Fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden are a delicious and affordable addition to your dinner table, but what if you don’t have the yard space for garden beds? Fortunately, there are many ways to grow fresh produce in small spaces — even if you don’t have outdoor access. Check out how you can plan your small-space garden this spring.
Why plant an indoor or patio garden
Growing produce is a great way to supplement your family’s fruit and vegetable consumption. Homegrown produce is often fresher and tastier than what you can buy at the supermarket since you can eat it moments after harvesting. You can also choose to grow organic produce and avoid pesticides for healthier fruits and vegetables.
There may also be some savings when growing your own produce. Cindy Haynes, a horticulturist at Iowa State University Extension, notes that growing expensive produce like tomatoes, berries or herbs can save you a few dollars at the grocery store. She also mentions that gardening is enjoyable for many home gardeners with the satisfaction of producing your own food.
This satisfaction isn’t limited to those with yards, however. Patio gardens, container gardens and even indoor gardens can yield an impressive amount of produce. Consider an urban garden this year for apartment dwellers, those with tiny or unsustainable yards or yards unsuitable for a garden, or for people who simply want a smaller garden.
Planning to grow produce in a small space
The most important requirement for growing fruit and vegetables is light. Six to eight hours of full sun are required for the majority of produce, explains Andrea Beck at Better Homes & Gardens. You can start a garden as long as you can provide enough light, whether through natural sunlight or artificial grow lights.
Select a space for your garden
The first step in planning an apartment garden is selecting where to place it. This determines how many containers you can use and how large those containers can be.
If your apartment or home has a balcony or patio, it is often an ideal place for a garden. A south or west-facing balcony is best for maximum sunlight. A windowsill can be the perfect sunny spot for a small garden. Use a narrow planter that fits on a windowsill or position a pot in front of a window.
Any room in your house that gets natural light has the potential for a small indoor garden. Make sure the space you choose is out of the way and that your plants are out of reach of children or pets.
If the location you choose does not get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, you can create extra light with grow lights. Position full-spectrum grow lights according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many grow lights have built-in timers, or you can set up your own timer for easy maintenance.
Make efficient use of space
Once you’ve chosen your space, set up your containers. A wide variety of planter options are available, whether you need a small planter for a windowsill or a larger raised garden bed for a balcony.
Vertical planters are another option for maximizing space. With multiple tiers, you can plant more fruits and vegetables in the same amount of area. You can find a vertical planter that fits your space or build your own by installing shelves.
Choose plants that thrive in small spaces
With limited space, plants that have a high yield but do not take up much space can help you get the most out of your garden. This can include smaller plants or patio varietals that stay smaller in general.
Patio tomatoes only grow to about four feet, making them ideal as container tomatoes. They produce slicing tomatoes that are about four ounces, making them perfect for salads or topping a cast iron skillet hamburger.
Herbs are perfect for a windowsill or patio garden. They require very little space to grow, and snipping a few fresh herbs while cooking will elevate your dishes. Try growing basil, thyme, oregano, mint, or your other favorite herbs.
A full-grown strawberry plant will stretch to a little over a foot wide. With just a few square feet of space, you can grow enough strawberries to eat and make several batches of strawberry jam.
Peppers grow well in containers that are at least 12 inches in diameter and top out between one and three feet, depending on the variety. Poblanos, shishitos, Thai hot peppers and patio fire and ice peppers are good choices.
Microgreens are a nutrition and flavor-packed way to top salads, sandwiches and more. They grow well indoors and take only one to three weeks to mature, giving you an ongoing yield.
Overcome the limitations of small-space gardening
Many of the challenges you will face with a garden in a small space are the same as those faced by gardeners with larger beds. As you plan and cultivate your garden, these are specific strategies you can employ to overcome them effectively.
High-quality soil is especially important when growing in containers. Mix in compost to provide nutrients, add soil amendments to balance pH, and ensure proper drainage. Also, remember to fertilize and follow the guides for the specific plants and varietals you are growing. Correct fertilization will optimize your produce output.
Pests are always a problem, and gardening indoors or on a balcony can reduce the risk of pests like rabbits and rodents, but bugs can still be a concern. Know what pests your plants attract and how to prevent them.
By addressing these common challenges head-on and implementing appropriate strategies, you can overcome the limitations of small-space gardening and create a thriving, productive garden in even the most constrained environments.
Make the most of your small space with a garden
Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs can make your family’s meals healthier and more delicious. Don’t let the lack of a large yard stop you from growing produce. Apartments and homes without yards can still provide plenty of space for gardening with container growing. If you want to garden but are worried you don’t have the room, try growing produce in a small space and stock your kitchen with fresh produce all summer long.
Jere Cassidy is the writer and recipe developer behind the blog One Hot Oven. A passion for all things food-related led her to culinary school to expand on her baking skills and now to sharing easy recipes for all home cooks and bakers of all skill levels. When she’s not in the kitchen, Jere’ likes to travel far and wide to find delicious food.