Small Spaces Can Yield Big Results
You don't have to own a large plot of land to have a garden full of fresh produce. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Go Vertical
No room to spread out? Go vertical with your gardening by building a frame to mount plants or attaching pots to walls or fences. Vertical gardens are especially great for growing herbs and microgreens.
Climbing Vegetables
Some plants, such as cucumbers, peas and pole beans, do best when they can climb structures, making a small patch of soil productive.
Raised Garden Bed
A raised garden bed that's filled with well-amended soil or a good potting medium and gets five to six hours of sun is ideal for growing heat-loving plants such as tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. Soil in raised beds and containers may dry out more quickly, so be sure to water frequently.
Compact Planting
Plants may be grown in tightly packed planters and rows. Be sure to make sure each type of plant receives plenty of water and the amount of sun exposure it prefers.
... But Start With Space
Take note of how large your plants will be when mature and be sure to leave enough space when planting. You can also plant more compactly and thin your crops as they begin to crowd one another.
Easy Access
Vegetables are more accessible in raised beds, making planting and harvesting easier on the back and knees.
Container Gardening
Pots and planters offer a less permanent solution than garden beds and offer a stylish effect when combined thoughtfully. Here, planters house a variety of lettuces, greens and herbs.
Rainbow of Colors
Vegetable plants come in all sizes and colors. By choosing a variety, you can add a decorative touch to your garden. Rainbow chard offers a beautiful array of shades and is easy to grow in cooler temperatures.
Mix and Match
No need to group plants by type. Mix and match diffferent types in the same container for a beautiful display for your yard or patio.
Tiered Planter
A tiered planter makes the perfect home for an herb garden or strawberry patch. Keeping an herb planter near your door makes it easily accessible when cooking in the kitchen or at the grill.
Nontraditional Containers
Almost any container can be transformed into a garden. Here, lined cedar boxes are secured to the wall and now hold a variety of lettuces and greens.
Use What You've Got
An old ladder now serves as a showcase for colorful plants and herbs in a variety of pretty pots and planters. The ladder can also be used to store garden tools and potting soil.
