Patio Kitchen Garden

If your garden demands more space than a few pots on the counter top can give you, it’s time to move outdoors to the patio or balcony. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a full kitchen garden on your 4′ x 6′ patio or balcony!

Step 1: Prepare Your Space

First, decide whether you will purchase a pre-made shelving unit or make your own. You can get a four-shelf greenhouse on wheels for about $35. Or you can follow the instructions below and build your own.

You’ll need:

• 4 or 6 boards measuring 12″ x 48″ (depending on whether you want 2 levels or 3)
• 12 or 18 cinderblocks (6 per level)
• 8″ herb pots (4 per level)
• 3 to 5 24″ vegetable pots
• Potting soil
• Seeds or seedlings – Not sure how to grow your garden from seed? Read Start From Seed.

The first step to creating any garden is choosing what you’ll grow. Think about the vegetables and herbs you enjoy cooking with – if you love Italian food, tomatoes, Basil, and Oregano are a must! If your tastes are more South of the Border, consider growing a selection of peppers and cilantro. For more insight on choosing the right plants for your garden, read Planning a Kitchen Garden.

Next, you’ll need to create shelves on each side of your patio or balcony. Stand three cinderblocks on end, approximately 10 inches apart. Place one at each end and one in the center, then lay a board on top. Place three more cinderblocks on top of the board. Continue to build until you have the shelves you need. You will be able to arrange 4 herb pots on each shelf. Make sure that the taller plants go on the top shelves, and that the lower levels get enough sunlight.

You can stash your gardening tools below the first shelf, or in the openings of the cinderblocks.

Place your large vegetable pots along the widest part of the balcony or patio. If you wish, you can stagger them to fit up to 6 24-inch pots. These are ideal for tomatoes, peas, and other climbing plants.

If you have a balcony, you can also hang rectangular planters on the rails.

Next, determine which of your plants need full, or direct sunlight. These will need to go on the side of your balcony that gets the most sun, and on the top shelf or two. Other herbs and vegetables need partial shade. These are ideal candidates for lower shelves, where they will be sheltered from the harshest afternoon sun.

Finally, consider placing a lawn chair or two in the center of your garden. Not only have you created a handy produce section just outside your door, but also a fragrant, relaxing retreat!