Tips for Gardening in Small Spaces

**Collaborative post**

If you were ever discouraged from having your own garden because you simply don’t have the space, this article is for you. 

It doesn’t matter if you have a limited outdoor area, whether a windowsill, small patio, or a cosy backyard. Learn how to transform your space into a productive and picturesque garden oasis with the below small space garden ideas and tips. 

Exploring the Types of Small Space Gardens

Gardening is practically possible anywhere, as long as there’s access to water, sunlight, and soil. The perk is that the soil doesn’t have to be on the ground, which opens many options for small areas. 

When space is limited, it’s important to choose a style for your garden that helps maximise it. To do that, being aware of the options is the first step. 

Container Gardens

If you only have a balcony or patio, containers are the perfect solution. Plots and planters are versatile garden canvases that can be arranged in many different ways.

Choose colourful, durable containers at least 12 inches wide to accommodate deep root systems with ease. 

Terra cotta, metal, and resin pots all work well and come in an array of shapes and sizes. Group several pots together for visual appeal. Don’t forget to include drainage holes!

Herbs like basil are a popular option with this style of small space gardens. They thrive in pots on sunny porches. 

Focus on planting heat-loving herbs in sunny patios, like rosemary, oregano, thyme, and mint. You can also grow salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, and dwarf fruit trees in larger tubs. 

Additionally, consider incorporating trailing plants that spill over container edges for an efficient use of space, as well as a beautiful design. For trailing vines, try cascading petunias, creeping Jenny, or beans.  

Vertical Gardens

If you have wall space available, think outside the box. Vertical gardens are a fantastic way to grow plants when there’s no space on the ground. 

With some creativity, even the tiniest of yards or the most narrow of balconies can host an abundant garden. 

Vertical planters, including trellises and hanging baskets or planter boxes, are ideal for leveraging the space on your wall. 

Choose to plant varieties that are suited to climb up, such as beans, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, or flowering vines. 

Additionally, plants like pole beans can grow vertically up a bamboo or any wooden pole. This is perfect if you have a small plot and want to plant directly on the ground. 

Use frameworks like ladders, arbours, or wire fencing attached to walls to give climbing plants something sturdy to grasp onto as they grow upwards. Consider rambling roses or honeysuckle.

If space is extremely tight, consider creating a living wall. Stack wooden boards or felt panels horizontally on the wall, and insert your plants in pockets. 

Make sure to arrange your plants close together to form a dense vertical screen of greenery. Living/green walls are a truly ideal and beautiful option for small yards or balconies where vertical space is the only solution. 

Raised Garden Beds

For tiny yards, back porches, or other limited flat spaces, raised garden beds are a must. They elevate the soil surface so it’s easier for you to plant, water, and harvest. Accordingly, they are perfect as well for home gardeners with limited mobility. 

Building simple wooden or concrete raised beds a few inches off the ground greatly increases the gardening area without using more square footage. 

Beds can be of any size and shape to suit the space you have, from long, narrow strips to small circular nooks. 

Fill the beds with rich organic soil so roots have enough depth and room to thrive. Consider compact types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers suited for contained growing.

Selecting materials that can endure varying weather conditions is crucial for raised beds. For example, pressure-treated pine or cedar can be used for wooden beds.

For an eco-friendly option, cobble together beds from repurposed brick, stone, or concrete pavers. Outline the shapes with landscape timbers for a polished and organised final look. 

No matter the material you think best suits your garden, raised beds should have a rim tall enough to keep soil securely in place (about 12 to 18 inches in height).

Indoor and Windowsill Gardens

For apartments and residences with no backyards, gardening is still entirely possible right on your windowsill. All you need is access to sunlight. 

Pothos, spider plants, and philodendrons are excellent options that thrive on natural light. Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint also do well near a window with enough sun exposure. 

For your potted plants to thrive and grow on your windowsill, be sure drainage holes are there to allow excess water to escape. Otherwise, the roots will become soggy. Place drip trays under pots to protect decorative sills. 

Many edible plants like greens, tomatoes, and peppers can still thrive indoors with sufficient artificial lighting on drier days. You can opt for sprouting microgreens for a rewarding crop that matures quickly without outdoor space. 

Assessing Your Space

Before getting started, it’s important to carefully analyse the space you have available for gardening. Use a tape measure and fully scope out all potential outdoor and indoor areas so you’re more aware of the dimensions.

Consider factors like how many hours of direct sun a spot receives throughout the day and whether proper drainage is available. Proximity to power outlets should also be noted if grow lights are part of your plan. 

Finally, assess the types of plants you would enjoy growing and how much produce you would like to yield.

These steps will help you tremendously when exploring the best type of small space gardens for you.

Compact raised beds are excellent for squeezing edibles into narrow lots. Vertical walls save surface area for apartments or sunlit porches. On the other hand, hanging baskets transform railings and pergolas. 

Optimising sunlight is also key. East- or west-facing windowsills create the most balanced indoor conditions. 

For containers, group pots in the sunniest spots you have. In addition, choosing appropriate pot sizes also prevents crowding and ensures healthy root growth. 

If you feel confused about what’s the best thing for your small garden, a professional gardener will be able to advise you and help maintain it going forward. 

Conclusion

Small gardens are a beautiful addition to any home. Having a huge area is never a requirement to design the garden you dream of. 

Once you’ve analysed your surroundings and picked the right type, you’ll be surprised how much you can grow. With the tips shared in this article, the process is quite easy and enjoyable to take on.