Some vegetables that do well in containers include nightshades, such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Fast-growing crops, including peas and lettuce, also are some of the easiest veggies to grow in pots. In general, to fill a container for planting vegetables, use a quality organic potting mix with good drainage. Some mixes specifically state they’re good for use in vegetable gardens. What size container you need to grow vegetables depends on what you’re growing. Some veggies, such as leafy greens, have relatively shallow roots and don’t need a deep container. But others, such as potatoes, need deep soil to develop properly. Some container gardening ideas include using fabric pots that are lightweight to move as needed or planting vertical gardens with pots mounted on a fence or wall. You can also experiment with vegetable combinations in container gardens using the same pot, as long as the plants have similar growing requirements. For example, herbs and salad greens often can be grown together.  If you’re searching for container vegetable garden ideas, here are 10 vegetables that do well in containers on a porch, patio, or balcony as long as they can get sufficient sun exposure. Tomatoes do not like the cold, so do not put them out too early. Make sure you harden off or gradually acclimate seedlings to outside living before you plant them. When planting tomato seedlings, remove the seed leaves and the first set of true leaves, and place the bottom half of the seedling in the ground. Tomatoes are planted much deeper than most plants. Also, keep dogs and cats away from this plant. The leaves are toxic if ingested by pets.

USDA Growing Zones: Grown as an annual in all zonesSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Deep, moist, good drainage

Depending on the variety grown, most peas will require some type of support. Plant them in early spring. Once it gets warm and they finish producing, pull them out and plant something else in that container.

USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Good drainage, enriched or loamy soil

Growing ​potatoes in containers requires a lot of soil and water, but it is worth the resources and effort. Containers also add an extra level of protection against fungus or blight (Phtophthora infestans), which spreads easier among in-ground plants.

USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10BSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Good drainage, loamy soil

If you are going to grow a winter squash such as butternut squash in a container, make sure the variety you choose is not one of the giant types, which can weigh more than 20 pounds and topple the containers. ‘Honeybear’ is an award-winning smaller variety of acorn squash, and there are even tiny pumpkins you can grow.

USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich soil, good drainage

Some great salad greens and mesclun mixes you can buy for container gardens that taste great and look good in decorative pots include Johnny’s Elegance Greens Mix and Hudson Valley Seed Company’s Mesclun Mix.

USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Sun Exposure: Partial sunSoil Needs: Moist, fertile soil

One of the most significant benefits of planting peppers in containers is that you can move your plants inside if continuously stormy weather threatens your area for several days. Peppers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Hot peppers range in spice level from mild to searing to hardly edible.

USDA Growing Zones: Grown as annuals in all zonesSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Moist soil with good drainage

There are two main types of cucumbers: bush and vining. You can also choose to grow a variety more commonly used for pickling or one more popular for eating. Both types are good in salads, but slicing cucumbers will not generally make good pickles. Either can grow in a container. Bush cucumbers tend to be shorter with smaller yields. Vining cucumbers will require a trellis or tomato cage.

USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 12Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil Needs: Good drainage with moist, fertilizer-enriched soil

There are many varieties, which means you can select your seeds based on appearance and flavor; some types are gorgeous. The tops of radish greens are also edible, as are the pods. 

USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 10Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil Needs: Good drainage with moist soil

A benefit of growing arugula in a container is that you can move it. Arugula needs about 6 hours of direct sunlight but does not like scorching, afternoon sun. It is best to let this plant get full morning sun and move it or position it so that it only gets partial sun in the afternoon.

USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 11Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil Needs: Good drainage with moist soil

Large containers are needed to support the roots of this plant and its bush-like growth. Also, if you are getting ceramic pots, consider getting glazed pots, which retain water longer.

USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 12Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Good drainage, evenly moist soil