Gardening in Small Spaces

By Heather Labrecque

Gardening in small spaces like decks and patios, can reclaim a space you thought was too small or impossible… With an array of new gardening, techniques and gadgets we have lots of options. First, figure out your budget, space and style. A great way to maximize your space is by adding dimension with trellises, either over a walkway, against a bare wall or in a pot to add height. Also try stacking 2-3 pots from largest to smallest for height and helps conserve water. Get pots off the floor space. This technique leaves room for other things like seating, tables and other hardscapes to accentuate your new space. Another advantage of gardening in pots is that you can easily move them, monitor and adjust water and fertilizer as well as the soil type.

The sizes, shapes, and varieties of containers are endless. The material they are made with will give you so many options to choose from. Handmade clay or cement pots are beautiful, with all the different shapes, etching, painting and dimensions. Also explore pots that have been imported from other regions, French pots are also beautiful, as are Chinese, Greek, African, Turkish and Japanese. It mostly depends on your style and your budget, which brings us to plastic pots. They come in every shape, size and color!! They are light-weight, can be recycled and are reusable. They are usually made from recycled materials too!

Some different types of planters like window boxes which don’t need to be square and don’t need to go just under a window. Railing boxes are like a window box which have railing fasteners. It makes great use of dead space. Also allowing you to turn a railing into a privacy fence.Planting baskets can be put on a wall (if your going to use sphagnum moss always wear gloves as a precaution).  Try to choose pots that have drainage holes. But if they're lacking in a pot you just have to have, you can carefully drill holes in the bottom. This is essential for air flow, so the roots don't rot.

Another great way to maximize your space is by adding edibles such as veggies and herbs.They add color and excitement in ornamental plantings. Try planting climbing and vine vegetables, such as Scarlet runner beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Cherry Tomatoes and squash. Train them to go up a trellis or other climbing structure. Put a 3-4 sided trellis in a larger pot for a defining piece in a corner. You can really make use of the space by planting PeasMix your edibles with ornamentals. By interplanting a variety of different flowers, veggies and fruits, your garden will be much more exciting and likely reduce the pest problems often seen in big plantings of the same crop. You don't have to give up great taste when you choose a good-looking plant. Many types of lettuces and Swiss chard are as pretty to look at as they are good to eat. Use of seasonal ornamentals can make most spaces enjoyable and interesting. Whatever combination you decide just remember, you’re making your garden work for you. Enjoy your new space. (Pisum species) on top of an arbor and allowing them to make their way down