Out of necessity I grow all my vegetables in very large pots. They are on the East side of the house so get morning sun and some get all-day sun. I put the less-heat-tolerant ones next to the house where they are shaded in the afternoon, and the ones that love sun closer to the fence line. And, of course, they all got daily water and a monthly dose of organic fertilizer.

Last summer I had japanese-style eggplant, peppers, beans, a variety of summer squashes, herbs, and tomatoes. This winter I have peas, cauliflower, broccoli, kale and chard.

I had luck with tomatoes last summer for the first time. I bought cultivars that are bred to grow in the heat: SummerSet and Heat Meister. They were in full sun, but up against a wooden fence that, I think, deadened some of the heat.

I had read that Japanese Eggplants do better here in our heat. So far that is correct; and, one plant is going on it's 3rd summer and the other its second. I just cut back the peppers as an experiment to see if they'll come back as well. I try to grow plants "up" if possible to save room. I even discovered that summer squash can be tied-up to climb a pole, which saves walk-way space.

Good luck!

Yep, eggplant loves heat! Also, winter squashes, like hubbard, butternut, acorn and such. Melons adore heat, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, etc.

There are now mini melons, like "Sugar Baby" watermelon, that are easier in a container.Pumpkins like heat too, and there are the little cute ones that also make good eating, like "Baby Bear".

I've actually found peppers like a bit of shade in the afternoon, and I've had summer squash and cucumbers shrivel in all day sun during those 100*+ days.

Have you considered a fig tree? The fruit is delicious and they love containers. They don't need much water and are really happy in hot sun! Most nurseries have them in May. Do not get a Brown Turkey. The others taste great! I've heard deer like them, and I know gophers love their roots, so containing them is best. We have 28 varieties. The one pictured here is Bourgosotte Gris (a rare type you won't find at Home Depot, but they have other really good ones). It tastes more strawberry than a strawberry! When it is ripe, it's bright red inside. This photo was taken today.

Kadota is a wonderful fig and you can probably find it locally. half our property is fenced, and all our trees are in ground in gopher baskets.

Thank you all for the suggestions! A fig tree is a great idea, I'm definitely going to do that ... and lots of great veggie ideas, too.

Yes, figs and citrus do really good in large pots. I have two figs and a Meyer Lemon loving the side yard.

Suzi - where are you located that you have figs already? I'm jealous... I'm just seeing signs of growth staying this week.

I live in a microclimate in Southern California, Riverside County between Temecula and Hemet.

That and another tree both have their Breba crop forming, but harvest probably won't happen until June or July, unless it's a really warm spring.

Yeah, I was just going to say that I've already removed a breba crop from some figs I have in LA. They went dormant and pushed out new leaves twice so far this season.