Gardening in small spaces like balconies and patios can be challenging, but also rewarding. With some clever ideas, you can make the most of your limited area and grow a variety of plants.
One of the keys to small space gardening is choosing plants that don’t require a lot of room to grow. Herbs like basil, chives, rosemary and thyme are great options and can thrive in small pots. Microgreens and sprouts also only need a little space and will provide you with nutritious greens to add to salads and sandwiches. If you want flowers, consider dwarf sunflowers, petunias, pansies or snapdragons.
Using vertical space is another trick for small space gardening. You can install trellises, stakes, and hanging planters to help your plants grow up and not out. Vining plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and peas will happily climb a trellis. You can also choose dwarf fruit trees that can be trained to grow against a wall.
Containers are essential for balcony and patio gardens. Choose containers that suit your space and decor. Long, narrow planters are good for tight areas. You can also use stacking planters or rail planters to maximize space. Make sure your containers have drainage holes and that you use a quality potting mix, not regular garden soil.
One of the benefits of container gardening is that you can move the pots around to create the optimal conditions for your plants. Move them into sunlight during the day and shelter them at night if there is a risk of frost. You can also rotate the pots to encourage even growth.
With some creative thinking, you can have a flourishing garden even with limited space. Try using multi-level planters, hanging baskets, window boxes and vertical space. Choose compact plants suitable for containers. And don’t forget to water and fertilize regularly since container plants depend entirely on you for their needs.
A small space garden can produce a lot. Try interplanting quick-growing radishes, lettuce and other greens with larger plants like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. You can harvest the greens while waiting for the bigger plants to produce. With the right choices and care, you’ll be enjoying homegrown produce from your balcony or patio all season long.
