Small garden? Creative solutions to garden anyway
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Tijd nodig om dit artikel te lezen: 3 min
Who doesn't dream of endless space in the garden? Unfortunately, we don't always have the luxury of filling several acres with delicious vegetables and beautiful cut flowers. Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions to creatively make the most of smaller spaces. We're happy to share our tips to maximize limited garden areas.
Gardening in pots
Pots allow for very flexible gardening. You can also fit more plants in the same small area, increasing your harvest. Pots can be easily moved or placed in the shade during a heatwave. Because pots are quickly movable, you can also use them as a seed-starting spot. Early in the year, you can place the pots indoors by a large window. Once temperatures rise and days lengthen, the pots can be moved to the garden, balcony, or terrace. The only downside to gardening in pots is watering. Plants in a pot need much more water because their roots cannot search the ground. On some warm days, it's better to water twice a day: in the morning and evening. Always ensure there's a hole in the bottom of the pot, container, or tub. This way, excess water drains away, and the roots won't rot. Also, don't forget to provide organic nutrients to the plants in pots and containers to keep them in top condition.
Cosmos. This fine and elegant flower is perfect for growing in pots and containers. Some varieties stay lower, while others grow taller, ideal for complementing the container garden.
Zinnia. This sturdy cut flower is a perfect plant for a pot. There are many different varieties and colors, something for everyone.
Nasturtium or Tropaeolum. This easy flower is an asset to any container garden. It can even climb with its delicate tendrils and is entirely edible. The beautiful flowers are also the perfect attraction in the garden for pollinating insects.
Dahlias. You can sow dahlias yourself or buy tubers. Smaller varieties fit perfectly in a container garden, and those with an open flower heart attract many butterflies and bees.
California poppy or Eschscholzia. Also known as the golden poppy. This elegant cut flower blooms from July to September and is a perfect addition to the container garden.
Marigold or Calendula. This variety grows about 30 to 50 centimeters tall and has a compact growth habit. You can perfectly use them to plant among other varieties or as an accent in the container garden.
Mulching in pots and containers
Due to bright sun, wind, or warm temperatures, pots dry out faster. The solution is mulching: apply a layer of organic material in the pot or container to prevent drying out. By covering the soil, moisture remains longer, reducing the need for watering and minimizing drought stress for the plants. There are many materials you can use for mulching:
- Fine grass clippings
- Cocoa Shells (be careful with dogs, as cocoa shells are toxic)
- Compost
- Chipped Wood
By applying mulch in pots and tubs, you also prevent weed growth. After all, weed seeds can't get sunlight, so they won't germinate or will do so much slower. Finally, small insects will also take shelter in the mulch layer. Ideal for creating more biodiversity in the container garden, as insects, in turn, attract birds.
Reach for the Sky
If you have a small garden, terrace, or balcony, it's important to use the limited space wisely. So, get started with vertical gardening, allowing you to fit many plants in a small area and green up the surroundings. Work in levels: place pots on tables, use a trellis against the wall, or build a pergola from bamboo sticks. You can also garden on your balcony's railing: there are special containers you can hang on the railing. These containers are perfect for planting various garden and kitchen herbs. Many vegetables can also be grown vertically, allowing you to fit more vegetables in a small area. Since some varieties can grow upwards, they are easier to harvest. Many people know the classic zucchini that takes up a lot of space in a regular vegetable garden. But did you know there are climbing varieties? There are many vegetables you can grow vertically:
- Peas
- Cucumbers
- Zucchinis
- Pumpkins
Learn More with Our Videos
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In this video, Angelo shows how to create a stunning display with annuals for your garden in a large pot or tub.
Extend the Season
Because you can flexibly manage pots, you can also play with sowing periods. Sow multiple times and move your pots around, allowing you to significantly extend the season. Early sowing means early harvesting, both for vegetables and flowers in the garden. Don't have space for a greenhouse? A storage box can serve as a cold frame. A real asset for your container garden, as it allows you to start sowing certain varieties early.
