Plants come in all shapes and sizes. So do gardens! You might not have a large backyard with lots of space to spread out a big garden, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your plant dreams. Plants can grow in small spaces too! You just have to get a little more creative about it. For anyone looking to make the most of your home by adding some greenery, we’ve got the tips for you. Let’s dig into ways to make your plants grow even with limited space.
Limited space for planting means you need to prioritize what plants you want to grow. Keep a minimalist mindset when choosing which crops you want in your garden. Don’t waste space growing vegetables you’ll never eat. Try to avoid growing extra large crops, as they’ll take up more room and leave you less space to grow more, smaller crops.
Get creative when planning out your garden space! Using containers can help you to utilize smaller spaces without needing a large spot of soil. Placing plants on windowsills, shelves, walls, or a balcony can use spaces you already have and give them a new purpose. Hanging baskets are a great way to grow plants without taking up floor space.
When choosing your space make sure to consider all the necessities plants need: sun, water, and soil. Using containers makes it easier to control the soil and water. You can use LED grow lights to help your plants get more light if sunlight in your space is limited.
Raised beds are a good option for limited garden space. They allow you to focus on one small area for gardening. Raised garden beds help to stop weeds from growing in your garden, prevent water runoff and soil compaction, and reduce pests lurking around your plants. The raised bed means water flows through the soil instead of pooling up, allowing for better drainage. Well-drained soil means crops can be spaced closer together. You can also plant earlier as raised beds tend to warm up faster in the spring. Raised beds also allow for lots of creative additions like trellises or mesh wire to keep burrowing rodents out.
Succession planting is the technique of reseeding quick-growing crops throughout the growing season. It allows you to harvest crops that would otherwise spend excess energy on trying to produce more food, and immediately replant so you can start growing even more. Succession planting is especially useful for small spaces because it allows you to grow more in the same space. Not all crops are good for this technique, as some crops can produce food all season without a problem, but there are plenty that will be ready to harvest and reseeded. Be sure to research the seeds you want to buy and plan out a schedule based on a plants’ maturity schedules.
Interplanting or intercropping means putting smaller crops in between bigger crops to utilize as much space as possible. Fast-growing, small crops will be ready to harvest before the big crops need extra space. Companion planting is when you pair up crops that won’t compete with other plants for nutrients or space. Use shallow-rooted plants with deep-rooted plants, or heavy feeders with light feeders so they don’t compete for the soil nutrients. Finding a combination of companion plants will help to maximize the efficiency of your garden.
Ground space can quickly get taken up by crops, tools, or furniture, depending on where your garden is located. Luckily not all plants need to be sitting on the floor. Vining plants can grow up, letting you leave room for other crops to grow. You can use a trellis, fence lines, pergolas, or any other structure that will support your plant on its climb.
Whether you have a large yard, or a small balcony, there is always a place for you to grow your plants. Indoor gardens are a great option for someone with limited space. You can use small outdoor areas as well. If you get creative, you’ll be sure to find a way to grow the plants you love.
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