The Sunday Pause #12: How to thrive when Gardening in a small space
Spring is here and if you have gardening on your mind I want you to know that regardless of the size of your space you can still create a vibrant garden.
Welcome to The Sunday Pause, a weekly series designed to be a dedicated space for reflection and intentional living. I’m Amy: Wife, Mother, a slow + simple living facilitator and yoga instructor.
Amid our fast-paced world, this series invites you to take a pause, a moment of quiet contemplation on Sundays, to navigate the intricacies of intentional living. Here, we'll explore the essence of living with purpose, share practical tips, and create a ritual that allows you to intentionally shape your week. Join us in this weekly pause, as we navigate intentional living in our bustling lives.
We live in a 720 sq ft, split-level flat with a lovely balcony and for most of our time living here (almost 8 years) our balcony was the only outdoor space we had. In late 2021 we also finally got our very own allotment and were able to level up a little more, but our balcony is still our pride and joy. In fact, when we moved in at the end of 2016, our balcony was the very first thing I renovated, changing it from dull concrete to a visually appealing outdoor space where we could grow a small garden.
Before (when we moved in):
After:
When we first moved in it was a blank canvas of concrete on the floor and the metal railings, it looked so dull and boring and had so much potential. You can read all about my first renovation here, but essentially I added some wooden clip-together flooring, some artificial grass, and some cane fencing for extra privacy. This served us so well for four springs and summers. Then as our family grew further, and having 2 babies in 2 years, I wanted to update it further to a space for all of us as a family including a safe space for our indoor cat to enjoy some safe relaxation in the sunshine should she want it.
We are also passionate about growing our own produce and for the first 5 years of living here we grew extensively on the balcony only, growing all manner of fruits and vegetables.
Today I want to share the beauty of creating a mindful space just for you where you can relax and/or garden, regardless of the space you have available.
What you can expect from this week’s pause:
Why you can create a garden regardless of the space you have available, and how you can thrive in a small space.
Guided journal questions to help you embrace your space, whatever it looks like.
Resources to help you.
My plans for my balcony this season & Final thoughts to help you embrace your small space.
Tips on how to thrive gardening in a small space
I think sometimes we get so caught up with the idea that a larger space is all we need to find success and/or happiness. This is evident in our living spaces, homes and gardens, but is also indicative of the way we’re taught to approach life. Always reaching for the next bigger, better and more expensive thing instead of embracing what we have and being present for that, right now.
But there is another way, instead of wishing for more we can start to embrace what we have and find creative ways to work with that. When it comes to our growing spaces all it takes is a touch of ingenuity and you can transform even the most modest balcony or windowsill into a thriving green space.
Here's how to maximize your miniature plot and cultivate a flourishing garden:
Utilise Vertical Space
Wall: Dress up your walls! Hang planters or install wall pockets to showcase trailing flowers, cascading herbs, or even compact strawberry plants.
Trellis: Unleash the climbing potential of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans with sturdy trellis systems. These structures not only save ground space but also create a visually stunning vertical garden.
Stacking: For a touch of whimsy and efficient space utilisation, consider stacking planters to create a vertical garden. This is perfect for herbs or smaller flowering plants.
Container Magic
Perfect Pots: Choosing the right size and material for your pots is crucial. Select containers large enough to accommodate the mature size of your plant, and consider materials like terracotta for breathability or self-watering options for convenience.
Watering: Group plants with similar water needs in close proximity to simplify your watering routine. This creates mini-ecosystems that require less frequent attention.
Movable: The beauty of container gardening is its flexibility. Pots allow you to create portable gardens on balconies or patios, soaking up the sun in different areas throughout the day.
Raised Beds
Advantages: Raised beds offer a multitude of benefits for small-space gardens. Improved drainage, better soil control, and easier accessibility make them ideal for cultivating vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Building Blocks: Get creative with materials! You can construct raised beds from wood, stone, or even recycled bricks, adding a touch of rustic charm to your mini-garden.
Guided journal questions
5 Guided Journal Prompts to Embrace Your Green Space
No matter the size, your green space offers a chance to connect with nature and cultivate a sense of peace. Use these journaling prompts to appreciate your own little piece of the outdoors:
Sensory: Close your eyes and imagine yourself spending a quiet moment in your garden space. What sounds do you hear? What scents fill the air? Describe the textures you feel.
Gratitude: Reflect on all the things you appreciate about your green space. Does it provide a haven for relaxation? A source of fresh herbs or vegetables? A habitat for pollinators like butterflies and bees? Is it a place for quiet contemplation or a space to share with loved ones? List down all the reasons you feel grateful for your little slice of nature.
Potential: Look around your green space, taking note of both its current state and its potential. Are there areas that could be revitalized or improved? Do you have any ideas for incorporating new plants, flowers, or decorative elements? Sketch a simple layout of your space and brainstorm ways to enhance its beauty and functionality.
Mindful Moments: Think about how you currently use your outdoor space. Do you find yourself rushing through it, or do you take time to truly appreciate its beauty? Commit to incorporating a few moments of mindfulness into your time spent in your outdoor space. This could involve practicing deep breathing exercises, meditating amidst the greenery, or simply observing the intricate details of a blooming flower.
Nature: Let your outdoor space spark your creativity. Use your green space as a muse to unleash your creativity and explore new ideas.
Catch up on my latest gardening podcast episodes
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules in small-space gardening! This is your chance to get creative, experiment, and personalize your green space, whatever size it is.
Before I go I want to leave you with some bonus tip:
Composting: Don't throw away those vegetable peels and eggshells! Turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost, a natural fertiliser that nourishes your plants and improves soil quality. Composting is a sustainable way to reduce waste and promote healthy plant growth in your small space.
Organic: Embrace organic gardening methods whenever possible. Opt for natural pest control solutions and choose organic fertilisers to nourish your plants without harming the environment. Creating a healthy ecosystem in your garden attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that help keep pests at bay.
Embrace it: Remember, gardening is a journey and it doesn’t require perfection. Start small with a few plants you can manage and gradually expand your garden as you gain experience. Don't be afraid to experiment – try new plant varieties, adjust your techniques, and learn from your successes and failures. The most important thing is to enjoy the process of learning, nurturing life, and cultivating your own little slice of paradise, no matter how small.
With a little creativity, planning, and these handy tips, you can transform your limited space into a flourishing garden that brings you joy, fresh produce, and a connection to nature.
Until next time,
I really enjoyed this Sunday Slow Pause. I am a new subscriber. I am disappointed that I have to watch these vlogs you listed on Spotify. That is just another monthly expense that I do not want. The other substack writer which I am subscribed — posts her vlogs directly on Substack. Is that something you would consider? I am just not going to pay yet another fee to Spotify to watch your vlogs. This makes me feel like I am not getting the full benefit of my subscription with you. I really hope you will change your vlog format so that subscribers can access your vlogs directly on Substack. Thanks for your consideration