Discover how to grow your own food with bucket gardening, a practical and portable solution for urban spaces and emergency preparedness. Learn what you need and what to grow in 5-gallon buckets.
Why Bucket Gardening?
Growing your own food is a great way to become self-reliant and save money. It’s especially useful in emergencies when access to fresh produce might be limited. However, urban areas and limited outdoor space can make traditional gardening challenging. Bucket gardening solves these issues by providing a portable and space-efficient way to grow food.
What You’ll Need
- 5-Gallon Buckets: Repurpose food storage buckets like easyprep buckets. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage.
- Gravel: Add a few inches to the bottom of each bucket to improve water drainage.
- Planting Soil/Peat Moss/Compost: Fill the bucket with a mix of these for optimal plant growth.
- Seeds or Plants: Choose plants suitable for bucket gardening. See the list below for specific recommendations.
What to Grow in Buckets
Lettuce
Plant 4 lettuce plants per 5-gallon bucket. Lettuce thrives in cool, well-drained environments. Harvest leaves when they are young and tender.
Carrots
Plant 10 carrots per bucket. Use lightweight, well-drained soil, and grow in cooler conditions (55°F to 75°F). Choose shorter carrot varieties to fit the bucket depth.
Tomatoes
Plant 1 tomato per bucket. Ensure plenty of sunlight and use a stake or cage for vine varieties. Both bush and vine types grow well in buckets.
Beets
Plant 4 beets per bucket. Beets are nutrient-rich and produce edible seedlings before sprouting. Opt for smaller varieties for better results.
Radishes
Plant 10 radishes per bucket. Radishes are fast-growing and thrive in cool temperatures. Harvest as soon as they reach an edible size, often within a month.
Beans
Plant 3 bush bean plants per bucket. Bush beans grow quickly and require full sun and warm weather. They are an excellent source of protein.
Cucumbers
Plant 1 cucumber per bucket using plant starts rather than seeds. Provide a stake for climbing and ensure male and female flowers for pollination.
Peppers
Plant 2 peppers per bucket. Peppers require ample sunlight and daily watering. They can be harvested green or left to ripen and change color.
Squash
Plant 1 squash per bucket. Use a stake for vertical growth and ensure plenty of sunlight. Suitable varieties include zucchini and smaller pumpkins.
Potatoes
Plant multiple seed potato chunks per bucket. Cover with soil as they grow. Once stems turn yellow, wait a week and harvest your bucket full of potatoes.
What Are Your Ideas?
Have you tried bucket gardening? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. What do you think is the best crop to grow in a bucket for emergencies?
