Tiny living is a craze sweeping the nation. Giving up the house and the yard for small condos in the city or tiny homes on a small plot are a popular choice for both millennials looking to decrease their footprint and retiring baby boomers who are more content traveling than keeping up a home. While giving up material possessions to live in a smaller space is one hurdle, many condo and apartment dwellers lament over their inability and lack of space to garden. For many, growing vegetables is their favorite part of summer. Gardening is a great way to relieve stress and is a lifelong hobby, and shouldn’t have to be sacrificed just because you don’t have a backyard. For those that live somewhere without much green space – or maybe none at all – we have compiled a list of tips on have to not only garden on a budget, but garden on a balcony as well!
Window Box Wonder
If you don’t have a balcony and think you are out of luck to grow tasty summer fruits, have no fear! All you need is a window box to grow summertime strawberries. All you need are alpine strawberry plants, planting soil, and a wooden or wire hanging window box. To give the illusion of a large harvest, place the plants close together. Water throughout the spring and summer and pick the fruit as they ripen. Fresh strawberries are great for topping yogurt, ice cream and cobbler!
Hang Cool
For those who have a balcony and want to maximize space, don’t forget about the railings. Use the railings to holding hanging baskets or boxes. Use your creativity and mix and match different containers or go for a streamlined, modern look with sleek rectangular containers. The best part of this is that you can put whatever you like in the boxes. In addition to livening up the balcony, plants can serve as a great noise reducer.
Hot Spot
Does your balcony get inundated with sun throughout the day? While this could damage delicate plants, it is the perfect spot for chiles. Chiles are easy to plant in pots and can easily left out in the elements. Once the chilis are ready to be picked, you will have the freshest ingredients for Taco Tuesday! Your neighbors will be begging to come over.
Up, Up, and Away
If you are concerned about losing precious patio space, then consider a vertical garden. Most garden centers or home improvement stores sell the infrastructure for the vertical garden. Depending on the motif, you can either go modern with stainless steel-looking containers, or for a more rustic vibe, distressed wood. Mix and match the plants in the vertical garden to create depth and vibrance.
Raising the Bar
If a vertical garden is more than you bargained for, look into a raised off the ground gardening bed. This type of garden is also good for those that have a hard time getting off of the ground or find traditional gardens too low down. Another advantage to raised gardens is that since they are in containers off the ground, plants are not subjected to changes in ground temperature. Plants are more protected and can last longer into the cooler fall months.
Its Thyme
Herbs are easy to grow both in and outdoors and make the perfect small space gardening project. First, pick out the herbs that you use the most in cooking since herbs have the tendency to grow quickly. Basil, thyme, mint and parsley are universal favorites that are easy for both the novice and expert gardener. The main thing to take into consideration when planting herbs together is the amount of water they require. Some, like mint and parsley, need more water and prefer moist soil while thyme thrives in soil that is well drained. Once these herbs grow, gently prune them and use them for cooking or festive drinks!
Gardening shouldn’t be limited to just those that have a backyard. Don’t let small spaces deter you from your favorite summer time hobby!
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