy greens · 12 | |||||
| Butterhead lettuce | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | – | RHS |
| Celery | – | – | – | – | – |
| Endive | – | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Florence fennel | – | 40 cm (16 in) | – | up to 3 | RHS |
| Garden cress | – | – | – | – | – |
| Iceberg lettuce | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | – | RHS |
| Lamb’s lettuce (corn salad) | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Loose-leaf lettuce | 1 gal (4 l) | – | – | 2 | Texas AgriLife Extension (Joseph G. Masabni) |
| Radicchio | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Rocket (arugula) | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Spinach | – | 4 in (10 cm) | – | 1 | Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (B. Rosie Lerner) |
| Swiss chard | 2 gal (8 l) | – | 8 in (20 cm) | 1 | Cornell University Garden-Based Learning (Lori J. Brewer) |
| Herbs · 15 | |||||
| Basil | – | – | 8 in (20 cm) | – | Cornell University Garden-Based Learning (Lori J. Brewer) |
| Borage | – | 30 cm (12 in) | – | 1 | RHS |
| Chervil | – | 25 cm (10 in) | 25 cm (10 in) | – | RHS |
| Chives | – | 20 cm (8 in) | 20 cm (8 in) | – | RHS |
| Coriander (cilantro) | 2 gal (8 l) | – | 4–6 in (10–15 cm) | – | University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension (Patti Nagai, Vijai Pandian) |
| Dill | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | – | RHS |
| Lavender | – | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) | – | – | RHS |
| Lemon balm | – | – | – | – | – |
| Mint | – | 12–16 in (30–41 cm) | – | – | University of Maryland Extension |
| Oregano | – | 15 cm (6 in) | 15 cm (6 in) | 1 | RHS |
| Parsley | – | 25 cm (10 in) | 25 cm (10 in) | – | RHS |
| Rosemary | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | – | RHS |
| Sage | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | – | RHS |
| Summer savory | – | 20 cm (8 in) | 20 cm (8 in) | – | RHS |
| Thyme | – | 15 cm (6 in) | 10 cm (4 in) | 1 | RHS |
| Flowers · 5 | |||||
| French marigold (tagetes) | – | – | – | – | – |
| Nasturtium | – | – | – | – | – |
| Pot marigold (calendula) | – | – | – | – | – |
| Sunflower | – | – | – | – | – |
| Sweet alyssum | – | – | – | – | – |
| Green manure · 4 | |||||
| Buckwheat | – | – | – | – | – |
| Oilseed radish | – | – | – | – | – |
| Phacelia | – | – | – | – | – |
| White mustard | – | – | – | – | – |
| Perennials · 6 | |||||
| Asparagus | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | 1 | RHS |
| Globe artichoke | – | 45 cm (18 in) | 45 cm (18 in) | – | RHS |
| Horseradish | – | 30 cm (12 in) | 30 cm (12 in) | – | RHS |
| Jerusalem artichoke | – | 45 cm (18 in) | 45 cm (18 in) | 1–2 | RHS |
| Rhubarb | – | 50 cm (20 in) | 50 cm (20 in) | – | RHS |
| Strawberry | – | – | 8 in (20 cm) | – | University of Maryland Extension |
Minimum sizes according to the source. For round pots, width means diameter. US gallons and inches are converted and rounded. “–” means our sources give no value for it.
Compost for pots and window boxes
- Use potting compost for flowers or special compost for container plants. (Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG))
- For containers planted for years, choose container-plant compost: it keeps its structure and helps prevent compaction and waterlogging at the bottom. (Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG))
- Peat-free compost is better for the environment. (Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG))
- The container needs a drainage hole so that water cannot collect. (Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG))
- Do not fill containers with garden soil alone: it soon compacts, and then air and drainage are poor. (Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (B. Rosie Lerner))
Better a bit bigger
- Do not choose containers too small, or watering becomes a chore. (Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG), Merkblatt 2166)
- Bigger containers stay moist for longer, because more compost holds more water. (Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG))
- The RHS suggests containers at least 45 cm (18 in) deep and wide; otherwise frequent watering and feeding will be needed. (RHS)
- A depth of at least 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) is recommended for most plants in drying wind and sun. (Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (B. Rosie Lerner))
- Most vegetables do best in containers holding 2 to 5 gallons (8 to 19 litres) of compost and at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep. (Oregon State University Extension)
How much compost fits in your pot?
Step 1 of 2
What shape is your container?
Questions and answers
How big a pot do tomatoes need?
At least 10 l, 30 cm (12 in) wide, according to Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG).
How big a pot do cucumbers need?
At least 3 gal (11 l), 8 in (20 cm) deep, for 1 plant, according to Colorado State University Extension.
How big a pot do zucchini need?
At least 5 gal (19 l), 8 in (20 cm) deep, for 1 plant, according to Colorado State University Extension.
How big a pot do sweet peppers need?
At least 10 l, 30 cm (12 in) wide, according to Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG).
Which compost goes into pots and window boxes?
Use potting compost for flowers or special compost for container plants. For containers planted for years, choose container-plant compost: it keeps its structure and helps prevent compaction and waterlogging at the bottom. Peat-free compost is better for the environment. The container needs a drainage hole so that water cannot collect. Do not fill containers with garden soil alone: it soon compacts, and then air and drainage are poor.
How much compost fits in a window box?
Length × width × height in centimetres, divided by 1,000, gives litres. A box 80 × 20 cm and 18 cm high holds 80 × 20 × 18 ÷ 1,000 = 28.8 litres.
Sources
Show 51 sources
- Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG): Balkongemüse – Der Gemüsegarten auf kleinstem Raum (Merkblatt 2105, Februar 2016)
- RHS: How to grow chilli peppers
- Colorado State University Extension: CMG GardenNotes #724 – Vegetable Gardening in Containers (Oktober 2014, geprüft April 2023)
- RHS: How to grow pumpkins
- RHS: How to grow melons
- Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (B. Rosie Lerner): Container and Raised Bed Gardening, HO-200-W (Stand 4/02)
- RHS: How to grow French beans
- RHS: How to grow runner beans
- RHS: How to grow peas
- RHS: How to grow broad beans
- RHS: How to grow cabbages
- Cornell University Garden-Based Learning (Lori J. Brewer): Vegetable and Herb Gardening in Containers (Oktober 2016)
- RHS: How to grow Brussels sprouts
- RHS: How to grow Chinese cabbage
- RHS: How to grow pak choi
- RHS: How to grow swedes
- Texas AgriLife Extension (Joseph G. Masabni): Vegetable Gardening in Containers, E-545 (3-09)
- Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG): Die Kartoffel – tolle Knolle für Garten und Balkon (Merkblatt 2153, Mai 2020)
- RHS: How to grow sweet potatoes
- Oregon State University Extension: Container Gardening Basics (Guides for beginning gardeners, Juli 2021)
- RHS Grow your own: Onions (Steckzwiebeln)
- RHS Grow your own: Shallots (Steckzwiebeln)
- RHS: How to grow leeks
- RHS Grow your own: Lettuce
- RHS Grow your own: Endive
- RHS Grow your own: Chicory
- RHS Grow your own: Salad leaves
- RHS: How to grow rocket
- RHS Grow your own: Florence fennel
- RHS Grow your own: Parsley
- RHS Grow your own: Dill
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension (Patti Nagai, Vijai Pandian): Growing Vegetables in Containers (überarbeitet 17.02.2021)
- RHS Grow your own: Chervil
- RHS: How to grow chives
- RHS Grow your own: Savory
- RHS Grow your own: Thyme
- RHS Grow your own: Oregano
- RHS: How to grow sage
- University of Maryland Extension: Mint
- RHS Grow your own: Rosemary
- RHS: How to grow lavender (Growing Guide)
- RHS: How to grow borage (Growing Guide)
- University of Maryland Extension: Types of Containers for Growing Vegetables (Stand 20.02.2023)
- RHS: How to grow rhubarb
- RHS: How to grow asparagus
- RHS: How to grow horseradish
- RHS Grow your own: Jerusalem artichokes
- RHS Grow your own: Globe artichokes
- Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG): Torffreie Erden für Balkonkästen und Gefäße (Infoschrift 1208, Stand März 2025)
- Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG), Merkblatt 2166: Kräuter zum Frischverzehr aus dem eigenen Garten
- RHS: Vegetables in containers
Retrieved on 26 October 2026. Facts in our own words, one source per value.
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