Gardening in small spaces is becoming more and more popular, especially as urban living and smaller outdoor areas become more common.
Whether you have a small balcony, a tiny courtyard or rooftop, or just a compact patch of land, there are lots of creative and smart ways to have a beautiful and productive garden.
In this article, we’ll look at some interesting and useful gardening ideas for small spaces, offer tips for maximising your gardening potential, and discover the types of plants that do well in confined environments.
Gardening ideas for small spaces can include container and vertical gardening on balconies and rooftops. Compact planting of herbs, succulents, fruit and vegetables can make the most of limited areas.
Benefits of Gardening in Small Spaces
Great For Nature
- In urban areas with limited green spaces, roof gardens, balcony gardens and even window boxes can offer a source of food and refuge for visiting insects and birds.
- This means you can sit and watch the wildlife, while helping them on their way.
Accessibility and Convenience
- Small-space gardens are easy to access and manage, making it convenient for gardening enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
- With everything within arm’s reach, tasks like planting, watering, and harvesting are simplified.
- The set up can be a bit more effort, especially if you have a balcony garden on a high level flat, but if you aim to add to it gradually then this makes it more manageable.
Less Maintenance
- The smaller the space, the less maintenance is required.
- Small gardens can be easier to weed, water, and care for, reducing the time and effort needed to keep the garden thriving.
Creativity and Design
- Limited space encourages creative solutions.
- Small gardens will allow you to experiment with various plant arrangements, containers, and decorative elements.
Less Resources
- Small gardens generally require fewer resources such as water, fertiliser, and soil.
- This eco-friendly approach contributes to sustainability and conservation efforts.
Learning Opportunity
- Gardening in small spaces offers an excellent learning opportunity for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- You can focus on specific plants and experiment with different gardening techniques.
Tips for Maximising Small-Space Gardening
Plan Carefully
- Think about a plan that considers the available space, sunlight exposure, your gardening goals and budget.
- Sketch a layout to visualise how to make the best use of what you have.
Vertical Gardening
- Vertical gardening is a space-efficient method where you grow plants vertically using trellises, pallets, hanging containers, or wall-mounted systems.
- This not only saves space but also looks really cool. Think “Living Walls” and cascading vines.
- Hang planters, shelves, or pockets on walls and fences to create additional growing space.
- This technique is particularly useful for trailing plants, herbs, and flowers.
Container Gardening
- You can use containers of various sizes and shapes to grow plants.
- Containers can be placed strategically to make the most of available sunlight.
- You will need to ensure they are watered, and provide proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- You can get super creative with container styles and colours!
- Have a look at our article on the best plants to grow in containers.
Choose the Right Plants
- Go for plants that are well-suited to small spaces.
- You can get compact varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
- Consider growing dwarf fruit trees, compact tomato plants, or mini herb gardens.
- Succulents are also a great choice.
Succession Planting
- Plan for successive plantings to ensure a continuous harvest.
- As one crop finishes, replant the space with another that matures at a different time.
Companion Planting
- Practice companion planting to use the best of the space, this will also deter pests naturally.
- Pair plants that help each other, such as marigolds to deter pests or beans to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Herbs and Microgreens
- Herbs and microgreens are perfect for small spaces.
- They can be grown on windowsills, balconies, or in hanging planters.
- Some herbs like mint and basil can actually deter flies as they don’t like the smell.
Add Compost Or Vermiculite / Perlite To The Soil
- Use high-quality potting mix with good drainage properties.
- Consider mixing in compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and boost nutrients.
- You can also add Vermiculite / Perlite to the soil to help with water retention and drainage respectively.
Use Multi-Tiered Plant Stands
- Multi-tiered plant stands are great for displaying multiple pots vertically, or in a staggered arrangement.
- This maximises the use of space and creates a lovely display.
Consistent Watering
- In small gardens, it’s easier to monitor and adjust watering.
- Ensure plants receive enough moisture without overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Regular Pruning
- Regularly prune plants to encourage compact growth and stop overcrowding.
- Pruning also promotes air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
Ideal Plants for Small-Space Gardens
Herbs
Basil, mint, thyme, oregano, and parsley are herbs that thrive in small containers and add flavor to your cooking.
Leafy Greens
Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are quick-growing greens that can be harvested continuously and are well-suited to container gardening.
Tomatoes
Compact tomato varieties, such as cherry or patio tomatoes, can be grown in containers or hanging baskets.
Peppers
Bell peppers and chillies can be grown in small spaces, as long as they receive enough light.
Radishes
Radishes have a short growth period and can be grown in shallow containers or window boxes.
Strawberries
Strawberries can be grown in pots or hanging baskets, vertical planters, or small raised beds, providing fresh berries in a limited space.
Lavender
This fragrant herb is well-suited to small spaces and will do well in containers or along edges.
Succulents
Low-maintenance succulents come in a variety of shapes and colours and can be grown in small pots or decorative containers.
Basil Trees
These compact basil plants resemble small trees and can be a striking addition to a small garden.
Microgreens
These super trendy nutrient-rich baby greens are easy to grow indoors and are packed with flavor and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in small spaces offers loads of possibilities for creating beautiful, productive, and enjoyable gardens.
With careful planning, creative techniques, and the right plant choices, you can transform even the tiniest outdoor or indoor areas into amazing green spaces.
Small-space gardening not only improves the look of your home but also provides an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about plant care, and grow your own fresh produce and beautiful flowers.