Creating a Garden in Small Spaces
Do you feel limited by the amount of space you have but desire to have a garden of your own? You may be living in an apartment building or a condo and there just isn’t enough space for a garden. Don’t give up on your dream of having your own garden, there is still hope.
Container gardening is the recommended way to go. Growing plants in pots and containers on your porch or patio are one way you can optimize every square inch of space. Adding plants to the bedroom balcony or growing herbs on the kitchen counter just takes a little imagination and some creative thinking and the rest is history.
In no time with a little effort, you will have that garden. So we will be looking at how to add plants to our surroundings in the limited spaces that we have.
Start with a plan
Container garden, gardening in small spaces
Planning is the key to everything that we do in life if we hope to achieve success.
First, decide what type of container garden it is that you want. It may be planting herbs, it may be planting flowers, or how about planting bromeliads, etc…. but the first thing is to decide what kind of plants you want.
Next, you must decide where you are going to put these plants. Please note that whatever plant you choose, must be suitable for its environment. Also keep in mind that plants’ needs differ, so by knowing what plants you are using you will be better able to make the right decision.
So know your plant requirements as stated in my PLANT CARE section and if you are not sure you can always ask your plant nurseryman.
You would not want to bring a flowering plant indoors where there is no sunlight. So the key is in getting some plant knowledge. Also, look at the size of containers that you want to use and this should help you determine what size plants you need to purchase. The plants should be able to fit the container and the area it is to be installed.
Here are some examples of container gardens
These are just a few examples. I have seen aspiring gardeners who recycled toilet tanks to grow a garden or those who even used a pair of old boots and baby tubs. Sounds crazy? No, it doesn’t! Live on the edge and get creative.
Things you will need
1. Containers, nice decorative pots, buckets, tin tubs, old boots, old car tires, anything that can hold soil will do. Ensure that the container has holes to provide drainage for excess water to run off. If gardening on the inside make sure to have saucers under the pots or containers to hold water as it drains out. Remember to empty saucers of excess water to avoid mosquitoes.
2. Next, you will also need soil I recommend garden soil that can be purchased from your plant nursery, or if you want you can start a compost pile.
3. Fertilizers. Because your plants are confined to containers their roots cannot spread like it would if planted directly into the ground to take up nutrients. For container gardening, I would prefer to use a slow-release fertilizer because of its availability over a longer period of time.
4. Watering jugs or can to water plants.
5. Pruners to keep plants groomed and trimmed.
6. Spray bottle to wash plants off with fresh clean water and a duster to dust plant leaves.
7. Insecticides to treat plants in case of insect infestation. To learn more about home-made remedy sprays click the link, home remedies for garden insect pests.
The final word
Having a container garden can be fun as you can grow plants to consume, grow plants to beautify your surroundings and if placing plants indoors they can purify the air that you breathe.
So there are many benefits to having a container garden. Plant yours today!
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
A container garden is a great idea. Are these types of gardens portable? Actually, the images in your post answer my question. I see plenty of portable options. I prefer to be an apartment dweller and I’ve wanted to plant a garden, so this article is very timely. My primary purpose would be to grow to consume. Having a few flowers and beauty plants would be nice also.
This is a great reminder. I’ll probably start doing this as Spring is approaching.
Thanks for the information.
A container garden is a great idea. Are these types of gardens portable? Actually, the images in your post answer my question. I see plenty of portable options. I prefer to be an apartment dweller and I’ve wanted to plant a garden, so this article is very timely. My primary purpose would be to grow to consume. Having a few flowers and beauty plants would be nice also.
This is a great reminder. I’ll probably start doing this as Spring is approaching.
Thanks for the information.
That’s the spirit! I like your encouragement that any garden can be set up regardless how small/big the capacity is available.
It’s not just about having a nice garden I suppose. I like the small factors of wants, preferences and needs considered for planning.
Great tips too! I didn’t know that mosquito can be an issue when it comes to plant pot maintenance.
Hello glad to see you. Sorry I am responding so late these type of gardens requires very little water. To much moisture is not good so what you can try is using a small test site to see how well it will do add compost to your soil to help with drainage. Sand can also aid in drainage by mixing it in the soil make sure the sand is salt free or if their is a part of your property that has lest moisture in certain areas because trees may be keeping that area sort of dry you can use that area as a test site be sure to add compost for drainage if this works you can expand your garden let me know how it goes. Hopes this helps.
Thank you for this useful information. I live in an apartment so I do container gardening. I have had great results with most everything. I’m wondering if you have any suggestions for vining plants like cukes, zucchini, squash, etc. My space is pretty limited so I’ve tried running them up wire. They just don’t seem to do well. I sure would love any advice you might have.
Good morning thanks for the follow and I am sorry for the long delay, It would be great to grow them in a 25 gallon container, now I know that you said that your space is limited but if you can fit a container off this size some where in there this might work. Also consider using Trellis while keeping the vines tied and the fruit supported. Hopes this helps have a good day.