by Keshia Lewis

Created on: May 29, 2011   Last Updated: May 19, 2012

As a busy teacher with a very small yard, I don’t have the time or the space for a big garden. So I grow miniature gardens inside of pots! Often called container gardening, it’s the best of both worlds because it allows beautiful gardens to grow anywhere! I also use vertical gardening and unconventional containers for efficient gardening.

1. Have fun with pots.

Pots come in all sizes and colors, so  its all about finding the right ones for your needs. When shopping for pots, I usually choose  Styrofoam pots because they retain moisture and they’re lightweight.

2.  A porch or patio can be turned into a lush retreat.

I love sitting outside in the summertime, so I created an intimate outdoor retreat by grouping pots of leafy plants around my patio. Not only does look beautiful but the plants also block the wind and act as a low wall, separating the patio from the yard.

3. Save space by using patio rails.

Once I ran out of space on my patio, I started securing plants onto the deck railings. This is the best way to save space when growing a garden because it doesn’t require any space at all!

4. A mini garden can even be created inside of a chair.

A garden can also be grown inside a chair! I turned an old chair into a whimsical and portable plant holder by placing plants inside the seat. 

5. Recycled tin cans are perfect for small plants and spaces.

Recycled tin cans are just the right size to hold small flowering plants, perfect for small spaces. Just poke holes in the bottom for drainage.

6. Save your back and space.

Plant arrangements don’t have to stay on the ground. Gardeners can raise them to different levels using ladders, chairs or raised planters.  This also a lot of strain off the back because you don’t have to bend down or stretch to tend to them.

7. Add charm and color with a window-box.

One of the best ways to grow a small garden is with a window-box. Window-boxes can be hung anywhere. On deck railings, the side of a house, on a tree or even sitting on the patio floor. Be sure to use a container that’s at least 6 inches deep, so the plant roots have room to grow.

8. Sprout seeds in the kitchen.

When I use to live in a tiny apartment, I use to grow plants and vegetables on my kitchen counter. It worked out great because I had plenty of counter space and whenever I wanted fresh flowers or veggies, I could just go to my kitchen.

9. Grow vertically with vines.

If you’ve used up every single inch of space but still want more plants, grow some vines. They’re very versatile because they can grow anywhere and require very little space.

10. Small gardens can still look stunning.

Even though my gardens are small, I still make them look elegant by putting the tallest plants in the middle with trailing plants gathered around it. It’s a classic look in a pot!

A garden can grow anywhere as long as it has soil and sunlight. So don’t let lack of space stop you from enjoying beautiful plants and fresh vegetables.

Learn more about this author, Keshia Lewis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.