Everyone has enough space to garden
Do you feel like you can’t be a gardener because you don’t have a yard?
Nonsense. Everyone can be a gardener to some degree no matter where they live. You don’t need a large yard or 10 acres.
I grew up in a condo on the 3rd floor. The only outdoor space we had to garden was a balcony that was maybe 15 ft from closet to closet and stuck out maybe 5 feet. My father built a standing wooden garden bed on one half of the balcony. It couldn’t have been more than about 5 ft x 1 ft.
Now, we didn’t grow food at the time. That was not on our radar. But we did grow many flowers in that bed and very successfully. While it seems small, that is a space that could have easily produced enough food to offset some produce costs. We could have grown leafy greens or root veggies. There would have even been room for a tomato plant at one end. Bush beans could have easily taken up residence.
But I don’t have space for even a small garden bed.
Perfectly fine. Grab some pots. Everyone has a space for even just a single pot. A single pot won’t save you much on your shopping trip, but you can learn to grow during this season of your life.
One of my favorite YouTubers, Jess, from Roots and Refuge Farm always says “turn your classroom into your waiting room.” She couldn’t be more right.
It doesn’t matter what stage you are in at this very moment of life. There is always an opportunity to learn. Learn how to grow an herb in a pot that will fit in your window – adding fresh flavor to your meals. Grow a container friendly tomato or pepper plant on your balcony. Grow some potatoes in a grow bag that will only take up the corner of your entryway or tiny porch. START somewhere.
See if you even like to grow. If you find growing to be enjoyable and gardening calls to you that much – you will find the power to overcome whatever life circumstances are holding you back.
How to make the most of a small porch
Vertical growing is where it is at for small outdoor spaces. Go check out Pinterest for some ideas. One of my personal favorites is a GreenStalk. They come in 2 different styles and can be purchased as either a 5 or 7 tier. The original has deep pockets, which suits things that need more root space like carrots. The Leaf has more shallow pockets for things such as leafy greens and herbs.
You might look at these and say, “that is a bit pricey.” I completely understand that this may not fit everyone’s budget, but consider a few things first before you just say no.
- They run sales for major holidays, their biggest being Mother’s Day. This is personally when I would purchase one.
- These are designed to water each tier by simply filling it up at the top while its inner system trickles down to each level – keeping the pockets from drying out. I’ve not seen any other stackable planter on the market with this capability.
- It is durable. They don’t skimp on material. Your GreenStalk is very unlikely to be knocked over by high winds so long as every tier is filled with dirt.
- Made in the USA. This is one of the factors of cost and something I am willing to pay for. GreenStalk is made and distributed in the USA.
A GreenStalk is going to last you years. Aside from some minor assembly you don’t have to build anything from scratch, and they are easy to maintain. Did I also mention, you can later upgrade to a rolling base to move it anywhere you want WITH dirt in it?
Final Thoughts
Regardless of your planter choice, vertical growing will be your best optimizer in a small outdoor space.
That small herb pot on your window sill may seem inconsequential, but I promise it is a giant step towards your dream of gardening. There is no step too small, even if you just crack open a gardening book or a book that teaches you how to preserve food. Every step you take is a step that will move you closer to your garden goals.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated or sponsored by GreenStalk. I just believe in supporting their product.
Author
liv@livlifeoutdoors.com
