Given a large enough pot, nearly all varieties of tomatoes are suitable for container gardening; however, some will yield better results than others.

What Size Tomato is Best for Container Gardening?

The large beefsteak tomatoes like Mortgage Lifter, Brandywine and Celebrity may not yield the super-sized fruits when confined to a container, although properly watered and fertilized, the flavor can be every bit as good as the 1-2 pound fruits the plants might produce planted in the ground.

Cherry and grape varieties suffer least from the dwarfing effects of container gardening tomatoes. The smaller fruits are naturally more adapted to the limited water and nutrient environment of a container. Tomatoes bred for container gardening include Tumbler, Window Box Roma, Florida Basket, Tiny Tim and Patio. The largest of these produce 2- to 3-ounce tomatoes. Tumbling Tom, a newer tomato hybridized for container gardening, grows only 6 inches wide, making it a perfect focal point plant in a container herb garden.

More on Choosing Tomato Cultivars for Container Gardening

Nearly every vegetable has at least one variety suitable for container gardening. These have less extensive root systems that can maximize the nutrients in the potting mix. Often, the plants are bred to be smaller than their heirloom counterparts, but some vegetables are adapted to containers no matter what variety. County Extension Offices are an excellent source of container gardening tips for novice vegetable gardeners looking for tested information on what varieties of vegetables grow in container gardens in their region.

Greens in a Vegetable Container Garden

Salad greens are a nearly foolproof in a vegetable container garden. They have shallow root systems, allowing them to be planted in shallower planters or as an accent plant in a larger vegetable container garden. Leaf lettuce or spinach can act as a mock groundcover or living mulch around other plants.

More on Choosing Vegetables for Container Gardens

Container gardens are a great way for people without access to a garden plot to still enjoy the pleasure of tending plants. Some container gardening tips are universal. Always pick a good quality potting soil, and water and feed the container garden regularly, since the plants are not able to send out deep roots to seek out water and nutrients. In multiple plant container gardens, be sure to use plants that have similar cultural requirements.

Beyond those universal container gardening tips, each type of container garden has its own unique concerns.

Container Gardening Tips for Annuals

Annuals—plants that complete their life cycles in a single growing season—are the most common types of container gardens. Whether patio gardens, hanging baskets or container arrangements, an annual container garden is an opportunity to explore color combinations.

More on Container Gardening: Tips for All Types of Gardens