1/2-Gallon Planter

• A container that holds a 1/2 gallon of soil is approximately 6 inches in diameter. These small pots are perfect for growing individual herbs, such as mints or parsley. Beets, greens and green onions also grow well in these small pots. A 1/2-gallon container filled with commercial potting soil will need water and feeding more often than larger containers, so growing hardy herbs that perform well, even if allowed to dry out, is a good choice. Water when the soil is dry to 1/4 inch, and use a time-release 14-14-14 fertilizer as directed on the package.
  
  

1-Gallon Planter

• A 1-gallon container is 8 inches in diameter. These will grow somewhat larger plants, such as a single cabbage, a cucumber plant, two to three green beans, spinach thinned to every 3 inches or a single Swiss chard. A cherry tomato plant will also thrive in a 1-gallon container. Water and fertilizer are very important for plants that grow fruit. Start with a high-quality commercial potting soil and water whenever the soil is dry to 1/4 inch. Apply a time-release 14-14-14 fertilizer as directed by the package for the size and type of plant you're growing.
  
  

2-Gallon Planter

• A 2-gallon pot, roughly 10 inches in diameter, is large enough to grow pepper plants or bush beans. A 2-gallon window box is a good choice for growing multiple smaller plants, such as radishes, herbs, greens or spinach. A 2-gallon pot is wide enough in diameter and deep enough to successfully grow carrots. It will also support a single eggplant. Two gallons of high-quality potting soil, fortified with an application of time-release 14-14-14 fertilizer and frequent watering will provide you with a good supply of fresh vegetables from a small space.
  
  

5-Gallon Planter

• A 5-gallon pot is a substantial 13 inches in diameter. Large plants, such as standard tomatoes, squash and kale grow well in these large pots. A 5-gallon window box is deep enough to support a large number of carrots, or several of the plants that will grow in a 1- or 2-gallon pot. A 5-gallon pot is also large enough to grow more than one different kind of vegetable in, at the same time, such as a pepper plant and a cherry tomato plant with basil. Start your large container garden off right with 5 gallons of high-quality potting soil, a time-release 14-14-14 fertilizer -- and water anytime the soil is dry to 1/4 inch.