How to Create a Garden with Limited Space
What do you think of when someone asks if you’re going to plant a garden? Do you imagine a thriving backyard space full of dozens of different types of plants? Do you think of a huge front yard display full of brilliant colors?
Unfortunately, not all of us have the space for a large garden. The good news is that even those who think they have no room at all usually have space for something — whether it’s a smaller plot or even a container.
PLANNING FOR YOUR GARDEN
Be creative when you think of your garden and the space you have in which to plant it. Gardens have been successfully grown in very small patches of land or in pots placed outside of an entranceway. The size of your garden is not nearly as important as the way you treat their plants so that they can grow and thrive.
Start by doing a little bit of research. Not all plants grow well in every geographic location, and the time of year you can start planting without danger of frost varies depending on where you are located as well.
If you want to plant multiple types of plants, you’ll need to determine which can be grown together or near each other and which need to be separated. Do the plants you want to grow need specific amounts of sunlight? Take everything into consideration.
Once you know what plants are most appropriate, determine where you’ll place your garden. Will you be using a small patch of land outside a rented house or apartment? Will you be using window boxes or planters? Different types of plants need to be started at different times of the year, so make sure you have a timeline mapped out as well.
PURCHASING SEEDS AND MATERIALS
Now that you’ve done some research you can purchase the seeds or seedlings you need to start your garden. If you are using planters, make sure they are large enough for your plants to grow without overcrowding each other. They’ll need space to grow, both above and below the soil.
Don’t skimp on potting soil. A high-quality potting soil will give your plants the nutrients they need to survive and thrive. There are dozens of different soil alternatives to choose from, so you may want to ask an expert at your local garden center which type will be best for the types of plants you’re working with.
DEALING WITH PESTS AND WEEDS
Even the smallest gardens can end up with pest problems. Bugs love to feed on plants, but you can control them by mixing in some plants that have naturally repellant scents — like marigolds. Other plants are inviting to spiders and ladybugs, “good” bugs that can help to keep the “bad” bugs away.
Some soils have fertilizers and insect repellants mixed in. Do your best to avoid chemical pesticides as they can be harmful to children and small animals — not to mention your plants. If you must use them, do so sparingly.
Bugs aren’t the only problem your garden will face. Weeds can also choke out your plants, causing them difficulty in terms of growth. Take some time to aerate your garden’s soil and pull the weeds as often as you can. Even potted plants can end up with weeds.
Don’t let the fact that you don’t have a lot of space prevent you from having a garden. It doesn’t matter if you live in a mansion or in a third-floor apartment. If you have space for a pot and time to give your plants some attention and care, you can definitely grow thriving plants. Make a plan and make the most of the space you’ve been given. You’ll be glad you gave small space gardening a shot.