The Best Vegetables to Grow This Spring on Your Patio

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your patio with a thriving vegetable garden! Whether you have a spacious deck or a small balcony, container gardening makes it easy to grow fresh, delicious produce right outside your door. And yes, we had to include tomatoes—even though they’re technically a fruit—because what’s a spring garden without them?

Here are the best vegetables to grow in containers this spring, and some companion herbs to help your garden thrive. (Grow Pro Tip: Companion planting with herbs can boost yields, protect your plants, and create a flourishing container garden.)

1. Tomatoes (Yes, We Know They’re a Fruit!)

Tomatoes are a staple of any spring garden and flourish in container gardens with the right support. Choose compact or determinate varieties like Cherry Tomatoes, Roma, or Patio Princess for best results. Tomatoes love the sun, so place your container in a sunny spot and keep the soil consistently moist.

The best companion herbs for tomatoes:

• Basil – Enhances flavor, repels pests like aphids and whiteflies, and improves growth
• Parsley – Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which feed on common tomato pests
• Chives – Helps repel aphids and spider mites while enhancing tomato flavor
• Oregano – Acts as a natural pest deterrent
• Thyme – Deters armyworms that can damage tomato plants
• Dill – Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects that control tomato pests
• Mint – Repels aphids and ants but should be planted in its own container to prevent spreading

Learn more about planting tomatoes in pots.

2. Lettuce & Leafy Greens

Fast-growing and low-maintenance, leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard thrive in cooler temperatures. Grow Pro Tip: If your climate is already experiencing consistent temperatures over 85°F, consider planting more heat-tolerant varieties such as Malabar Spinach, Swiss Chard, or Collard Greens.

The best companion herbs for leafy greens:

• Basil – Repels aphids and whiteflies, enhances flavor, and keeps greens tender
• Chives – Deters aphids and slugs while adding a mild onion flavor
• Dill – Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps
• Cilantro – Deters aphids, beetles, and spider mites while enhancing salad freshness
• Oregano – Acts as a natural pest repellent and improves soil health
• Thyme – Repels cabbage worms and enhances flavor
• Mint – Strong scent deters pests but should be grown in its own container
• Rosemary – Deters cabbage moths and loopers

3. Peppers (Bell & Spicy Varieties)

From crisp bell peppers to spicy jalapeños, peppers are a fantastic addition to your patio garden. Grow Pro Tip: Peppers require warm temperatures, so start them indoors if your region is still chilly.

The best companion herbs for peppers:

• Basil – Improves growth and flavor while repelling pests
• Oregano – Retains soil moisture and deters aphids and beetles
• Chives – Repels aphids and mites while attracting pollinators
• Dill – Attracts ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control pests
• Cilantro – Deters aphids and spider mites while enhancing soil health
• Thyme – Helps repel cabbage worms and aphids
• Marjoram – Enhances pepper flavor and attracts beneficial insects
• Rosemary – Deters thrips and whiteflies
• Parsley – Attracts pollinators and predatory insects

4. Eggplant

Eggplant thrives in warming temperatures and produces a bountiful harvest with minimal maintenance.

The best companion herbs for eggplant:

• Basil – Repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies while enhancing growth
• Oregano – Retains moisture and deters aphids and flea beetles
• Thyme – Repels moths and flea beetles
• Dill – Attracts beneficial insects
• Marjoram – Enhances flavor and attracts pollinators
• Cilantro – Deters pests and attracts beneficial insects

5. Cucumbers

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers love warm weather and will happily climb a small trellis in a container. Grow Pro Tip: Opt for bush varieties if space is limited.

The best companion herbs for cucumbers:

• Dill – Attracts beneficial insects
• Basil – Repels common cucumber pests
• Oregano – Acts as a natural pest deterrent
• Chives – Repels aphids and beetles
• Cilantro – Deters pests and attracts pollinators
• Thyme – Repels cucumber beetles
• Marjoram – Enhances growth and attracts pollinators
• Mint – Deters aphids and ants but should be in its own container
• Sage – Repels cucumber beetles but may compete for nutrients

Container Gardening Tips for a Successful Spring Garden

• Choose the Right Containers – Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
• Use Quality Soil – A nutrient-rich potting mix supports plant growth.
• Water Consistently – Containers dry out faster than garden beds; check moisture levels regularly.
• Provide Support – Some vegetables, like tomatoes and cucumbers, need stakes or trellises.
• Harvest Regularly – Frequent harvesting encourages plants to keep producing.

What Our Customers Are Saying

“I never thought I had a green thumb, but growing my own vegetables on my patio has been such a rewarding experience! Watching my tomatoes ripen and picking fresh basil for dinner is pure joy.” — Sarah M.

“Container gardening has completely changed how I enjoy my outdoor space. I love stepping outside to grab fresh lettuce and peppers for my meals. It’s been a fun and relaxing way to unwind after work!” — James L.

Start Your Spring Garden Today!

With the right mix of vegetables and companion herbs, your patio garden will burst with fresh flavors all season. Ready to get growing? Check out Gardenuity’s container garden kits to make your spring gardening effortless and fun!