by Karen Ellis

Created on: June 17, 2009   Last Updated: February 19, 2010

Gardening is a passion. It doesn’t matter if you live on a 30 acre farm or in a tiny apartment with a small balcony, a true gardener will find a way to use her green thumb. There is nothing more basic in life than watching a seed germinate, caring for the seedling and then harvesting fresh vegetables for your table. If you are one of those people with just a small space in which to garden, but you have only a small sunny spot or window sill, there are still lots of ways to follow your gardening passion.

Potted plants are and excellent way to grow a garden in a small space. They can be moved to catch enough sun througout the day. You can add potted plants to a small garden area for variation and interest, but you can also add one to a sunny spot on the porch or landing. Container gardening makes it possible for almost anyone to grow vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers or strawberries, as well as, annual flowers. With just a few steps, it is an easy project to get started with and maintain.

Step 1

Choose your pots for the type of plant you will house in it. Almost all plants will do well in 5-gallon containers. Vegetables with shallow roots only need a container that is 6 to 8-inches deep. Cool plants, such as lettuce, do better in light colored containers, while warm plants, such as tomatoes, do well in dark colored containers. The most important thing about choosing pots is to make sure they have adequate drainage.

Step 2

Pick vegetables that grow best in containers. Look for words in the names of the seeds or plants, such as bush, dwarf or compact. They are specific hybrids, created for small spaces and container gardening. Another idea is to grow several herbs in one large pot for a mini herb garden. Be adventuresome and try radishes, eggplant, spinach or beets.

Step 3

Use bagged potting soil from your local nursery or garden center. This soil is a good consistency for any potted plant and it assures you that there are no weed seeds or organic diseases in it. It comes in many sizes, so there is no need to purchase more than you need for your small-spaced garden.

Step 4

Pour a layer of gravel, rocks or marbles on the bottom of your pots. This will help the water to drain out easily and keep the soil from clogging the drainage hole.

Step 5

Pour potting soil into the pots. If you are transplanting plants, leave enough room for the root ball, then pour additional soil around it. Gently press down around the plant to anchor it. If you are planting seeds, you can plant them right into the larger containers in early spring and keep them indoors by a sunny window. You may also choose to seed plant, initially, in smaller pots. And then, transplant the seedlings into larger pots before setting them outdoors after the last frost in your location.

Step 6

Fertilize your potted garden once a month with an organic mixture. An easy-to-make fertilizer is a mixture of 1 tablespoon Epson salts to one gallon of water. Epson salts contain sulfate and magnesium, which are both vegetable plant nutrients. Do not fertilize until seeds have germinated. Houseplants love this Epson salt fertilizer, as well.

You can create a beautiful flower garden, in containers, right on your apartment landing. However, you don't have to choose one or the other, flowers or edibles, you can intermingle the two, enjoying all nature has to offer, while gardening in a small space.

Learn more about this author, Karen Ellis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.