Growing a garden in small spaces has become popular over the last few years. Whether you’re trying to start an herb garden on your kitchen windowsill or want to add beauty and color to your patio, several plants can be grown in smaller areas.
Plant breeders have developed varieties specifically for containers and windowsills, so classic favorites like hydrangeas, crape myrtle, and sweet spice can now fit into small gardens.
Having a garden doesn’t mean having an enormous plot of land with acres of vegetation—it just means having the right type of plants within a smaller area. There are plenty of ideas out there as well; from roses in hanging baskets to juicy fruits on balconies, almost any plant can benefit from a bit more sunshine (and often look lovely too).
Don’t worry if your outdoor space is limited—you can always get creative and make room for something beautiful with 20 small-space garden ideas that are perfect for any patio or windowsill.
Table of Contents
Here are 20 Unique Container Gardening Ideas for Small Spaces
1. Use Tall Planters for Short Plants
Tall container planters are a great way to make the most of short but aesthetically appealing plants. These come with extra height, which helps highlight even shorter plants or shrubs without overwhelming them.
Placing these taller planters beneath taller walls could create a fascinating contrast between the items and help break any monotony in the particular landscape.
The extra depth of the soil within these containers also ensures uninterrupted stalwart growth of the plants, unlike regular-sized planters that can stunt their growth due to a lack of soil volume.
2. Use Hanging Baskets for Colorful Blooms
Hanging baskets are a great way to add color and texture to small outdoor spaces, such as balconies and porches. These baskets are typically suspended from hooks or balcony railings and filled with beautiful flowering plants—most commonly petunias, pansies, snapdragons, or geraniums—creating a cascading effect.
Not only do these baskets add visual interest to the outdoor area, but they also help create the illusion of space by drawing attention upwards.
3. Plant an Herb Garden
An herb garden is a great way to bring flavor and freshness to any kitchen—even those with smaller countertops and windowsills. Herbs can be grown in containers, planters, and pots, making a beautiful addition to any garden or outdoor space.
Planting an herb garden is also cost-effective; it’s much cheaper than buying herbs from the grocery store, and you can enjoy them fresh from your garden. Popular herbs for container gardens include parsley, chives, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and basil.
4. Grow a Miniature Fruit Tree
With limited space, growing a full-sized fruit tree can be difficult—but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on fresh fruit entirely. Miniature fruit trees are the perfect solution for small-space gardeners looking for their own personal piece of paradise.
These trees are available in many varieties, from oranges and lemons to apples and pears, and can be grown in pots or containers.
5. Plant a Pollinator Garden
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are essential to the health of our planet—and they only need a little space to thrive. A pollinator garden is a great way to invite these tiny friends into your outdoor area.
Plant flowers that attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, such as lavender, sunflowers, and mint. Not only will these plants give your garden a pop of color and fragrance, but they’ll also bring plenty of pollinators to the area.
6. Plant a Vertical Garden
Vertical gardening is an excellent option for small spaces. By stacking plant pots on top of one another in a vertical formation, you can create a wall of greenery that’s both beautiful and effective.
Succulents are great for this type of garden because they require minimal care and thrive in drier conditions. Other plants that work well include herbs, lettuce, and even strawberries.
7. Add Window Boxes
Adding window boxes to your home’s exterior is a great way to add a touch of color, texture, and detail. Window boxes can be filled with any flower or plant; however, they look best when planted with full, cascading arrangements. Popular choices for window boxes include petunias, pansies, snapdragons, and geraniums.
8. Create a Container Water Garden
Creating a water garden in a container is a great way to bring tranquility and beauty to your outdoor space. You can create an oasis of calm and relaxation by combining aquatic plants with water features, such as bubbling fountains or small waterfalls. Popular plants for water gardens include lilies, lotus, irises, and cattails.
9. Put Up a Trellis
Trellises are an easy way to add structure and height to any outdoor space. With the help of a trellis, you can grow climbing vines, such as clematis or jasmine, or use it to hang flower baskets for extra color. You can also plant your favorite vegetables on the trellis, creating a unique and productive garden.
10. Grow Hanging Plants
Hanging plants are a great way to add texture and vibrant colors to any outdoor space. These plants typically require little maintenance, and their cascading foliage creates a beautiful and lush look.
Popular options for hanging plants include ivy, ferns, spider plants, and a string of pearls. For an extra pop of color, consider planting flowering baskets, such as petunias or impatiens.
11. Try a Raised Bed Garden
Raised bed gardens are an ideal solution for those with limited gardening space. They’re easy to set up and can be customized to fit any area, from small window boxes to large backyards. Plus, raised beds provide better drainage and reduce the need for weeding—fill them with soil and get planting.
12. Think of Bright Light
Like any other garden, a successful patio garden needs plenty of bright light to thrive. Aim for at least six to eight hours of direct sun exposure each day to ensure the plants get the best and most reliable energy supply possible.
This bright light will provide vital nutrients the plants need to be healthy and produce more beautiful yields.
13. Grow Herbs in Containers
Herbs are a great addition to any garden and are particularly well-suited for container gardening. Consider planting various herbs in one pot for maximum flavor and convenience. Popular container herbs require minimal space and care, including basil, chives, oregano, mint, thyme, sage, and parsley.
14. Plant in Pots Around the Patio
If you have a patio, line it with colorful pots of plants to create a living wall of foliage that will bring your outdoor area to life. Place the pots on the edges of the patio so you can enjoy the view from indoors and out. Consider planting petunias, geraniums, marigolds, or herbs such as oregano and thyme.
15. Think Storage
Growing vegetables can be advantageous and cost-effective to increase access to fresh produce, but it often comes with limited growing space. One possible solution is to utilize sturdy storage containers that can be left out on the patio year-round.
These stackable planters, available in three sizes and made with lightweight all-weather resin, are ideal for various vegetables. Stake large plants like tomatoes with bamboo poles or metal cages for support.
These methods will help vegetables grow better and create extra space for planting small root vegetables or herbs. Storage containers help maximize garden space and provide home-grown produce.
16. Incorporate Climbing Plants and Flowers
For a spectacular garden display, consider climbing plants and flowers to create a beautiful vertical feature in your outdoor area. Popular options include clematis, honeysuckle, morning glory, and sweet pea.
These plants can be trained to grow on trellises or pergolas for added height and interest. Planting them in containers will also provide additional elevation.
17. Put Up a Wall Garden
A walled garden is an excellent way to add greenery to any outdoor area while maximizing limited space. You only need water-resistant planters and a sturdy wall or fence to hang them on.
Use various sizes and shapes of planters for a unique look, and choose plants that thrive in the specific environment of your outdoor area (e .g., sun-loving succulents or shade-loving ferns). With the right care, a walled garden can last for years and look stunning.
18. Create a Window Garden
If you don’t have much space, consider creating a window garden to make the most of natural light and give your plants a cozy home. Start with small containers or window boxes that will fit under or around the windowsill in your home.
Plant flowers, herbs, succulents, or other plants that thrive in bright direct sunlight for best results.
19. Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Vertical gardens are a great way to make the most of limited space and add interest to your outdoor area. You can create an array of planters with different heights and shapes to fit any size space, or you can consider purchasing a hanging planter for quick and easy installation. Succulents, herbs, ivy, or flowering plants can create a unique vertical garden.
20. Shade Container Garden
A shade container garden may be the perfect solution if you want a unique and creative way to garden in small spaces. Shade container gardens are ideal for areas without direct sunlight, making them great options for urban balconies or other limited outdoor spaces.
With a little effort, you can create a lush and vibrant shade container garden that will brighten up your small space. Popular plants for a shade container garden include ferns, hostas, and impatiens.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. How Can I Ensure Proper Drainage In Small Space Container Gardens?
Proper drainage is essential for any container garden, especially with smaller spaces. One way to ensure proper drainage is by ensuring the containers you use have multiple drainage holes. This will help water flow out more quickly and easily, reducing the risk of overwatering your plants.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure a layer of gravel or stones is at the bottom of your containers before adding soil. This will ensure the water has somewhere to go and prevent your plants from waterlogging.
2. Are There Any Special Considerations For Container Gardening In Small Spaces?
When gardening in small spaces, selecting the right size and type of containers for your plants is essential. Smaller pots will dry out more quickly, so you may need to check on them more often to ensure they receive enough water.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to use lightweight containers in small spaces as they will be easier to move around and won’t take up too much space. Finally, choose plants that thrive in your small space’s available light and other environmental conditions.
3. What Is Easy To Grow In A Container?
Growing plants in containers is a great way to bring life and color to small spaces. Container gardening can be an easy, low-maintenance way to get creative with your space and add beautiful foliage to your home. While it’s important to understand the needs of each plant, many varieties are easy to grow in containers.
4. Can I Grow Vegetables Or Herbs In Small Space Container Gardens?
Absolutely. Container gardening is an excellent way to grow vegetables and herbs in small spaces. Select compact or dwarf varieties of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and carrots that are well-suited for containers.
Herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and rosemary also thrive in pots. Ensure your containers receive adequate sunlight, provide proper nutrition, and follow recommended spacing guidelines for each plant.
5. What Is The Purest Flower?
The purest flower is the wildflower. Wildflowers are native plants not altered by human hybridization or manipulation. These flowers often grow in fields, along roadsides, and in meadows with little to no assistance from humans. They come in various colors and sizes, making them ideal for adding natural beauty to any garden.
Conclusion
Container gardening is a great way to make the most of limited space and add life to any outdoor area. There are many creative and unique options for container gardens in small spaces, from hanging planters to vertical gardens.
Additionally, many vegetables and herbs can be successfully grown in containers, bringing beauty and practicality to your outdoor space. With careful consideration of your environment and a little effort, you can create a vibrant and thriving container garden that will bring life to your space.
