I’m not going to lie, I didn’t see a “passion for gardening” in my future when we bought our first home together in 2016. However, on moving into our 720sq ft split-level flat, I was most excited about our balcony, so much so, that it became the first area I renovated after we moved in.
As the years have passed by my balcony has seen many iterations, all with one thing in common, it’s always a unique and thriving growing space for growing our food. 3 years ago we also got our own allotment plot, and while that has become a thriving space for growing more food en masse, our balcony is still a huge growing space for us. This season alone it is thriving with a various varieties of tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs-a-plenty. Despite a bigger growing space at the allotment now, for so long our balcony was all we had and boy did we make that work.
In today’s podcast episode (and in these show notes) I want to dive deeper into how you can be a sustainable gardener in a small space, how it makes you more thoughtful and creative about working with the space you have, along with practical tips to help you get started and transform whatever space you have into a thriving garden of abundance and tranquility. Thank you so much for being here - I can’t wait to share this with you.
Welcome to the new format for The Slow Living Collective Podcast. As well as being able to access the show in all the normal places, you can now listen here on Substack too. Each week we’ll be diving into different topics about how we can embrace more simplicity in our lives.
And thanks to Substack functionality I will be adding my show notes directly alongside my episodes as well as opening up the comments to make the show and episodes more interactive. I cannot wait to share this iteration of The Slow Living Collective Podcast - it’s going to be a good one.
Gardening in a tiny space? I get it! Every inch counts, right? It's like playing Tetris with tomatoes and basil, although lucky they quite like being planted together. You've got to be strategic, thinking vertically, horizontally, and literally every which way you can think of. It’s limited soil space, picky plants, wondering if everything will fit or grow as it’s supposed to – it can feel like a real challenge. But here’s the thing: overcoming those hurdles is where the magic happens. It's about getting creative, learning your plants’ love language, and turning that little patch of green into your own personal oasis. Trust me, it’s totally worth it! It just takes some determination, imagination and just the willingness to try anything.
So whether you have a small patio, a balcony, a window box or a small garden - I promise you that you can have a thriving garden.
Okay, let's get planting!
Plant Power for Small Spaces
Okay, so you've got this tiny outdoor space, and you're already like, 'how am I supposed to grow anything here?' Well, let's talk plants! First things first, think vertical. We're not talking skyscrapers here, but those hanging baskets, balcony pots with the hooks and wall planters are your new BFFs. Fill them up with some colourful vines or trailing plants. It's all about maximising your space, right? Vertical gardening is a total game-changer for small spaces. It's like adding an extra room to your garden without actually adding room. Imagine a wall covered in lush greenery – it's like bringing the outdoors in, but outside. Plus, it’s a great way to grow things like strawberries or cucumbers when your ground space is limited. And don't be afraid to get creative with your containers. From old teacups to repurposed boots, there's no limit to what you can use. Try tomato varieties like Cherry falls. It’s the same idea as all my small home living advice: Always think vertical.
Next up, herbs! They are another must-have for any small garden. They're not just for cooking; they add so much life and fragrance to your space. Plus, they're super low-maintenance. Imagine having fresh basil or rosemary right outside your kitchen door? And don't forget about the visual appeal of herbs. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, so you can really have fun with them. You can grow them in pots, window boxes, or even on your kitchen counter.
And let's not forget about those adorable shorter varieties. Tiny but mighty, these little plants pack a punch. Whether it's a small fruit tree, a compact rose bush, or a cute little succulent, they'll add personality to your space without taking up too much room. Trust me, your garden doesn't need to be huge to be amazing. It just needs a little love and the right plants.
And if there is one piece of advice I can give you when it comes to trying to grow in a small space it’s this: Give it a go.
So often people think that something won’t work in a small space but I think you will be surprised. You name it I have tried it on my balcony, and most things have worked. You can grown almost anything in a container, you just need to be creative.
That leads us nicely onto container gardening
Container gardening is like having your own little portable garden paradise. You can literally grow anything, anywhere! It's perfect for small spaces, apartments, and even balconies. Plus, you have total control over your soil and can create the perfect environment for your plants.
Okay, so let’s talk about the benefits. First off, container gardening is super flexible. You can move your plants around to follow the sun or create different looks to your space depending how you feel. It's kind of like plant decor! You can also grow a wider variety of plants because you’re not limited by your soil type. And let’s not forget about the aesthetic – containers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can really personalise your space. I love using containers on my balcony and especially love the Elho hanging baskets, they fit perfectly over the balcony to give me maximum growing space.
Now, here’s the thing about container gardening: it does require a little extra attention. Since your plants are living in a confined space, they need more frequent watering as pots can get super dry. You also need to make sure your containers have good drainage to prevent root rot. Make sure your containers are big enough for your plant to grow and flourish. But trust me, the effort is totally worth it. Seeing your plants thrive in your own little container garden is incredibly rewarding.
Let’s talk water
Okay, let's talk about water because let’s be real, it's a precious resource, and we gotta be smart about how we use it, even in our gardens. You don't have to sacrifice a lush space to be water-wise. It's all about making small changes that add up. Like, have you heard of rainwater harvesting? It's basically nature's free shower for your plants! I don’t do anything fancy other than leave a few plastic boxes I use for gardening out and catch whatever is falling from the sky. Then I just re-use this to water the plants. I’m also smart about plant placement, putting any pots that might drip after watering above another pot so the drips aren’t wasted.
Another tip? Water in the morning or evening when it's cooler. That way, less water evaporates and your plants have more time to soak it up. And hey, let's not forget about choosing the right plants. Some are just more thirsty than others. So, pick plants that are happy with a little less water. It's like finding your plant squad – low-maintenance and beautiful!
And listen, don't be afraid to get creative with your watering. Think drip irrigation, watering cans with long spouts – whatever works for you! It's all about finding what works best for your space and your plants. Remember, small steps can make a big difference.
Let’s get sustainable!
Okay, let's talk about keeping your garden green, literally! Sustainable gardening isn't just about saving the planet; it's about creating a healthy space for you and your plants. Composting is a total game-changer! It's like giving your garden a spa day. You're turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil that your plants will absolutely love. Even if you have a tiny balcony, you can find a cute little compost bin. Trust me, your plants will thank you.
Organic fertilisers are another way to show your garden some love. They're like vitamins for your plants, helping them grow strong and healthy. Plus, they're better for the environment. There are so many options out there, from worm castings to bone meal to organic options to common plant feeds. It's like shopping for your garden's wardrobe! And let's talk about pests. Nobody likes uninvited guests in their garden. But instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, try some natural pest control methods. Things like ladybirds, or even a strong spray of water can do the trick. It's all about creating a balance in your garden ecosystem.
Alright, let's wrap this garden party up!
I could chat about plants and soil all day, but I want to hear YOUR story. What are you growing in your little slice of green paradise? Share your tips, tricks, and triumphs in the comments below. Let's inspire each other!
And don't forget to tune into the podcast episode! I dive even deeper into all things small space gardening, and I can't wait to hear what you think. It's like hanging out with your bestie, but with bonus plant knowledge.
Lastly, let's connect! Follow me on Instagram for more gardening tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and overall gardening vibes. And if you're really obsessed with all things green, be sure to subscribe to me right here on Substack. You'll get exclusive content on slow, simple and seasonal living, our urban homestead recipes, and a whole lot of inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. So excited to have you here!
The Art of Sustainable Small Space Gardening