I am so excited you’re here today because we are diving into one of my absolute favourite things - growing your own food, even if you’ve only got a tiny space to work with.
Now, if you’re thinking, “Yeah, but I don’t have a garden,” let me stop you right there. You don’t need one! For five years, I gardened exclusively on my balcony before I got my allotment, and even now, my little balcony garden is still going strong. I’ve grown just about everything you can imagine: herbs, leafy greens, tomatoes, strawberries, and yes, even potatoes in containers.
So today, we’re breaking down how to create a thriving garden in small spaces whether you’ve got a balcony, patio, tiny back garden, or even just a sunny windowsill. Here’s what we’re going to talk about today:
Why small-space gardening is 100% worth it
The best containers for your plants (spoiler alert: you don’t need anything fancy)
The easiest and most rewarding veggies and herbs to grow
The common mistakes I’ve made so you can avoid them
Creative tips to help you garden sustainably in a small space
And make sure you check out my Small Space Homesteading Bundle, designed to help you take your mini-garden to the next level.
Sound good? Let’s get started!
Alright, before we dig into the details, let’s talk about why small-space gardening is so worth it.
First off, it’s ridiculously convenient. Seriously there is nothing better than stepping onto your balcony or patio and snipping fresh basil for your pasta or grabbing a handful of cherry tomatoes for a salad. Secondly, you’d be amazed how much food you can grow in a small space. I used to think container gardening would mean a few herbs and maybe some salad leaves, but oh no, if you choose the right plants, you can be harvesting regularly from just a handful of pots. And finally, it’s so rewarding. There’s something deeply satisfying about growing your own food even if it’s just a couple of pots of parsley or some trailing strawberries. Plus, if you’re in a flat or a more urban area, it’s a brilliant way to bring a bit of nature into your space.
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Now, let’s talk containers. Here’s the thing you don’t need fancy or expensive planters. Honestly, I’ve grown food in all sorts old buckets, plastic trays, and even a broken laundry basket. As long as it has good drainage, you’re good to go.
Here are some tried-and-tested container ideas:
🪴 Terracotta or Plastic Pots – A classic choice. Great for most veggies and herbs, just make sure they’ve got drainage holes.
🗑 Buckets – Perfect for larger plants like tomatoes, peppers, or even potatoes. Just drill a few drainage holes in the bottom.
♻️ Recycled Containers – Get creative! Old colanders, wooden crates, or even vintage tins can work beautifully.
📏 Vertical Planters & Hanging Baskets – Ideal for saving space. I love growing strawberries and trailing herbs in hanging baskets.
Pro tip: Bigger is often better. Larger containers retain moisture more effectively and give plants plenty of room to grow.
Right, let’s get to the fun part, what to grow! Some plants absolutely thrive in small spaces, so if you’re just starting out, here are some foolproof options:
Herbs – Basil, mint, parsley, thyme, rosemary and chives are all easy and low-maintenance.
Leafy Greens – Lettuce, spinach, and kale grow quickly and are perfect for containers.
Tomatoes – Go for cherry or bush varieties as they’re compact and produce loads.
Peppers – Sweet peppers and chillies love warm spots and do brilliantly in pots.
Root Veggies – Carrots, beetroot and radishes are surprisingly easy in deep containers.
Garlic & Spring Onions – Pop a few cloves or bulbs into a pot and you’ll have a steady supply.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try climbing beans on a trellis or potatoes in grow bags. Trust me, you’ll feel like a wizard when you tip over a grow bag and a pile of potatoes tumbles out!
And there you have it. Whether you’ve got a balcony, a patio, or even just a sunny windowsill, you can absolutely grow your own food and have loads of fun doing it.
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