Not all of us are lucky enough to have a large yard to grow our gardens in at home. So, what are the best ways to overcome this? The best way is to think outside the box. You don’t need multiple beds and a sprawling yard to grow a veggie patch, you can have success using a patio or small space. With the correct containers, soil, sun exposure and watering schedule, you too can harvest your own vegetables in your small space garden.

Small sunny spots in your yard, balcony or patio can all be successful locations to grow your vegetables. By choosing the right location and your favourite varieties of plants, you will help maximise your harvest. Your gardens layout will need to be considered to ensure all of your plants receive the proper nutrients. To maximise yields in a small garden, choose a location that will provide adequate sunlight, access to water, and rich nutritious soil.

Sunlight: Most vegetables need 6-8 hours of direct sun a day. Without enough sun, the fruits will not ripen and your plants will be stressed. If you get less than this each day, consider some leafy greens such as lettuce, broccoli and root vegetables.

Water: All vegetables need regular watering. Some veggies, such as tomatoes, will crack if they have been left too long and are suddenly well hydrated again. Consider using a drip irrigation or soaker hose on a timer if you are short on time to regularly water.

Soil: Vegetables need a rich, organic matter to thrive. Fertile soil is a must for the growth of all plants, but especially necessary for vegetables as if your soil is lacking it will affect to flavour.

Choose your varieties well. If limited on space don’t go for the beef steak tomato but instead selected a tabletop cherry tomato with high yields and little space required. Anything with the word’s pixie, patio, compact, baby tiny or dwarf in the name is a good bet. Just because a plant is bred to be compact, it doesn’t mean that the harvest will be small or the fruits tiny. Read your labels carefully and do some research, we guarantee there is a variety to suit.

Interplant your veggies with flowers. Not only will this maximise space and look attractive, but it will also attract beneficial insects to your space.

Grow vertically as much as you can. Take advantage of brick walls, fences, railings, window ledges and invest in vertical planters. Then use these areas to grow vining crops that will climb or hang such as cucumbers, pole beans and cherry tomatoes.

Don’t forget companion planting. Not only will it help you avoid unwanted pests and increase yields, it will also conserve space. Shade tolerant plants will benefit from being planted next to taller crops, such as tomato and basil. Lettuce if kept cool and shaded will keep producing all summer long. Check out our guide for more ideas here https://www.plantsdirecttas.com.au/pages/companion-planting

Virtually any fruit, vegetable or herb can be grown in a container, if you choose the correct one to accommodate the size of the fully mature plant. Herbs and leafy greens can be grown in small containers and hanging baskets, whereas fruiting plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers and capsicum need larger ones- at least 18L. The containers material and colour can affect how often you will need to water. Clay or terracotta lose moisture faster and black plastic ones retain more heat. Choose a high quality potting mix especially designed for vegetables and ensure it has slow release fertiliser added.