SPACE-SAVING GARDENING
No yard? No problem. With space-saving gardening ideas, you can grow vegetables, herbs, and even fruit no matter where you live. Transform a patio, nook, or front porch into thriving gardens full of all the things you love.
With a bit of creativity and tips for container gardening, you can turn limited space into just what you need.
When we first started gardening, we began with a large 20×40-foot spread in our backyard. For years we grew much of our food in that garden but as I got older, I realized I needed an easier way to grow our food.
It turns out I’m not alone—many are searching for easier gardening methods that require less prep and upkeep yet still provide a good harvest. The good news is that gardening doesn’t have to be all hard work; it can be both productive and easy to maintain.
Space-Saving Gardening
Space-saving gardening is an art as well as a science. It’s about thinking creatively to utilize every inch of available space, making the most of what you have. This approach is a gamer changer for those living in the suburbs who are short on space or anyone who needs a setup that requires less care.
#1. Traditional Container Gardening
One of the best ways to make the most of your space is to use containers to grow your food. They’re versatile, easy to move around, and can fit into small spaces like balconies, patios, and open areas in a flower bed.
The Benefits of Container Gardening
Using containers gives you control over many areas of growing, from the soil to location.
- Easy Accessibility: Containers can be placed at a comfortable height, allowing you to garden without bending over or kneeling down.
- Easy to Move: You can move containers around as needed to get more sunlight or protect them from extreme weather conditions.
- Control over Soil Quality: With containers, you have more control over the soil, which is an important part of growing healthy plants.
- Fewer pests: Since containers are portable, it’s easier to find and deal with pest problems before they spread to other plants.
Different Types of Containers
When it comes to container gardening, you can use a container from home or purchase one in the store or online. With the rise in popularity, the selection of containers you can use is almost endless. Here are a few of our top picks.
- Repurposed flower pots
- Buckets or barrels
- Grow bags
- Window boxes
- Wooden crates or boxes
- Hanging baskets
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Growing in containers
Growing plants in containers is similar to a traditional garden with a few exceptions.
- Container Size: Use containers that are at least 12 inches deep or more, depending on the plant you are growing.
- Add in Drainage: To keep roots healthy, each container will need to have drainage holes at the bottom.
- Fill with Soil: Choose a high-quality potting soil that is specifically made for containers and fill 2/3 full.
- Seedlings or Seeds: You can plant seedlings or seeds in containers. If planting seeds, follow the instructions on the packet for proper depth and spacing. For seedlings, gently remove them from their original container and plant in the center of the container. Add soil to secure the plant and gently tap down with your hands.
- Watering: Water generously to start, then consistently as the plant grows.
- Mulch: To keep the soil moist, add a layer of mulch such as cut grass or shredded leaves.
- Support: For heavy fruit-bearing plants such as tomatoes, add a cage or center stick for support.
Best plants for Growing in containers
While almost any plant can be grown in a container, here are some of the best plants to grow.
- Tomatoes: Grow bush or dwarf varieties for best results.
- Strawberries: Perfect for hanging baskets and smaller containers.
- Peppers: Choose smaller varieties like jalapenos or bell peppers.
- Herbs: Basil, parsley, mint, and rosemary all do well in containers.
- Lettuce and other greens: These leafy greens thrive in a container setting.
#2. Vertical Container Gardening
Vertical gardening is all about growing plants upward, making use of walls or structures to save valuable ground space. It’s a brilliant way to expand your gardening area, especially when space is tight.
Benefits of Going Vertical
- Maximizes Space: By growing plants vertically, you can fit more plants in a smaller area.
- Increases Air Flow and Sunlight: Growing plants off the ground allows for better air circulation and sunlight exposure which reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
- Easy to Care for: Vertical gardens are easier to maintain as they are at eye level and closer in reach for watering and harvesting.
Types of Vertical Containers
- Trellises or Lattices
- Hanging Grow Bags
- Grow Towers
- Tiered Planters
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Growing in Vertical Containers
- Choose the Right Plants: Opt for plants that have a natural tendency to grow upwards, such as vining plants or those with strong stems.
- Fill with Soil: Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix that will not put too much weight on the structure.
- Planting and Watering: Follow the same steps as container gardening mentioned above.
- Support and Maintenance: As plants grow, make sure to secure them to the structure or add additional support as needed.
Best plants for Vertical Containers
- Herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary are great for vertical gardens as they don’t have deep roots and can thrive in shallow containers.
- Strawberries are also a popular choice for hanging baskets.
- Vining plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash do well when grown vertically.
Straw Bale Gardening
Straw bale gardening is one of my favorite ways to grow produce in small spaces. It’s not only unique but also a lot of fun to transform a simple bale of straw into a thriving garden. Perfect for areas with limited room or poor soil, this method lets you create a productive garden almost anywhere.
The Benefits of Straw Bale Gardening
- Requires No Soil: If your yard has poor soil, or you don’t have a yard at all, straw bale gardening is a great alternative.
- Low Maintenance: Straw bales are easier to maintain than traditional gardens as they require less weeding and cultivating.
- Better Drainage: As the bales decompose, they create air pockets that allow for better drainage and aeration.
Get our step-by-step guide on How to Prepare Straw Bales for Planting.
Growing in Bales of Straw
- Choose the Right Location: Select an area with plenty of sunlight (at least 6 hours per day) and enough space for the desired number of bales.
- Condition the Bales: Before planting, you need to condition the bales. This involves soaking them in water for about a week, adding fertilizer and keeping them moist.
- Create a Planting Pocket: Once the bales are conditioned, create pockets on top of each bale by pulling apart the straw.
- Add Plants: Add your desired plants to the pockets, making sure to leave enough space between each one.
- Water and Maintain: Keep the bales well-watered and fertilize every two weeks.
Best Plants for Straw Bale Gardening
- Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens do well in straw bale gardens as they don’t require deep roots.
- Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and other fruiting plants can also thrive in straw bales.
- Herbs such as basil, cilantro, and parsley are perfect for small spaces and do well in straw bale gardens.
Square Foot Gardening
Square foot gardening is a method of growing vegetables and other plants in a small, compact space. It requires more room than the options listed above, but if you have space for one or two 4×8 foot setups, you can grow a large amount of vegetables.
Benefits of Square Foot Gardening
- Maximizes Space: By dividing the garden into square feet, you can fit more plants in a smaller area.
- Reduces Weeding: With this method, you only plant what you need in each square foot, reducing the need for weeding and maintenance.
- Saves Water: The close spacing of plants allows for less water to be used as it is not wasted on empty spaces.
How to Set Up a Square Foot Garden
- Build or Buy a Raised Bed: A raised bed is necessary for square foot gardening as it helps with drainage and prevents soil compaction.
- Add Soil: Fill the raised bed with a mixture of compost, peat moss, and soil.
- Divide the Garden into Grids: Use string to create grids dividing the garden into 1-foot squares.
- Plant: Follow the guidelines for each square foot to determine how many plants can fit in each square and plant accordingly.
- Water and Maintain: Keep the garden well-watered and add fertilizer as needed.
Best Plants for Square Foot Gardening
- Carrots, radishes, and other root vegetables do well in this method as they have enough space to grow downwards.
- Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, and chard also thrive in square foot gardens due to their shallow roots.
- Cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers can also be grown in this method, but may require additional support as they grow taller.
Gardening 101 tips that encompass unique approaches so you can find the best option for you, allowing you to get back in control of your food and your health.
Using any of these options for space-saving gardening will help you to grow the food you love no matter where you live.
Be sure to choose the right-size container, fill it with the best soil, and follow the planting instructions, and you will have fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruit growing in no time.
