Gardening in a Small Space
So when you search for “small space gardening” or “gardening in a small space” or anything to that effect, I am so tired of only finding container gardening. While it works (to a point) I am always left wanting for something a bit more creative, something out of the box than the normal response of container gardening.
I have been doing container gardening for a while now and I keep on running into one big issue, plants being pot bound. It stunts their grown significantly on some plants, others it is fine. Now somethings should be kept in containers, mint for example, will take over you whole yard if you put it in the ground.
Parsley is a good example where it limited its growth. It was doing okay in the container I had it in (about 12 wide, by 8 deep in good soil) then I took it out and dropped it in the ground and it took off! If you are working in a small space, this may not be an option, you will have to contend with the drawbacks of container gardening, but it is better than nothing.
But still I long for some more diversity, the way most container garden is also not efficient. How can we get more out of out containers? and What else is out there?
Here is a portable option, taking tubing, semi permeable agro plastic and encasing dirt with it you have tube gardening. The best part is this is easily watered from downspout of gutters.
What about going to the dump and grabbing someone old gutter? Powerwash them, attach to a wall and bam, you got yourself a pretty nifty garden on the cheap!
One thing I have been wanting to branch out into is apple trees. But they tape so much room, most trees ask for 30 feet in diameter spacing! Well what about flat apple trees? I am so fascinated with these. You take what ever young tree you want. You simple train and prune it like you would a grape vine and eventually it is flat! More info
Like I said before, people aren’t always thinking how they can maximize the space with container gardening, In a tiny house I preach, “use the vertical” meaning if we take a square foot on the floor, we are going to make it as tall as we can. Here we have a string of pots hung vertically. So instead of taking a few square feet on the ground for one pot, we instantly triple out production in the same space.
Here is a neat little gadget, basically it is a spring loaded pulley. You can hang a pot very high, out of reach, remember, use the vertical.
Finally this is nothing new, but I thought it still deserved to be included, when gardening in a small space, you could consider vertical gardens.
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There are dwarf variaties of most fruit trees, requiring much less space (about 10 feet diameter). These might be more to your liking?
I will have to check into it! Still 10 feet is kinda big, but certainly an improvement.
I made a huge pot out of a tire once. and I thought about doing a whole scaffolding looking contraption out of pvc pipe. haven’t got around to that one yet.
I’m diggin’ the wall garden out of old rain gutters!
I have heard people rave about tires and potatoes. Stack two of them, fill with dirty, then when it is time to harvest the potatoes, just knock it over and the potatoes come loose
-Ryan
Some very good ideas. Due to the sheer number of times I move, and lack of experience, I have never had a garden of my own, of any type, though I have grown up around them. I have considered container gardening, but the gutter idea is sheer brilliance. I am most interested in having a tiny house that is mobile, and it seems to me that a bit of prep work would make this (gutter-style)type of gardening ideal for me. On a side note, I do not find the tube-garden appealing. In my opinion, it is not aesthetically appealing. That being said, I think it is a brilliant idea for those who live in an urban environment, or those who are simply forbidden from “disturbing” the earth where they are.
Thanks for your posts, I just discovered your site, but have found your posts informative and entertaining.
I’m excited to see you found it so useful! The gutter style is pretty neat, also consider a living roof on your tiny house. even if you have to make a cover for it while on the road, it might be a viable option.
-Ryan
Thanks for the post. You really gace me some good ideeas
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Knowledge wants to be free, just like these airctles!
I have space problems for gardening. My unique solution is a floating garden because I live on a lake. The beds are raised above the lake level and are about 10″ deep with soil. Out there I also don’t have to contend with critters munching my produce. But there isn’t enough space for all the things I like to grow so I use 55 gallon blue barrels cut in half. They are large enough to let plants have lots of root room.
http://powellriverbooks.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-does-your-garden-grow.html
[...] 66 Things You Can Grow In Containers Posted June 30th, 2010 by Ryan Mitchell and filed in garden Tags: container gardening, garden, Green & Eco Friendly, local food Add a Comment tweetmeme_url = 'http://www.thetinylife.com/66-things-you-can-grow-in-containers/';tweetmeme_source = 'ryantmitchell';So here is a surprising list of plants you can grow in container. Some of the notable one are the apples, citrus and avocados. I have talked about apple growing in small areas, it involves espaliering which I talk about here. [...]
Comments are good as well. Happy new year!keep posting
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I have space problems for gardening. My unique solution is a floating garden because I live on a lake. The beds are raised above the lake level and are about 10″ deep with soil. Out there I also don’t have to contend with critters munching my produce.
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These gardening tips are very efficient for those places which don’t have enough space for gardening. Some do recycle plastic bottles and they do use it as pots.
I really like the idea of the pulley plant basket. Almost like a hanging basket except it can be put on varying heights around the home.
thats really great tips…..i think i will try thats idea in mine…thanks for share thats perfect
This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
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maintaining flower or garden is nice way. many ways to make or create our garden more beautiful. you provide the best tips for us
That’s great guide, thanks.