Home & Garden / Guide
What Size Pots Do You Need for a Container Garden?
Choose container sizes around the plant, the space for roots, and how much a fully watered pot will weigh.
Start with the mature plant and the spot where it will live. A shallow bowl can work for a small grouping of greens, while a larger vegetable may need a deeper and wider container. Read the guidance for the particular variety you want to grow. Compact varieties can be easier to accommodate than full-sized ones.
Measure the usable space
Measure the width where the pot will sit and check that a tray and watering can still fit. Allow room for the grown plant to spread without blocking a doorway. If several pots will share a balcony, ask the building about weight limits before placing heavy containers there. Watered potting mix adds weight, and a large planter may be difficult to move once filled.
Compare the inside dimensions
A planter with a narrow base can hold less mix than you expect from its rim width. Check the interior depth and the usable volume. Leave space below the rim for watering. Use a potting mix intended for containers and make sure the pot has the drainage the plant needs.
Buy one size around a specific crop
Try one container with a plant you regularly eat or enjoy. The University of Minnesota Extension’s container care guide explains how container conditions affect watering. A trial pot helps you judge the maintenance before you outfit the whole porch.