Tips for Edible Gardening in Small Spaces

Gardening in small spaces can be a struggle, especially when it comes to growing food. Maximize your minimal gardening space by strategically pairing fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Mix & Match

Mix fruits, vegetables and flowers together in your edible garden. The flowers attract beneficial bugs that will pollinate the vegetables. They can also deter harmful insects resulting in better growing conditions and better-tasting food.

Know the Best Companions

Certain plants and vegetables thrive when grown together. Take time to learn which plants belong together and which ones not to put near one another. Marigolds, tomatoes and basil are best friends, but tomatoes won't fair so well when planted next to corn, dill or potatoes.

Fertilize & Mulch

Sprinkle fertilizer granules in the hole before adding the plant to give it a boost. After planting, add an organic mulch around the plant. The mulch will help deter weeds and keep the plant's roots moist.

Forget About Straight Lines

Make the most of your small space by not planting everything in straight rows. Place plants in curves to use every square inch and to keep your garden looking natural and informal. And don't forget to pair symbiotic plants together like these peppers and petunias.

Use Color as a Focal Point

Blocks of color create harmony and will help make your garden look bigger than having random colors everywhere. Use foliage as well as flowers to create interest. Lavender and eggplant are good color combos as well as yellow squash and black-eyed Susans.

Don’t Forget Pathways

Give yourself enough room to reach the plants when they're at full maturity. It may seem counterintuitive to waste space on a path if you have a small yard, but having another garden feature like a pathway makes the space feel bigger because now there is a destination. Keep the pathways simple and tidy. Here, we paired a dark shade of mulch with a light shade of wood chips to give the walkway an attractive contrast.

Go Vertical

Trellises are great for small space gardening – they're functional and add visual interest. Containers also add height and allow more growing room in beds. Try unique or upcycled containers to add whimsy and character to the garden.

Grow for the Light Conditions

Most summer vegetables thrive in full sun, and some fruits can take partial shade including raspberries and blackberries. Herbs like mint and parsley will also do well in light shade. An edible garden allows beauty and bounty to work together.