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FindItMore | Gardening is never limited to small or large spaces. Whether you have a tiny backyard in your house or apartment, it’s still possible to grow healthy plants, vegetables and flowers.
It can be a bit hard to think of effective garden ideas for small spaces, but for those green thumb folks, anything can be done regardless.
When planning for a workable design for your tiny outdoor space or whether you’re looking for a beautiful type of garden that adds value to your property, it’s important to remember two things: maximize the available area and choose the right plants to grow.
Gardening Techniques to Use to Save Space
There are a lot of space-saving techniques that you can try to ensure you are maximizing not only the given area but also your long-forgotten possessions. Here are some ways you can be productive when planting and displaying the best herbs, vegetables and flowers in your small patio, balcony or yard.
Learn the art of stacking plants
Different containers such as old tires or your dad’s worn toolbox can be repurposed to make the most out of your tiny space. Are you looking to pile up your plants and improvise some of your used items? Hanging your plants using a shoe pocket organizer can be an option to maximize the available space.
You can simply display it outside and arrange the plants according to their sizes and colors for coordination.
Pot your plants
Plant or flower pots may look simple but they can appear attractive when arranged with little creativity. Combined with colorful petals, you can use different pot colors or patterns to make the house look livelier and more appealing.
Displaying the plant pots on the porch is a good idea to give life to your entryway and provide breathing space for your family and guests.
The good thing about potted plants is that you can move them around depending on the climate and lighting condition. When positioning a potted plant, make sure to consider the following:
- Does it receive enough amount of light? Depriving your plants of sufficient sunlight can dry up the roots and impede their growth. While there are some plant crops such as broccoli and lettuce which can thrive in slightly moderate shaded areas, it’s best to know the correct position to prevent them from dying easily.
- Is the place easily accessible for regular watering? Drip irrigation is a technique used to directly water the root system and reduce the risk of evaporation. Check if the area is accessible when providing enough fluids for the plants.
- Do the plants get sufficient supply of soil, fertilizer and organic matter? You may ask a local green thumb expert to know what type of fertilizers will meet the plants’ nutritional needs.
Additional tip: Giving life to a plain wall is also a good idea. You can add and affix a shelf to it to display your potted plants and make way for micro spaces.
Opt for raised beds
Setting up a raised bed is one of the best options for houses or units with small spaces. Not only does it prevent pathway weeds from forming a close contact with the soil but it also provides good drainage and keeps slugs or other pests from pestering your plants. For instance, if you’re planting vegetables, you can create a simple raised box with some pieces of wood planks and rebar for a sturdy garden container.
It’s safe to try different spots when it comes to finding the right position. A simple rotation also allows you to see what specific area will help support their growth.
Use your walls and ceiling space
Make use of your walls and ceiling space by hanging plant baskets. (Imagine having to easily identify what herbs or veggies are ready for harvest.) Attaching vertical planters can be done to give your plants and herbs a steady grip. Whether you’re doing it indoors or outdoors, you can fasten a trellis against the wall and store the plants there.
Not only are they uniquely presented but they are also noticeable, maintained and preserved. Unlike with others who are typically planted on the ground or placed on the floor, you can easily spot an issue or give the much-needed care for your plants when they’re the same level as with your eyes.
Lay a pallet on the ground
Investing in a pallet can be a great alternative for potted plants, hanging baskets or garden boxes. This flat platform which is commonly used to carry things divides the plant pots evenly and gives you the freedom to reposition them when the need arises. Laying a pallet also helps to make them look neat and more organized.
Go for terrariums
Keeping a terrarium or a glass container that houses small plants is a good idea for homeowners who prefer indoor gardening. When planning to have these, it’s important to keep the moist in the soil and water the plants fortnightly (but you have to learn the plants’ light or fluid-intake preference to better care for them). For instance, those in open containers demand drier areas which will require a higher amount of water.
Some of the best plants to grow are aluminum plants, radiator plants and emerald fern. They can be hanged or displayed on a flat-surfaced structure depending on your preference and the plants’ adaptability.
Utilize a wooden ladder
A customized wooden ladder also provides a room for beautiful plant pots. Not only does it promote a clutter-free setup, but it also saves a lot of space when placed anywhere in the backyard.
If you want to make it look more personalized, painting it with your preferred color helps to transform its appearance. For instance, applying a rustic or antique finish matches perfectly with pops of greens in the yard.
Plants and Vegetables to Grow
It’s important to choose what plants will yield more crops without requiring much space. Some examples include carrots, onions, greens, lettuces and radishes. Other popular vegetables that can thrive in small spaces are potatoes, beetroots, tomatoes and garlic bulbs. Herbs like basil, sage, chives and parsley can also survive in containers or micro areas.
There’s no such thing as limited space for garden enthusiasts
Combining these tiny garden ideas doesn’t only guarantee space-saving benefits but also help in boosting your mood. Using the best of what you have won’t be gone to waste as long as you make wise moves in beautifying your small space.
