Growing your vegetables can be a rewarding way to save money – all you need is a bit of organisation and creativity; however, sometimes having a small garden can make it quite tricky.
Here are our three smart tips on how to make the most of your garden space.
Pick The Right Vegetables
Firstly, salad leaves are the way to go because they’re the easiest edible crop to grow and are super healthy. Simple to harvest, they come in different varieties such as chard, kale and collard greens – the perfect choice if you love a healthy salad bowl and try to add more greens to your diet.
Another great one is cherry tomatoes, which are tasty and easy to grow in a container – making them perfect for small gardens or even balconies. Edible herbs such as rosemary, basil, mint or coriander are also great, easy to maintain but perfect to add some flavour to your dishes.
If you fancy harvesting bigger vegetables, you could grow asparagus, leeks, brussels sprouts or even squashes.
Utilise Vertical Space
You can attach planters to walls and fences to aid your grapevines, roses, climbing beans, peas or even vining tomatoes. However, make sure your supports are sturdy enough as some fruits can be very heavy.
It may seem tricky; however, there are plenty of tips to make your vegetables grow vertically; You could use A-frames or invest in a living wall, which can be a bit expensive at around £400 per square metre, but it does save a lot of space and is pretty easy to maintain.
If your garden is big enough, it could be a good idea to invest in a small greenhouse or a polytunnel to keep your fruits and veggies safe and help them grow. This would also help you to control the temperature, humidity and ventilation of their environment.
Make It Pretty!
A vegetable patch can quickly look messy and tedious, especially if you are only concentrating on growing vegetables. Don’t forget that in a small garden, every surface count so opts for colourful flowers and quirky decorations! Why not giving your garden an entrance? A beautiful rose-covered Arbor could do the trick.
If you have enough space, we would also advise adding a little pond to attract beneficial wildlife, such as fish, water lilies or water lettuce? It doesn’t have to be a massive pond; you can create a mini pond with a recycled tub. A pretty wooden bench, if space allows, can be perfect for adding a little rustic touch, but it can also become your go-to place to relax. If you’re an animal lover, you could also add a bird feeder or a bee hotel.
