Spring is here, and if you’re in Atlanta with limited space but big gardening dreams, now is the perfect time to start a pot garden! Whether you have a small balcony, a sunny windowsill, or just a little corner by the door, you can grow fresh herbs, veggies, and even some fruits right in containers.
Need seeds to get started? We’ve got you covered! Stop by the CYEA headquarters at the ArtsXChange to pick up seeds and start growing today!
Here are the best plants to start in March that thrive in pots and are perfect for apartment living.
1. Leafy Greens – Fast, Easy & Delicious!
🥬 Best picks: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard
☀️ Sun needs: 4–6 hours
💧 Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Leafy greens are some of the easiest plants to grow in pots! They don’t need a lot of space, and you can harvest leaves as they grow, meaning fresh salads all season long. Use a shallow pot (at least 6 inches deep) and plant seeds or starter plants for a quick-growing, nutrient-packed garden.
2. Herbs – Fresh Flavor at Your Fingertips
🌿 Best picks: Basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, mint
☀️ Sun needs: 6+ hours (except mint, which tolerates shade)
💧 Watering: Regular, but don’t overwater
Herbs love containers, and they’re perfect for small spaces! Place them on a sunny windowsill, a balcony, or even your kitchen counter. Basil, parsley, and cilantro grow well together in one pot, while mint is best in its own container (it spreads fast!). Bonus: Fresh herbs make every meal taste better!
3. Strawberries – Sweet & Simple
🍓 Best variety for pots: Alpine or everbearing strawberries
☀️ Sun needs: 6–8 hours
💧 Watering: Keep soil moist but well-draining
Yes, you can grow strawberries in an apartment! A hanging basket or small pot is all you need. Look for everbearing varieties, which produce fruit throughout the season. These little berries will brighten up your space—and taste amazing!
4. Peppers – Small Space, Big Flavor
🌶 Best picks: Bell peppers, jalapeños, banana peppers
☀️ Sun needs: 6–8 hours
💧 Watering: Keep soil evenly moist
Peppers grow surprisingly well in containers! A 10-inch pot is enough for a single plant. They love warm weather, so March is a great time to start them indoors or on a sunny balcony.
5. Cherry Tomatoes – Perfect for Patio Gardens
🍅 Best variety for pots: Tiny Tim, Sweet 100, Patio Princess
☀️ Sun needs: 6–8 hours
💧 Watering: Water deeply, let soil dry slightly between watering
Cherry tomatoes grow beautifully in hanging baskets, deep pots, or even grow bags. They’ll need a small stake or cage for support, but once they start producing, you’ll have fresh tomatoes all summer!
6. Green Onions – The Ultimate No-Fuss Veggie
🧅 Best variety for pots: Any green onion (scallions)
☀️ Sun needs: 4–6 hours
💧 Watering: Water often, but don’t let them sit in water
Green onions are the easiest thing to grow! You can even regrow them from kitchen scraps—just put the white root end in water, and they’ll start growing again. Once they’re taller, plant them in a shallow container, and you’ll have an endless supply.
How to Care for Your Pot Garden
✔ Use well-draining potting mix (not garden soil)
✔ Make sure your pots have drainage holes
✔ Water regularly, but don’t drown your plants
✔ Place in the sunniest spot possible
✔ Fertilize every few weeks with an organic plant food
Need Seeds to Get Started? We’ve Got Them!
Come by the CYEA headquarters at the ArtsXChange to pick up seeds and start growing today!
Want more gardening tips? Join Gardening with Our Champs every Saturday or stop by the ArtsXChange every 4th Saturday to learn more. Need help getting started? Request a pot garden from CYEA by emailing support@cyea.us.
Happy planting! 🌿🍅✨