Gardening in Small Spaces
There's always room for a garden, but sometimes you need to think inside the box.
When you live in a small space like I do, the most important thing that you need to consider is how to effectively grow as much as you can with the space that you have.
I never thought I would have the ability to grow a successful garden in my yard due to the fact that I just did not have a lot of space for the traditional gardens that I was so used to. I had planted a cherry tomato plant and some strawberries in planters one year and figured that would have to be the extent of my garden.
Then I found an interesting book while I was at a garage sale and decided to pay the quarter to buy it and brought it home. As soon as I began to read the book I realized that there was a whole new world of gardening specifically for small spaces that I had never known about before. With the information I had learned in the book Square Foot Gardening
, I went ahead and put in my very first square foot garden.
I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical that first year. After all how could I possibly grow anything in little square foot sections? Plants needed to be planted in rows to grow….right?
I grew lettuce, beans, eggplant, cucumber, tomato, zucchini, chives, and parsley that first year. All were planted in a 3 ft section of grounds.
This is my fourth year using this method. Each year I try to add something new to the garden. I am always looking for creative ways to utilize the space I have. I have expanded my garden to a 6ft x 3 ft section.
I also make use of pots to grow all kinds of herbs. These are great because you can place them wherever you have space. I found a small patch of ground on the side of my house that I never use. So this year I am using it to grow potatoes using this super easy method.
I guess the point I am trying to make is that no matter how small your space is, you can grow a garden.
Kristie writes at This Side of Eternity about money saving tips, homeschooling, parenting, faith, freebies, and deals to name a few. Connect with Kristie on Twitter and Facebook. You can also subscribe to my feed via RSS or Email to be updated on new posts.
This is a great concept! Do you have other suggestions on gardening in a small space?
Hey, it's less soil to dig, right?? :) At least that's what I can tell my hubs if we don't get our garden in the ground soon!
Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.
Hi Andrea–I had the same thoughts…but I was determined to grow my own vegetables this summer. You have some great tips-thank you. I am still planting, but my garden is blooming away-and love it! We started with many seeds and plants bought from Cook’s Garden, and I highly recommend-outstanding quality. http://smallgardendesign.info/
I love square foot gardening!! Hubbie built me a whole system of raised beds that are decorative and efficient. LOVE them! Already have them filled for the year and looking forward to the yields.
hey andrea…my hubs just brought me that book from a guy at his work (need to get my own). have the planters ready & getting ready to plant, i know kind of late, but can’t wait for all the fresh veggies!!
thanks for sharing, will help lots of other veggie lovers!
I found that book & Mel B. when it first came out.. about 20 years ago I guess.. maybe more. ;)
Long time ago.. however, I still use the principles I learned in it.. never mind that my neighbors thought I was crazy.. I showed em just how. ;)
Another great way to grow potatoes is just toss seed potatoes (not the ones from the grocery store- and I never did cut them all in a bunch of pieces like they say) on top of the ground.. then cover them with about 5 or 6 inches of hay or grass clippings.. and before you know it, you’ll have potato plants poking their heads thru.. keep piling on more grass clippings and/or hay, always keeping it 5-6 inches deep. When you want potatoes, you just lift up your mulch and they’re mostly right there on top of the ground.. You dont have to dig up the plant to find them. :D My old gardener neighbors said it couldnt be done.. I told em “lets see” and we all did.. Fun fun!
It is amazing what you can grow in a small space! I was renting for a long time an was only able to have a container garden. A great benefit of this is that your garden and your favourite plants can move with you!