In today’s fast paced urban world, limited outdoor space doesn’t have to mean giving up on gardening. Whether you have a cozy balcony, a sunny windowsill, a small patio, or even a vertical wall, these spaces can be transformed into lush, productive gardens. Small space gardening is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.
We love that you get to grow fresh, nutritious food right at home. We’ll share steps to create your own small space garden, explain why growing your own food is so beneficial, and introduce you to some of the best vegetables to grow in your small garden area. Let’s turn those tiny spaces into thriving green havens!
First, let’s talk why you should start growing your own food!
Health benefits: Freshly grown vegetables are packed with nutrients. By growing your food, you ensure it’s free of harmful pesticides and chemicals. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Cost savings: Growing your own food can save you money in the long run. A small garden can produce a surprising amount of vegetables, reducing your grocery store bills.
Sustainability: Gardening reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on the need for transportation and packaging of store bought produce. It’s an eco friendly way to contribute to a greener planet.
Mental health: Gardening is therapeutic. It reduces stress, encourages mindfulness, and provides a sense of accomplishment. Even tending to a few pots on a balcony can bring immense joy.
Food security: In uncertain times, growing your own food offers a sense of security. It ensures you have access to fresh, nutritious produce regardless of external circumstances. (This is a big one for us!)
Starting a garden in a small space
Assess your space
Small spaces like balconies, patios, windowsills, and even vertical walls can be transformed into productive gardens. Evaluate your available area and choose a location that gets at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.
Choose the right containers
Use pots, grow bags, hanging baskets, or repurpose old items like buckets or crates. Ensure the containers have good drainage holes to prevent water logging.
Choose your growing medium
Use a growing medium that retains moisture while allowing proper drainage. A mix of compost, coco coir or peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite works well for small space gardening. (This is our go-to mix for containers)
Watering setup
Small gardens dry out faster, so regular watering is crucial. Consider using self watering pots or a drip irrigation system to keep your plants hydrated without overwatering.
Plan your layout
Use vertical gardening techniques to maximize space. Install wall planters, trellises, or hanging shelves to grow upward. Companion planting can also help you grow multiple crops together efficiently.
Start small
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to grow too much at once. Begin with a few easy to grow vegetables and expand your garden as you gain experience.
Top 20 best vegetables to grow in a small space
When gardening in a small area, it’s important to select vegetables that thrive in compact environments. Also, don’t forget to choose vegetables that you will eat!
Below are the our favourite vegetables to grow in a small space:
Lettuce
- Grows quickly and can be harvested in just a few weeks.
- Plant in shallow containers and harvest leaves as needed.
Spinach
- Thrives in small pots and grows well in cool weather.
- Pick leaves regularly to encourage growth.
Radishes
- Perfect for small spaces due to their shallow roots.
- Ready to harvest in about 30 days.
Carrots
- Choose smaller varieties like “Parisian.”
- Use deep pots with loose, sandy soil.
Cherry Tomatoes
- Ideal for vertical gardening. We like to grow “Black Cherry” sweet, juicy, heirloom variety.
- Grow in hanging baskets or train them on stakes.
Peppers
- Bell peppers and chili peppers grow really well in pots.
- Place them in a sunny spot and water consistently.
Green onions (Scallions)
- Easy to grow in small containers.
- Regrow store bought green onions by placing the roots in water.
Kale
- Compact and productive, kale thrives in pots.
- Harvest leaves as needed for a continuous supply.
Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
- Perfect for windowsills or hanging planters.
- Snip leaves to encourage new growth.
Beets
- Grow in deep containers for both roots and greens.
- Harvest greens early while waiting for the roots.
Zucchini
- Compact bush varieties are great for small spaces.
- Use a large pot and allow the plant to sprawl slightly.
Cucumbers
- Train vining varieties up a trellis to save space.
- Pick cucumbers regularly to encourage production.
Arugula
- Quick growing and thrives in shallow pots.
- Harvest young leaves for salads.
Swiss chard
- Grows well in small spaces and provides a long harvest season.
- Pick outer leaves to keep the plant producing.
Bush beans
- Compact and don’t require staking.
- Plant in small pots or grow bags.
Peas
- Use trellises for vining varieties.
- Sweet peas grow quickly and are highly productive.
Turnips
- Compact and quick to mature.
- Grow for both greens and roots.
Potatoes
- Use grow bags or buckets with drainage holes.
- Add soil as the plant grows to encourage tuber production.
Microgreens
- Grow on trays indoors or outdoors.
- Harvest within 7–14 days for nutrient-packed greens.
Eggplant
- Dwarf varieties like “Fairy Tale” are perfect for containers.
- Provide plenty of sunlight and water consistently.
Tips for success
Companion planting: Pair plants that benefit each other. For instance, grow basil near tomatoes to repel pests.
Fertilize regularly: Container plants need more nutrients, so use organic fertilizers every few weeks.
Prune and harvest: Regularly pruning and harvesting encourages plants to keep growing.
Monitor for pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or caterpillars.
Starting a garden in a small space may seem challenging at first, but it’s incredibly rewarding. By growing your own food, you connect with nature, reduce your environmental impact, and enjoy fresh, delicious produce. Whether you’re cultivating a balcony herb garden or vertical vegetable garden, every little bit counts. Remember to start small, experiment with different plants, and most importantly, have fun!
Let’s grow more plants! 💚
