10 Tips for Gardening in Small Spaces

The Fumbling Generalist
3 min readDec 29, 2022

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Your place is not as small as it seems.

Photo by vadim kaipov on Unsplash

Gardening in small spaces can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible to create a beautiful and thriving garden with a little creativity and effort. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your small space:

  1. Choose the right plants. Not all plants are suitable for small spaces, so it’s important to choose carefully. Look for compact varieties that don’t grow too tall or wide, and consider plants that can be trained to grow upwards or along a trellis.
  2. Utilize vertical space. If you have limited horizontal space, consider using vertical space to grow plants. This can be done with hanging baskets, wall planters, or even a vertical garden made from recycled materials.
  3. Plant in containers. Containers are a great way to add plants to small spaces, as they can be moved around easily and placed in sunny or shady spots as needed. Just make sure to choose containers with good drainage and use high-quality potting soil.
  4. Use multi-purpose items. Instead of using traditional planters, look for multi-purpose items that can be repurposed as planters. For example, an old dresser can be turned into a raised bed, or a ladder can be used to hang baskets or plants.
  5. Choose a theme. Choosing a theme for your small garden can help you focus your plant choices and create a cohesive look. For example, you could create a Mediterranean-inspired garden with herbs and succulents, or a tropical paradise with exotic plants and colorful flowers.
  6. Use companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants together to create a mutually beneficial relationship. For example, you could plant basil next to tomatoes to deter pests and improve the flavor of the tomatoes.
  7. Practice crop rotation. Crop rotation is the practice of growing different types of plants in the same area over time to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. This is especially important in small spaces, where you may not have the option to move plants to a new location.
  8. Water wisely. Overwatering is a common problem in small gardens, as it can lead to soil erosion and plant stress. Instead of watering every day, try using a moisture meter to determine when your plants need water.
  9. Fertilize sparingly. Too much fertilizer can lead to excess foliage and reduced fruit production, so be sure to follow the recommended application rates and frequency for your plants.
  10. Choose low-maintenance plants. Finally, choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions, and are known for being low-maintenance. This will save you time and effort in the long run and allow you to enjoy your small garden without too much hassle.
Photo by Ceyda Çiftci on Unsplash

With these tips in mind, you should be able to create a beautiful and thriving garden in your small space. Happy gardening!

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The Fumbling Generalist
The Fumbling Generalist

Written by The Fumbling Generalist

I write about random things that I feel suddenly passionate about. And I’m man with many passions. (About 204,753 of them…and counting!)

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