I Grew Salad Greens in 6 Container Types – Here’s the Best One

Can you grow crisp, leafy greens in just about anything? I wanted to find out. I tested 6 different containers side by side, from shallow trays to grow bags, to see which one actually worked best for salad greens. Here’s what I learned, what surprised me, and the one type I’ll keep using.

The Test: Same Seeds, Same Soil, Different Pots

I planted a mix of fast-growing salad greens: baby lettuce, arugula, and mizuna.

Each container got the same setup:

• Premium potting mix with compost
• Morning sun (east-facing patio)
• Daily watering and weekly liquid feed

I tracked:

• How fast the greens grew
• How often I had to water
• Which ones stayed healthy (no rot, no leggy growth)
• Overall harvest size and ease

The 6 Containers I Tested

1. Shallow Terracotta Pot (6″ deep)

Classic look, drains well. But the terracotta dried out fast. I had to water it twice as often as the others, and even then the soil felt dry by midday. The greens managed, but they were smaller and more stressed. Wouldn’t use again for leafy greens – too thirsty and inconsistent.

2. Plastic Grow Tray (6″ deep)

Lightweight, low-cost, and easy to move. This one surprised me. The tray held moisture reasonably well and the greens grew evenly, though the edges dried out faster. Overall: decent results, but it needed careful watering.

3. Geofabric Grow Bag (8″ deep)

Great drainage, stayed cool, and the greens loved it. Moisture held surprisingly well, especially with a thin mulch layer. Slightly more evaporation than plastic, but solid growth and strong plants. Bonus: super easy to move around if needed.

4. Repurposed Plastic Tub (8″ deep)

Cheap and cheerful. I drilled holes for drainage and it worked okay, but not perfectly. Water pooled slightly, and some plants near the center had soft, floppy leaves. Growth was patchy. Not bad if you’re on a budget, but it needs better drainage design.

5. Self-Watering Pot (6″ deep reservoir)

Total standout. Consistent moisture without soggy soil. The greens grew fast, upright, and stayed crisp. Best color, best texture, and zero bolting. Watering was easy, and the reservoir kept things stable on warmer days. Easiest to manage and best harvest size.

6. Wooden Crate Lined with Fabric (6″ deep)

Looked great on the patio, but performance wasn’t ideal. Even with fabric lining and drainage holes, it dried unevenly. Soggy in some spots, dry in others. Some mold developed on the edges. I loved the aesthetic, but wouldn’t recommend it unless you can manage moisture better.

The Winner: Self-Watering Pot

Out of all six, the self-watering container was hands-down the best for salad greens. It kept the soil evenly moist without drowning the roots. The plants stayed lush, grew quickly, and didn’t wilt, even on hotter days. They’re especially handy if you forget to water or get a lot of afternoon heat.

The geofabric grow bag was a very close second, especially if you can find a bigger grow bag. I had this one lying around but I have the feeling that a bigger bag would give the self-watering pot a run for its money. The soil tends to pull away from the sides a bit, but the greens grow really well despite that. Worth a go!

A Few Tips If You’re Growing Salad Greens in Containers

• Stick to shallow but wide containers (6-8″ deep is plenty for baby greens)
• Mulch lightly with straw or fine bark to help with moisture retention
• Harvest early for baby leaves with better texture and taste
• Rotate your pots if you have uneven sunlight or wind
• Avoid terracotta unless you’re home every day with a watering can. Or, seal them with a waterproof sealant. You could even paint them first with something cool and floral and then seal them! Homemade container art…

Best Salad Greens to Grow in Containers

Here are a few easy vegetables that grow well in containers:

• Lettuce: ‘Buttercrunch’, ‘Salad Bowl’, ‘Little Gem’
• Arugula (Rocket): Fast-growing and loves a cool, shady spot
• Mizuna: Mild, lacy leaves that regrow quickly
• Spinach: Great for early spring or autumn pots
• Red Leaf Mixes: Adds color and grows fast

Do you have a favorite container that works for you? Let me know, I’m always testing. And if you’re just getting started, check out my post on Shade-Tolerant Veggies to Grow on Your Porch or Patio for more easy edible ideas.