How to Grow Bok Choy in Containers, Troughs, and Small Beds

Bok choy (Pak Choi) thrives in small spaces, making it ideal for containers, troughs, and compact garden beds. From my decades of experience growing leafy greens year-round, I’ve discovered key strategies to maximize yield, keep plants healthy, and prevent stress—even in limited spaces. Here’s a complete guide to container bok choy gardening.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Container

Minimum depth: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) for root development
Wider containers allow multiple plants and better airflow
Troughs and long boxes are perfect for succession planting
Ensure drainage holes to prevent waterlogging

Tip from my garden: I often grow 3–4 bok choy plants per 12-inch container for optimal growth.

Soil Requirements

Use well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
Add compost or aged manure before planting
Maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0)
Avoid heavy clay soils, which compact in containers

Planting and Spacing

Sow seeds ¼ inch deep
Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart
For transplants, space similarly and firm soil gently around roots
Succession plant every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest

Watering and Feeding

Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature
Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks
Avoid excess nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth over heads

Sunlight and Placement

4–6 hours of full sun is ideal
Partial shade helps prevent bolting in hot weather
Elevate containers for better airflow and easier pest management

Pest and Disease Management

Check leaves regularly for aphids, flea beetles, and caterpillars
Use insecticidal soap or manual removal as needed
Rotate container locations yearly to reduce soil-borne diseases

Harvesting Tips

Cut leaves individually for “cut-and-come-again” harvest
Harvest entire plant when 8–12 inches tall for maximum flavor
Frequent harvesting encourages new growth in containers

My Experience

In my Sonoma Valley garden, container-grown bok choy thrives year-round. Using troughs allows me to succession plant for continuous harvest, and small beds provide enough space for larger plants without overcrowding. Proper watering, rich soil, and sunlight management prevent bolting and keep leaves tender.

Growing bok choy in containers, troughs, or small beds is highly rewarding when you follow these techniques, producing tender, flavorful greens even in limited space.