Who doesn't dream of endless space in the garden? Unfortunately, we don't always have the opportunity to fill several hectares with delicious vegetables and beautiful cut flowers. Fortunately, there are many solutions to deal creatively with smaller spaces. We are happy to share our tips to get the most out of the limited garden surface.
Gardening in pots
Pots make gardening very flexible. You can also fit more plants in the same small area, which can increase your harvest. Pots can be easily moved or placed in the shade during a heat wave. Because pots can be moved quickly, you can also use them as a pre-sowing spot. Early in the year, you can place the pots indoors, near a large window. As soon as the temperatures rise and the days get longer, the pots can be moved to the garden, the balcony or terrace. The only disadvantage to gardening in pots is watering. Plants in a pot have much more water necessary, because their roots cannot search for themselves in the ground. On some hot days, it is even better to water twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. By the way, always make sure there is a hole in the bottom of the pot, container or tub. This way, the excess water drains away and the roots cannot rot. Also, do not forget to give organic food to the plants in pots and containers, so they stay in top condition.
Cosmos. This delicate and elegant flower is perfect for growing in pots and containers. There are varieties that stay lower and others that grow a bit taller, ideal to complement the pot garden.
Zinnia. This sturdy cut flower is a perfect plant for a pot. There are many different types and colours, something for everyone.
Nasturtium or Tropaeolum. This easy flower is an asset to any pot garden. It can even climb with its fine tendrils and is completely edible. The beautiful flowers are also the perfect place in the garden to attract pollinating insects.
Dahlias. You can sow dahlias yourself or buy tubers. Smaller varieties fit perfectly in a pot garden and the varieties with an open flower heart attract many butterflies and bees.
California poppy or Eschscholzia. Also called the California poppy. This elegant cut flower blooms from July to September and is a perfect addition to the pot garden.
Marigold or Calendula. This species grows to about 30 to 50 centimetres high and grows compactly. So you can use them perfectly to plant them between other species or to use them as an accent in the pot garden.
Mulching in pots and containers
Pots dry out faster due to bright sun, wind or warm temperatures. The solution for this is mulching: you apply a layer of organic material in the pot or tub to prevent drying out. By covering the soil, the moisture stays longer, so you have to water less and the plants get less drought stress. There are many materials you can use for mulching:
- Fine grass clippings
- Cocoa shells (be careful with dogs, because cocoa shells are poisonous)
- Compost
- Chopped wood
By applying mulch to pots and tubs, you also prevent the growth of weeds. After all, no sunlight can reach the weed seeds, which means they will not germinate or will germinate much more slowly. Finally, small insects will also hide in the mulch layer. Ideal for creating more biodiversity in the pot garden, because insects in turn also attract birds.
Take to the air
If you have a small garden, terrace or balcony, it is important to use the limited space wisely. So get started with vertical gardening, you can place a lot of plants in a small area and green the environment. Work in levels: place pots on tables, work with a climbing frame against the wall or build a pergola yourself from bamboo sticks.You can also garden at the edge of your balcony: there are special containers that you can hang on the railing of your balcony. These containers are perfect for planting various garden and kitchen herbs, for example. You can also grow many vegetables by climbing, which allows you to grow more vegetables in a small area. Because some varieties can grow in height, you can harvest them more easily. Many people know the classic courgette that takes up a lot of space in a regular vegetable garden. But did you know that there are also climbing varieties? There are many vegetables that you can grow vertically:
- Peas
- Cucumbers
- Courgettes
- Pumpkins
Learn more with our videos
Did you know that we also have a well-stocked YouTube channel? With over 450 videos, we have a large database of information. Be sure to check it out on YouTube and subscribe to stay up to date with the latest videos.
In this video Angelo shows you how to create a beautiful display for your garden using annuals in a large pot or tub.
Extend the season
Because you can be flexible with pots, you can also play with the sowing periods. Sow multiple times and move your pots from location, this way you can significantly extend the season. Sowing early also means harvesting early, both of vegetables and flowers in the garden. Do you have no room for a greenhouse? Then a Curverbox can also serve as a cold greenhouse. A real asset to your pot garden, because this way you can start sowing certain varieties early.
