Small Space Gardens

From container planting to climbing vines, a variety of small-space gardening techniques make raising vegetables easier in backyard settings. Small potato crops, large tomatoes, and even pumpkins are possible in small spaces with the right gardening techniques.

Barrel Potatoes

Although tilled soil rows are the traditional means of growing potatoes, growing barrel crops is a popular alternative for backyard or small-space gardeners. Barrels or containers take up less square footage and provide an easy harvest time for gardeners with a limited number of hours available.

The technique is simple: soil and compost are spread a foot thick over the bottom of a barrel, followed by potatoes planted inside. Once the green leaves sprout and grow several inches, indicating the potatoes have taken root, more soil and compost is poured over the greenery until only the topmost leaves are exposed. This trend continues, until the barrel is filled almost to the top with only leaves exposed.

At harvest time, when the layers are dug away, each greenery section will have sprouted its own crop of potatoes, down to the bottom original layer. Any soil removed can be shoveled back into the barrel and covered until the next planting season. Organic gardeners naturally gravitate towards non-toxic metal barrels or wooden stackable frames, but some adventurous gardeners use a variety of materials, including used tires.

Climbing Pumpkin Vines and Cantaloupes

Crawling melon vines and pumpkin runners traditionally need a lot of space to grow; but savvy gardeners can escape the need for space by using lattice or other climbing supports instead. While pumpkins and other heavy vine fruits are customarily perceived as too big for lattice support, the vines are natural climbers, often winding around trees and other structures when left untended.

Supporting the fruit is easy, with the aid of netting, nylon hose, or other sturdy but stretchy fabrics. Construct slings to cradle the young fruit, tying with sturdy knots to the support frame. As the fruit grow bigger, adjust as needed with a larger or additional sling, using secure knots to hold them in place as they stretch and expand to accommodate the growing fruit.

Hanging Tomatoes and Squash

Rows and mounds usually support sprawling squash plants and overburdened tomatoes staked to support their heavy fruits. For gardeners who don’t have the ground space, however, upside-down produce techniques may be the solution.

A small hole is cut in the bottom of a barrel or basket, the young plant inserted upside-down inside, so its branches protrude through the hole (roots holding it inside). The container is filled with soil and compost, then hung from a post, line, or sturdy eaves in place with plenty of sun exposure. The plant’s growth directs itself towards the sunlight.

Utilizing small spaces for gardening requires a variety of creative techniques. Additional ground space can create room for produce expansion or allow existing garden plots to be maintained more easily.