Edible Plants You Can Grow in Containers in the Philippines

Edible plants you can grow in containers in the Philippines are the best option for Metro Manila residents with limited space. A single balcony can produce enough fresh vegetables and herbs to reduce your weekly market spend. Container gardening works anywhere with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight.

The key to success is choosing the right container size, using quality potting mix and watering consistently. Start with the easiest crops first, then expand your balcony garden as you gain confidence. Here are the top 15 edible plants ranked by how well they perform in containers.

Leafy Greens for Containers

• Kangkong (Water Spinach) grows in any container with moist soil. Use a pot at least 15 cm deep. Plant stem cuttings and harvest in 21 days. Keep soil consistently wet. Kangkong is the fastest, easiest container vegetable in the Philippines. Regrows after cutting for multiple harvests.
• Pechay thrives in shallow containers 15 to 20 cm deep. Sow seeds directly and thin to 10 cm apart. Harvest baby pechay in 20 days or full-sized plants in 30 days. Grows year-round but produces best in the cool months.
• Lettuce grows well in containers on shaded balconies during the cool season (November to February). Use pots at least 15 cm deep. Choose loose-leaf varieties for the easiest results. Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
• Mustasa (Mustard Greens) grows fast in any container with good drainage. Direct sow and harvest in 30 to 35 days. The slightly spicy leaves add flavour to sinigang and stir-fries. One of the most productive leafy greens for small spaces.
• Kulitis (Amaranth) grows rapidly in warm weather. Scatter seeds in a wide, shallow container. Thin seedlings to 10 cm spacing. Harvest young leaves in 25 days. Kulitis is one of the most nutritious leafy greens available.

Fruiting Vegetables for Containers

• Sili (Chili Pepper) is a perfect container plant. One plant in a 20 cm pot produces chili for 6 to 12 months. Place in full sun and water when the top centimetre of soil is dry. Both siling labuyo and siling haba grow well in pots. Harvest fruit at full colour for the best flavour.
• Kamatis (Tomato) needs a 25 to 30 cm pot and a stake or cage for support. Choose determinate (bush) varieties for containers. Cherry tomatoes are the most productive type for pots. Place in full sun (6 or more hours). Feed with organic fertiliser every 2 weeks during fruiting.
• Talong (Eggplant) grows well in 25 to 30 cm containers. One plant per pot. Provide a stake for support as fruit develops. Place in full sun. Water deeply every 2 days. Harvest when skin is glossy and firm. One container eggplant produces 5 to 10 fruit per season.
• Okra has a deep taproot that does well in tall, narrow containers. Use a pot at least 25 cm deep. Plant one seed per container. Harvest pods every 2 days when 7 to 10 cm long. Okra produces continuously for months in warm weather.
• Spring Onion grows in any small container, even recycled plastic bottles. Regrow from kitchen scraps by placing the root end in soil. Cut green tops as needed and they keep growing. The easiest allium for container gardening.

Herbs for Container Gardens

• Albahaka (Basil) grows well in 15 to 20 cm pots on sunny windowsills. Pinch tips regularly to encourage bushy growth. Use fresh leaves in cooking. One pot of basil provides months of harvests with regular pinching.
• Tanglad (Lemongrass) grows in large containers (30 cm or bigger). Plant stalks directly in potting mix. Harvest outer stalks for tea and cooking. Tanglad also repels mosquitoes from your balcony. Practically maintenance-free once established.
• Mint is perfect for containers because it stays contained (mint spreads aggressively in garden beds). Use a 15 to 20 cm pot. Water regularly to keep soil moist. Harvest leaves for tea, garnishes and desserts.
• Wansoy (Coriander) grows in containers 15 cm deep. Direct sow and harvest leaves at 30 to 40 days. Grows best in the cool months (November to February). Succession plant every 3 weeks for continuous supply.
• Pandan grows in containers in partial shade. The aromatic leaves flavour rice, desserts and beverages. Water when the top centimetre of soil dries. Pandan multiplies through suckers, so divide clumps yearly.

Container Fruit Trees

Small fruit trees thrive in large containers on patios and sunny balconies.

• Calamansi is the best container fruit tree for the Philippines. A grafted plant in a 40 cm pot produces fruit year-round. Place in full sun. Water when the top 3 cm of soil is dry. Feed with citrus fertiliser every 2 months. Read our guide to fruit trees for small spaces for more options.

Container Gardening Tips

• Use quality potting mix. Never use pure garden soil in containers. It compacts and drains poorly. Mix equal parts loam soil, compost and carbonized rice hull or perlite for the best results.
• Ensure drainage. Every container needs holes in the bottom. Elevate pots on bricks or pot feet to allow water to flow freely. Waterlogged roots die within days.
• Water consistently. Container plants dry out faster than ground-planted crops. Check soil daily during the dry season. Water deeply until water flows from drainage holes. Morning watering is ideal.
• Feed regularly. Nutrients wash out of containers with each watering. Apply liquid organic fertiliser every 2 weeks during the growing season. Top-dress with compost monthly.
• Maximise vertical space. Use shelving units, hanging baskets and wall-mounted planters to grow more food in limited floor space. Train climbing crops like sitaw and alugbati on trellises attached to walls.
• Rotate containers. Move pots periodically so all sides receive equal sunlight. Quarter-turn each pot weekly. This prevents lopsided growth on balconies that receive one-directional light.

Frequently Asked Questions