Smoothies are my secret weapon to sneak vegetables and fruits into my toddler’s (and husband’s) diet. With a few base ingredients, you can add just about any type of fruit or vegetable to make a smoothie. If you make as many smoothies as we do, you’ll want to grow your own smoothie ingredients.

Container gardening is the easiest way to get up and running with a smoothie garden since you can grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs just about anywhere. Container gardens are ideal for apartment living or for folks who don’t have a large yard. And many smoothie ingredients make ideal container garden crops. Here are my five favorite container crops to grow your own smoothie.

Blueberries

When growing blueberries in a container, be sure to choose a pot that is at least 18 inches deep with proper drainage. A blueberry bush will grow well for years if cared for properly. Larger containers like half-barrels make excellent homes for blueberry bushes. You’ll also need to purchase two different plants of two different varieties since blueberries need to be cross-pollinated. Use acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 4.8. As with all container crops, keep a careful eye on soil moisture since water drains more quickly from containers than garden beds.

Spinach

If you want to grow your own smoothie, I highly suggest planting spinach. While it may not be a typical smoothie ingredient, spinach is an easy nutrient-rich smoothie addition. Growing spinach in a container is a great way to prevent common pests and diseases since the plant will be isolated from other plants. Smaller varieties of spinach work particularly well in containers and can be grown from seed or seedlings. Spinach in container gardens will need to be watered regularly and fertilized.

Strawberries

Strawberries and smoothies go hand in hand. All varieties of strawberries can grow in containers but it may be worth choosing a variety that produces smaller fruit without as much vining. You can start your strawberries from either bare-root crowns or transplants. It’s important not to pack them in too tightly and only plant three strawberry plants per foot. Strawberries like to receive six to eight hours of sun each day. Protect strawberries from insects and birds using netting.

Cucumber

Another wildcard in your “Grow your own smoothie” adventure is the cucumber. Cucumber is an excellent smoothie ingredient since it has high water content and a neutral and fresh flavor. Cucumbers also boast high nutritional value. You’ll need a big container for cucumbers since a larger root system will yield an abundant crop. A mini trellis or tomato cage will also aid the sprawling growth of cucumber vines. Choose varieties that don’t require pollination, especially if your container garden will be in an area without too many bees.

Mint

A fantastic way to add a zip to nearly any smoothie is with the addition of mint. Mint is one of the easiest plants to grow in any garden setting. Growing mint in a container is also helpful in preventing mint from running rampant in your garden. Left to its own devices, mint can take over a yard. Mint is easy to grow and does well in full sun to partial shade. Pinching mint back before it flowers will help keep your mint plant bushy and full.

A few “Grow Your Own Smoothie” recipes to try

Cucumber Mint Smoothie

• 1 cucumber
• ¼ cup of milk (cow/almond/oat)
• 3 large mint leaves
• ½ teaspoon of honey or sugar substitute
• 1 cup of ice

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend all ingredients together and serve with a sprig of fresh mint as garnish.

Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

• 1 cup of fresh spinach
• 1 cup of milk (cow/almond/oat)
• ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup of ice
• 1 ripe banana

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend all ingredients and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a few blueberries for garnish.

Strawberry Mint Smoothie

• 2 cups of strawberries
• 1 large ripe banana
• 8-12 fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup of milk (cow/almond/oat)
• 1 tablespoon of pure honey
• 1 cup of ice

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend all ingredients and serve with a sliced strawberry and a drizzle of honey.

Do you plan to grow your own smoothie ingredients? What is your favorite smoothie recipe? Let me know in the comments.