Small Pots

• Although very small pots are inadequate for most vegetables, plants with a compact growth habit such as spinach, radishes and leaf lettuce do well in pots with a diameter of only 4 to 6 inches. Limit the vegetables to only one plant per pot. Radishes are the exception, as small pots accommodate two or three radish plants. Herbs, such as chives, basil, summer savory and thyme are appropriate for small pots.
  
  

Medium Pots

• The possibilities for container vegetable growing expand greatly in a pot of 8 to 12 inches. In addition to spinach, radishes and leaf lettuce, medium-sized pots also accommodate beets, peppers, eggplant, peas, onions, Swiss chard, mustard greens, turnips and cherry tomatoes. Small-rooted carrots such as Short and Sweet, Little Finger, Early Horn and Suko are appropriate for a medium-sized pot. A variety of herbs can be grown in a medium-sized container, including dill, mint, rosemary or sage.
  
  

Large Pots

• Large pots with a diameter of at least 12 inches offer plenty of growing space for a variety of vegetables. Use larger pots to grow bush beans, pole beans, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, melons, large carrots, full-size tomatoes, squash, potatoes, cauliflower or corn. Tall plants such as pole beans or corn need a pot with a heavy, wide bottom to prevent the plant from tipping or blowing over in a strong wind. Large pots often accommodate more than one plant.
  
  

Hanging Pots

• Hanging pots are an attractive way to grow vegetables and an ideal solution for growing in very limited spaces such as a patio or balcony. Cucumbers, peas, pole beans or cherry tomatoes are suitable for container growing, as the vines can cascade over the sides of the pot. Parsley and thyme are herbs that work well in hanging pots.