Urban Gardening: Choosing the Right Containers

When I set out to build a food garden on my tiny city balcony, I had no idea where to start and I had a boatload of questions. Lucky for me, my mum—a seasoned gardener with years of experience—came to my aid. Now, I realize not everyone has a seasoned gardener at their disposal & starting out can be an overwhelming prospect. With that in mind, I'm happy to share some of mum's most helpful container gardening tips!

First things first: All pots are not created equal. (Who knew?!) Choosing the right container can make a huge difference in how well your plants grow, how often you need to water, and how manageable your space feels overall. Let me break it down a bit more:

1. Size Matters (A Lot)

The biggest mistake I made early on was trying to grow tomatoes in a pot that was way too small. The plant survived—but it didn’t thrive. Most veggies need a decent amount of root space to grow strong and produce well.

• Leafy greens & herbs: 6–8 inches deep
• Peppers & bush beans: 10–12 inches
• Tomatoes, eggplants - root veg: 16–18 inches or more

As a general rule, bigger containers hold more soil, which holds more moisture—meaning less frequent watering and healthier roots.

2. Material Makes a Difference

Different materials behave differently so note the following:

• Plastic pots: Lightweight, budget-friendly, retain moisture well. Great for beginners but can get brittle over time.
• Terracotta/clay: Beautiful and breathable, but they dry out quickly. Not ideal for very hot or windy balconies.
• Fabric grow bags: My personal favorite. They’re lightweight, foldable, great for drainage, and help prevent root rot.
• Wooden boxes: Aesthetic and sturdy, but be sure to use untreated wood.

I like to mix and match, depending on what I'm growing. Just make sure each container has drainage holes!

3. Drainage Is Non-Negotiable

If there’s one universal truth about container gardening, it’s this: drainage is essential. Without proper drainage, roots sit in soggy soil, leading to rot, mold (yucky) and sad, wilty plants. 

If a container you love doesn’t have drainage holes, you can usually drill some—or use it as a decorative outer pot and place a smaller, well-draining one inside it.

4. Consider Weight & Mobility

I learned the hard way that once a large pot is full of soil and water, it’s heavy. Just ask my husband, our designated pot mover. If you might need to move your pots (for better sunlight, or to protection from the weather), consider:

• Using lightweight materials like fabric or plastic
• Adding pot caddies or rolling trays underneath

5. Match the Container to the Plant’s Temperament

Yes, I said temperament. Some plants are chill and low-maintenance, others are dramatic and need a lot of space and support.

For example:

• Mint is a total socialite—keep it in its own pot or it will all up in everyone else's space.
• Tomatoes— Needy and Tall (sometimes)—they like large, deep containers and usually benefit from a cage or stake for support.
• Herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil are generally chill. They can often share a wide shallow pot and thrive together happily.

All that said, picking the right container is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's the foundation for a healthy, productive garden. And trust me: once you see your first little red tomato or you yank up your first beet, you’ll know it was all worth it :)