Small spaces require big thinking to make the most of their potential. In this new column, Garden Organic’s Head of Horticulture, Chris Collins shares his small-garden expertise.
I’ve been gardening on a six-by-two-metre balcony in London for seven years so I know what can be achieved in a small growing space. And let me tell you, it’s plenty!
My passion for balcony, roof, and small-space gardening comes from the five years I lived and worked in Tokyo, creating British-style gardens. Not only can small gardens provide flowers, veg and herbs, they can even include small trees and lots of habitats for wildlife.
The smaller the space, the more important it is to map your plan on paper, and thinking of your garden as a cube will hugely increase the space you’ve got to play with.
Walls, fences and railings can be used as growing spaces and you can upcycle obelisks, arches and shelving. After all, who doesn’t love a garden bookcase?
How your garden is oriented will affect what you grow where.
North-facing fences require shade-loving plants, while south-facing walls are great for sun-lovers such as tomatoes. A garden that faces west will get afternoon sun, and an east-facing garden will benefit from morning rays.
So do your plant homework, because this way you won’t waste plants, and those you choose will thrive in the right conditions. Think of your space as a green corridor, linking the houseplants on your window sills to your garden, which in turn can link to external greenery such as street trees. It all helps to give the impression of a larger space.
Encourage wildlife
By planting bare root climbers such as honeysuckle, or small trees such as Amelanchier. In small gardens and on balconies, you can create habitats from garden prunings in recycled hanging baskets or gabions.
If you have space, a small pond provides wildlife with a place to drink, wash and cool down. Add steps or stones to allow frogs and hedgehogs to get in and out.
Then sit back, and watch your garden grow while you and nature enjoy your tiny oasis.
Small space question and answer
Q – How can I utilise my shed wall for growing?
A – Create troughs from recycled scaffold boards at the base. Use vine eye screws and wire/string to create a climbing frame and plant bare-root climbers. You could also add hanging basket troughs.
Q -Can I grow vegetables in a hanging basket?
A – Yes! Try strawberries, chives, tumbling tomatoes and salads. Keep an eye on water levels, and line baskets with sustainably-sourced moss to help improve moisture retention.
Q – How can I improve my soil?
A – Every garden, no matter what the size, starts with good soil. To boost efforts and save money why not incorporate a dalek compost bin or build one from pallets. Using green kitchen waste (peelings etc) and garden trimmings you can make nutritious compost and mulch for free that is packed with worms and microbes that will help improve your soil.
Find more tips, advice and articles like this at the Amateur Gardening website. Subscribe to Amateur Gardening magazine now.
