How to Choose Between Containers, Raised Beds, and In-Ground Gardening
Whether you’re growing on a balcony or have a backyard with room to spread out, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer… and honestly, that’s kind of the magic. I’m walking you through the key things to consider when deciding where to plant your crops, plus what’s worked best in my own small-space garden. Keep on reading to decide how to choose between containers, raised beds, and in ground gardening.
Table of Contents
When it comes to planning your garden, the question comes up every single year:
“Should I plant this in a container? A raised bed? Or right in the ground?”
The answer? It depends—and that’s a good thing.
Start Here: Your Space and Your Soil
Before deciding where to plant, take a minute to look at what you're working with—and what you actually want from your garden.
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Ask yourself:
- How much sunlight does your space get?
- Full sun? Go wild. Partial shade? Stick to leafy greens and herbs, or containers you can move.
- What’s your soil like?
- Heavy clay? Containers or raised beds might save your sanity. Nice and loamy? Go in-ground if you want.
- How much space do you have?
- No yard? Containers and tower planters. A big backyard? You’ve got options.
- Are you prioritizing aesthetics or production?
- Want it to look magical and cottagey? Mix containers, trellises, and flowers. Focused on growing all your food? In-ground or raised beds will maximize yield.
None of these answers are right or wrong—but they do help you figure out what’s realistic and worth your energy right now.
And most importantly—are you okay with experimenting?
Gardening is a relationship, not a formula. You learn by doing, not waiting.
Where Should I Plant This?
When to Use Containers
Containers are perfect for:
- Small spaces or patios
- Herbs that like to spread (mint, I’m looking at you)
- Greens that are sensitive to pests or splashback
- Compact veggies like peppers
Pros:
- Total control over soil quality
- Easy to move for sun or frost protection
- Ideal for experimental plantings or whimsical touches
Watch out for:
- Quick drying soil → more watering
- Limited root space for deep or vining plants
🌟 I grow all of my peppers in grow bags because they thrive there—more than in my heavy clay soil.
What to Grow in a GreenStalk or Tower Garden
Vertical planters like the GreenStalk are incredible for:
- Salad greens
- Herbs
- Strawberries
- Green onions
These are perfect if you’re trying to maximize space or keep delicate crops off the ground and away from pests.
When to Use Raised Beds
Raised beds give you the best of both worlds—more space and control than containers, but less permanent than in-ground beds.
They’re especially great for:
- Root crops (carrots, beets, radishes)
- Onions, garlic, cabbage
- Zucchini, summer squash
- Any plant that prefers looser soil and better drainage
Pros:
- Great for poor native soil—you bring in your own mix
- Excellent drainage and root depth control
- Easier on your back and knees for planting and harvesting
- Warms up earlier in the spring = earlier planting
- Makes crop rotation and spacing feel more manageable
Keep in mind:
- Can be pricey to build or fill—start small and build over time
- Soil needs topped off each season as it settles
- Spreading herbs (like mint or lemon balm) can take over—keep those in containers
- Not ideal for deep-rooted perennials (they prefer stable in-ground soil)
You can read more about the benefits of raised beds in this post, but just know: if you have poor native soil or are just getting started, they’re a solid option.
When to Plant In-Ground
In-ground gardening works well when:
- You have decent native soil (or are willing to amend it)
- You're growing larger, deep-rooted crops like:
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Winter squash
- Perennial herbs and fruit bushes
Pros:
- Least expensive option
- Ideal for large-scale planting
- Best for perennials (since raised bed soil will sink over time)
Keep in mind:
- Most weeding
- Higher pest pressure
- Less control over soil unless amended
My Favorite Combo? All Three.
My garden is a mix of:
- Raised beds tucked around in-ground beds
- Containers for herbs and color
- GreenStalks full of salad greens and experiments
- And a few whimsical trellises for good measure ✨
I don’t try to grow everything. I grow what we eat most—onions, carrots, garlic, squash—and I try one or two new things each year. That’s it.
You Don’t Need the Perfect Plan
The truth is, there is no perfect layout. Your garden will evolve with your space, your season, your life.
So if you’re feeling stuck, here’s your permission slip:
- Start with the space you have
- Grow what you actually eat
- Pick a couple easy wins—and one fun experiment
- And let yourself learn by doing
Every harvest is a happy little blessing. And every mistake is a step closer to confidence.
💬 Tell Me:
What are you planting in containers, raised beds, and in-ground this year? Drop a comment or tag me on Instagram @brittanylgibson so I can cheer you on!
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About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.
Calling all gardeners craving something more…
If your love of growing things has you dreaming about a more self-sufficient lifestyle, The Homestead Collective was made for you. This is a supportive community for anyone ready to expand beyond the garden—into herbal remedies, non-toxic living, food preservation, and sustainable home routines that actually work in real life.
Whether you’ve got a backyard full of raised beds or a few pots on the porch, this group gives you the structure, tools, and community to turn those green dreams into a low-pressure, thriving homestead life.
