A lot people decide to grow edible plants such as herbs and veggies in their container gardens, because they don’t consider potted flowers or houseplants as being container gardening. Even though it's the same basic principle, it’s not usually defined the same way.

Quite often we think container gardening means to grow edible plants, so that’s what we’ll focus on. You can grow several types of veggies and herbs in containers, and even a few varieties of fruit.

Herbs are the most common grown edible plant for containers. Veggies are the second most popular. Fruit is not usually grown in containers - most likely because people believe it would be too hard to grow fruit in a pot.

Strawberries are one fruit that grows especially well in many kinds of containers. Strawberries are usually quite hardy, and can even be planted in special grow bags that can be hung on a wall or trellis outside.

Dwarf fruit trees can often be grown in large containers while many smaller dwarf citrus trees can grow quite well in pots, and if they're kept well-pruned. They can make beautiful interior decor accents. Several kinds of dwarf berry bushes will also grow in containers, although they are generally heavy and can’t be moved without effort. Dwarf varieties of blueberries and raspberries have been successfully grown in containers.

Many different varieties of herbs will also do well in containers. Parsley is probably the most popular herb for container gardening. Basil and chives are also very popular for planting in containers. Cilantro is another herb that can be grown with success in containers.

Actually, almost all herbs can thrive in a container garden. The key is finding a big enough container. Some herbs like Chives, parsley, and basil can all be grown in smaller pots.

On the other hand, some plants can grow quite large. Sage, for example, is a bush. It needs a pretty big container. Oregano also grows rather large, and needs a big container. Although technically a fruit, tomatoes are probably the most popular “vegetable” plant for home gardeners. They're so popular there's entire websites dedicated to growing tomatoes!

Container gardeners are no exception, and they grow tomatoes like the best of them. It’s mainly due to the fact that good tasty tomatoes can be very hard to find. The tomatoes in most supermarkets are picked green and artificially ripened in order to survive shipping without bruising so they will last longer on the shelves.

Nearly all tomato varieties can grow very well in containers, particularly cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, roma tomatoes, and small salad tomatoes. Other plants that are often grown in containers include lettuce and other salad greens, squashes, cucumbers, many varieties of beans and peas, carrots, radishes, all types of peppers, scallions, and even potatoes and corn.

Most veggies can be grown in containers if you use the correct method. You can easily grow the majority of your plants from seeds. If you’re growing plants inside, you can plant directly into the container if you want, but you risk damaging the delicate seedlings during thinning.

It would be preferable to grow the majority of your plants from seedlings that you purchase in your local area, but you can also start your own seedlings inside in smaller containers, and then transplant them into larger containers a a later time. It’s much easier to start plants from seedlings when possible, but you might get a lot of satisfaction in starting your own.