In an ideal world, everyone would live on enough land to grow and enjoy all they want. However, not everyone has the luxury of living on acres. Still, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the simple pleasures of country living and enjoy the fruits of your land in a small outdoor space.
Rather than fight against the situation you’re in, learn to embrace the small space and use the tips below to create a flourishing, successful garden without much room required.
1. Consider Vertical Gardening
When you’re lacking in horizontal space, take advantage of the vertical space you have! Gardening doesn’t necessarily have to take place in the ground. Many plants can thrive in pots or raised beds.
To do this, you could build a shelving unit to stack your plants. You could also buy greenhouses online and use a small greenhouse space to house your plants and protect them from harsh UV rays and rough winds.
2. Only Grow What You’ll Use
When you’re working with limited space, there’s less room to house fruits or vegetables that you like but don’t love. Make the most of the little space you have by only choosing the plants that you’ll actually use often.
It’s also beneficial to perform some research on the plants you’re considering growing ahead of time to ensure they will grow well in your climate and region. That way, you’re not wasting any space with plants that turn out to be duds.
Combine shade and produce with fruit trees!
3. Utilize Indoor Space and Patios
Just because it’s a garden doesn’t mean it necessarily has to be outside. There are many things you can successfully grow from inside the home or even in indoor/outdoor spaces in pots, like herbs.
Plus, it’s much easier to add some fresh herbs to a meal when the plants are already in the kitchen! Mushrooms are perfect for growing indoors, as well. You can use mushroom-growing kits to get started since they’re incredibly easy to set up and maintain, and most importantly, they don’t take up a lot of space. After over two weeks, you can get fresh and healthy ingredients for your favorite mushroom dish.
4. Take Advantage of Windows
In this case, windows are your friend. Not only can they provide ample sunlight for indoor plants, but they’re also a perfect location to sneak in some extra flowers, fruits, or vegetables via window boxes. The best part is that these plants won’t require any extra ground space so you have more to work with.
5. Invest in Spine Support
When you’re gardening in a small space, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself bending over or crouched in odd positions to water and tend to your plants. Too much of this posture can wear on the body after a while, so prevent the issue in the first place by investing in a back brace that can protect your spine as you hunch or crawl into your small spaces to garden.
6. Add Edible Landscaping
When you’re running out of room for gardening in the backyard, consider how you may be able to incorporate edible landscaping into the front. Many plants can add style to a home while also providing fruits, vegetables, or herbs.
7. Combine Shade and Produce
If you like the idea of integrating edible or useable plants to your home’s landscaping, consider adding a fruiting tree to combine shade and produce. Citrus trees, avocado trees, and mango trees are all great ones to start out with.
Make the Most of What You Have — Small Space And All
Gardening is exciting and fulfilling, no matter how much land you have to work with. Just because you don’t live on several acres doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables from your homestead. Use the tips above to help you get started.
