Gardening Big in Small Spaces

Introduction to Small Space Gardening

You'll want to take a look through HGTVs ideas for gardening big in small places. Growing vertically and in containers have become ideal options for urban homeowners who want to test their green thumbs in compact areas around their homes. The following are just a few of the ideas that you'll find, you'll want to take a look at the full list to find the ones that work best for you.

Balcony Container Garden

When it comes to balcony container gardens it's important to get your light right. Before you go out and buy anything, you'll want to take the time to learn how many hours of sun per day your balcony receives. Pay attention to the indirect light on the balcony as well, that is, no trees or walls block the large portions of the sky. Even a north-facing balcony can be a good home for many plants if there is enough indirect light. For full sun, plant things such as succulents, grasses, strawberries, morning glory vines, lavender, lettuce, sage, basil, oregano, sage, and mint. For lots of shade, you can plant most types of ferns, Begonias, English Ivy, and Peace Lilies.

Courtyard Landscape

Courtyard gardens might be small, but they are beautiful spaces where you can relax and grow plants. They are often shady and overlooked by neighboring buildings, but can also be warm and sheltered, which allows you to grow a wide variety of plants. Usually, the courtyard garden can be seen from indoors, making it an extension of the house, so with the addition of lighting and seating can be used all year.

Living Wall

It's important to pick the right location for your living wall. If your desired wall is in an area that doesn't get a lot of natural light, you'll want to reconsider. The best place for your vertical garden is a wall where the light will allow a wide range of plants to grow and thrive.

Moss Path

A moss path offers a magical ambiance to any garden. Moss makes for a wonderful, low-maintenance path. When you step onto the velvety surface of moss you'll find yourself slowing down a bit and staying a while. Walking on a moss path transports you to another realm, far from the stress and pace of modern busy life. The easiest way to find out if moss will grow in your garden is to look for it. If you have some moss already, your can rest assured moss will grow for you. There are about 1200 species of moss over the world, and moss will grow if the conditions are right.

Planter Wall

Wall planters work best on fences or solid walls. If you cannot nail into a surface, you might consider using hanging chains to secure planters in place against a wall. Don't underestimate the importance of a wall's overall strength and height. The wall surface must be sturdy enough to support the weight of your garden.

Rooftop Deck Garden

Always start with a garden plan. Before you purchase any plants, you'll first want to consider whether you want plants in containers or raised beds, and approximately how many of each you would like to have. It's also good to consult with the building manager to ensure that the roof can support the weight of your garden.