Best Garden Planters for Vegetables: 10 Trellis Boxes, Grow Bags and Tiers Compared

A tomato, a potato and a head of lettuce want three different containers. Tomatoes climb, so a trellis box like the Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters or MQHUAYU 2 Pack 57 Inch Tomato Planters makes sense. Potatoes suit a bag with a harvest window like the Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack. Lettuce and herbs fit shallow tiers like the Olaiti 5-Tier Vertical Garden Planter.

Watering is the second split. The Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags lists a 1 gallon reservoir, the VIVOSUN 4 Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots lists a 1.3 gallon tank and a water meter, and the Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Planter has a gauge. The Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack and CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed have no reservoir, so you water them by hand.

We compared 10 planters by type, size, watering and pack, using only listing details. For raised beds on frames, see our separate raised planter box guide. Water claims are maker claims, so watch your soil the first week.

Gardenbine earns a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Product details come from the manufacturers’ listings.

On this page

1. Compare Vegetable Planters by Type, Size, Watering and Pack Size
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Garden Planters for Vegetables
3. Do Not Pick a Planter Without Matching It to the Crop
4. Do Not Trust Self-Watering Without Checking
5. How to Choose Garden Planters for Vegetables
6. Which Vegetable Planter Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Vegetable Planters by Type, Size, Watering and Pack Size

Detailed Reviews: Best Garden Planters for Vegetables

1. Lazzmonk 2 Pack Raised Garden Bed Planter Box with Trellis 58 Inch Tomato Planter (Best overall garden planters for vegetables)

• 58 inHeight
• 2Pack
• SiphonWatering
• No toolsAssembly

Best for: tomatoes, cucumbers and other climbers

Why it ranks #1: It lists a trellis, a self-watering base and no-tool assembly in a pair.

Lazzmonk lists a 58 inch planter with a four-corner tower that supports vines and vegetables. The listing says the grid base uses a siphon effect to keep soil moist and has a water fill port.

The box is listed as fade-resistant PP with a stainless steel core trellis. Assembly instructions are included and the listing says no tools are needed.

Skip it if you want fabric bags; the Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags and ORIMERC 4 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags are fabric.

2. MQHUAYU 2-Pack Tomato Planter with Trellis 57 Inch Self-Watering Raised Garden Bed (Best 57 inch tomato planter pair)

• 57 inHeight
• 9.8 inWidth
• 2Pack
• ReservoirWater

Best for: climbing plants with limited ground space

Why it ranks #2: It lists full dimensions, a reservoir and taller walls for more soil.

MQHUAYU lists a bottom water reservoir and an air hole system that the listing says supplies moisture and oxygen. The box has taller walls for more soil.

The four-corner tower is listed as using vertical space for taller plants. The listing says it suits indoor and outdoor use.

Skip it if you want a named material; the Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters lists PP and stainless steel.

3. Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Raised Garden Bed and Herb Planter with Water Gauge (Best self-watering planter with a water gauge)

• 12.7 galVolume
• 32.3 x 14.7 inFootprint
• 30.7 inHeight
• GaugeWater level

Best for: herbs and compact vegetables at standing height

Why it ranks #3: It lists a water level gauge, a drain plug and clear dimensions.

Keter lists a planter of 32.3 x 14.7 inches and 30.7 inches high with a built-in water gauge. The listing says the gauge shows when plants need more moisture.

A drainage system can be opened or closed, and a reservoir is listed to help prevent root decay and overwatering. The volume is listed at 12.7 gallons.

Skip it if you want a bigger planting area; the CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed is 128 gallons.

4. Patigrow Self-Watering Grow Bags 5-Pack 5 Gallon 420G Nonwoven Fabric Pots (Best self-watering grow bags in a 5 pack)

• 5 galBag
• 1 galReservoir
• 420GFabric
• 5Pack

Best for: peppers, tomatoes and other single plants

Why it ranks #4: It lists a reservoir size, fabric weight and metal rings for training.

Patigrow lists a 1 gallon reservoir that reduces watering frequency and a rigid stand that keeps soil off the water. The fabric is 420G thickened nonwoven with reinforced nylon handles.

Built-in metal rings are listed for plant training, and the permeable fabric drains excess water. The listing says the pieces are BPA-free.

Skip it if you want one big planting area; the CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed is one large fabric bed.

5. ORIMERC 4 Pack Grow Bags 5 Gallon Self Watering Fabric with Saucer (Best grow bags with saucer and stand)

• 5 galBag
• 300GFabric
• 4Pack
• TrayIncluded

Best for: strawberries and tomatoes in pots

Why it ranks #5: It lists a tray and stand that save drained water for reuse.

ORIMERC lists a bottom watering set with a plant tray and stand that the listing says keeps soil moist longer. The bag is 300G thickened nonwoven fabric and BPA-free.

Excess water collects in the tray and the plant can use it again, per the listing. The handles are listed for moving full bags.

Skip it if you want a larger reservoir listed; the Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags lists 1 gallon.

6. VIVOSUN 4-Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots with Grow Bags (Best self-watering pots with a water meter)

• 4Pack
• 1.3 galTank
• MeterWater level
• WindowRefill

Best for: gardeners who want to see water level and test feed

Why it ranks #6: It lists a 1.3 gallon tank, a meter and a refill window.

VIVOSUN lists a 1.3 gallon tank that the listing says hydrates plants for up to a week. The kit has a four-pack base and four grow bags.

A gridded maintenance window is listed for refills and pH and EC testing. A clear water meter shows the level, and a raised drain plate helps prevent water buildup.

Skip it if you want a simple bag; the Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack has no system.

7. Homyhoo Potato Grow Bags with Flap 10 Gallon 4 Pack (Best grow bags with a harvest window)

• 10 galBag
• 4Pack
• FlapHarvest window
• DoubleLayer

Best for: potatoes and root vegetables

Why it ranks #7: It lists a harvest window so you can check and pick crops from the side.

Homyhoo lists breathable double-layer nonwoven bags of 10 gallons with a large harvest window. The listing says you can check on the plant and harvest through it.

The strong handles are listed for moving bags, and the listing suggests potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables on patios and in gardens.

Skip it if you want a self-watering bag; the Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags lists a reservoir.

8. CJGQ Fabric Raised Garden Bed 128 Gallon 8 Grids 3×6 FT (Best large fabric bed with grids)

• 128 galVolume
• 72 x 36 x 12 inSize
• 8Grids
• NoneAssembly

Best for: a full vegetable patch on a patio

Why it ranks #8: It lists the largest volume here with a grid layout and no assembly.

CJGQ lists a thickened nonwoven fabric bed of 128 gallons that measures 72 x 36 x 12 inches. Eight grids divide the space so you can manage different crops.

The listing says it ventilates the roots 360 degrees and lets excess water drain. It needs no assembly and stores flat.

Skip it if you want a hard-sided box; the Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Planter is rigid.

9. Garden Elements Brown Raised Garden Bed 29.5 x 15 Inch Self-Watering Planter with Grow Dome (Best small planter on legs with a grow dome)

• 45 LVolume
• 31 inHeight
• 10 inBox depth
• DomeIncluded

Best for: small spaces and seed starting at standing height

Why it ranks #9: It lists a dome for seed starting and a water level indicator.

Garden Elements lists a 31 inch tall planter on legs that reduces bending, with a 45 L capacity. The listing gives the planting area as 15 x 29.5 x 10 inches.

A ventilated grow dome with adjustable vents is listed to protect plants from pests and weather. The self-watering system has a reservoir and a water level indicator.

Skip it if you want more soil; the Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Planter holds 12.7 gallons.

10. Olaiti 5-Tier Vertical Garden Bed Planter Boxes with Drainage System (Best vertical tiers for small footprints)

• 5Tiers
• 3Drain holes per tier
• SteelFrame
• 5S-hooks

Best for: lettuce, herbs and small crops on a small patio

Why it ranks #10: It lists a small footprint and a stepped drainage design.

Olaiti lists a freestanding five-tier trapezoid planter that takes little floor space. The frame is rust-resistant painted steel with triangular brackets.

Each tier has three side holes for cascading drainage, and the bins detach for replanting at a table. Five S-hooks are included.

Skip it if you grow tomatoes; the Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters and MQHUAYU 2 Pack 57 Inch Tomato Planters have trellises.

Do Not Pick a Planter Without Matching It to the Crop

Soil volume and support decide what grows well. The Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags and ORIMERC 4 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags are 5 gallons, the Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack is 10 gallons and the CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed is 128 gallons. A 5 gallon bag suits one pepper or tomato plant, while a bed suits many small crops.

Climbers need support. The Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters and MQHUAYU 2 Pack 57 Inch Tomato Planters have a built-in trellis, and the Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags lists metal rings for training. Shallow tiers like the Olaiti 5-Tier Vertical Garden Planter suit leafy greens and herbs rather than big fruiting crops.

Do Not Trust Self-Watering Without Checking

Self-watering helps, but it is not a free pass. The VIVOSUN 4 Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots lists up to a week from its tank, a maker claim that depends on heat and plant size. Check the soil with your finger, and refill the reservoir before it runs dry.

Also check drainage in rain, since a full reservoir can overflow. For layout ideas, see our guide to patio vegetable garden setups under 50 square feet.

How to Choose Garden Planters for Vegetables

Type

The Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters and MQHUAYU 2 Pack 57 Inch Tomato Planters are trellis boxes. The Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Planter and Garden Elements Self-Watering Planter with Dome are planters on a stand or legs. The Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags, ORIMERC 4 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags, VIVOSUN 4 Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots and Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack are bag systems. The CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed is a fabric bed and the Olaiti 5-Tier Vertical Garden Planter is a vertical tier.

Size

The CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed is 128 gallons, the Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack is 10 gallons and the Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Planter is 12.7 gallons. The Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags and ORIMERC 4 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags are 5 gallons, the Garden Elements Self-Watering Planter with Dome is 45 L and the VIVOSUN 4 Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots lists a 1.3 gallon tank.

Watering

The Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters, MQHUAYU 2 Pack 57 Inch Tomato Planters, Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Planter, Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags, ORIMERC 4 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags, VIVOSUN 4 Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots and Garden Elements Self-Watering Planter with Dome list a reservoir, tank or tray. The Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack, CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed and Olaiti 5-Tier Vertical Garden Planter drain and you water by hand.

Pack size

The Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags has five, the ORIMERC 4 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags, VIVOSUN 4 Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots and Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack have four, and the Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters and MQHUAYU 2 Pack 57 Inch Tomato Planters have two. The Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Planter, CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed, Garden Elements Self-Watering Planter with Dome and Olaiti 5-Tier Vertical Garden Planter are single.

Which Vegetable Planter Should You Choose?

• If you grow tomatoes or climbers, choose the Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters, because it has a four-corner tower and a trellis.
• If you want a slimmer trellis box, choose the MQHUAYU 2 Pack 57 Inch Tomato Planters, because it is 9.8 inches wide and 57 inches tall.
• If you want a gauge, choose the Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Planter, because it shows when plants need water.
• If you want several self-watering bags, choose the Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags, because it comes as five with a 1 gallon reservoir.
• If you grow strawberries or tomatoes in pots, choose the ORIMERC 4 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags, because it has a tray and stand.
• If you want a water meter, choose the VIVOSUN 4 Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots, because it lists a clear meter and refill window.
• If you grow potatoes, choose the Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack, because it has a harvest window.
• If you want a big bed, choose the CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed, because it is 128 gallons in eight grids.
• If you start seeds, choose the Garden Elements Self-Watering Planter with Dome, because it comes with a grow dome.
• If you have little floor space, choose the Olaiti 5-Tier Vertical Garden Planter, because it stacks five tiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best garden planters for vegetables?

For climbing vegetables, the Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters is the best pick here because it has a trellis and a self-watering base. For a big planting area, the CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed is 128 gallons.

What size planter do vegetables need?

It depends on the crop. A single pepper or tomato often fits a 5 gallon bag like the Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags, and potatoes can use the 10 gallon Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack. Check the plant tag for your variety.

Are self-watering planters worth it?

They cut watering trips. The Patigrow 5 Pack 5 Gallon Self-Watering Grow Bags lists a 1 gallon reservoir and the VIVOSUN 4 Pack FlexFeed Self-Watering Pots lists a tank for up to a week. Check the soil anyway.

Are fabric grow bags good for vegetables?

Listings say fabric drains and breathes, as with the Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack and CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed. Fabric can dry out faster than plastic, so check often in hot weather.

Can I grow vegetables in a vertical planter?

Yes, shallow tiers like the Olaiti 5-Tier Vertical Garden Planter suit lettuce, herbs and small crops. Big fruiting crops need more soil.

Which planter suits tomatoes?

Trellis boxes like the Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters and MQHUAYU 2 Pack 57 Inch Tomato Planters are made for climbers. A 10 gallon bag like the Homyhoo 10 Gallon Potato Grow Bags 4 Pack also works with a cage.

Final Verdict

The Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters is the best garden planter for vegetables in this guide. It is a pair of 58 inch self-watering planters with a four-corner tower and a trellis. If you want a big bed, the CJGQ 128 Gallon Fabric Raised Bed is 128 gallons in eight grids. Before you buy, match the planter to your crop and check the soil rather than trusting the reservoir.

See the Lazzmonk 2 Pack 58 Inch Tomato Planters on Amazon