Create Vegetable Gardens in Small Spaces
Utilizing Space
Many people like the idea of having fresh home grown vegetables right out of the garden, yet may not have what they think is the right amount of space to grow a garden. Growing vegetables doesn't require a lot of space, and can even be done from a window box if necessary.
The soil needs to be rich enough to support the plants' nutritional needs, and can be tested ahead of time to check for deficiencies. Composted manure and yard debris like leaves and grass clippings can help improve the existing soil. Raised beds are easier to weed, have good drainage, and allows you to fill the space with the amount and type of soil you want.
Vegetable plants need at least six hours of full sunlight daily, and they should also be protected from strong winds. The garden should be placed close to a convenient water source which makes frequent watering easier during those extra hot summer days, or could be placed where soaker hoses could be used.
Vegetables can be grown at different times, depending on package directions, this makes it easier to utilize a small space. Trellises can be used for vine plants such as peas, tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers. This keeps them growing upward like they should instead of outward causing overcrowding of plants.
When using small spaces for gardening, it is important to utilize all the available space. Plants do not need to be in neat rows like with a larger garden and similar or "like" plants can be grown together. This is sometimes more productive if you do a little research on which plants actually thrive off of one another when planted together.
Plants grown closer together than recommended on the seed packet will compete with each other. Be sure to space seeds or plants out according to the directions for each type of plant. When planting, keep in mind the sunlight and watering needs of each individual type of plant. Planting the garden in terms of watering needs can help keep maintenace a little easier.
Small patches of land and window boxes make nice small gardens, yet one idea that some people may not have ever considered is the use of a kiddie pool. A kiddie pool with holes cut out in the bottom of it can be filled with nutrient rich soil and then planted with the desired plants or seeds. You don't have to own farm land in the country to have fresh vegetables for you and your family, you just need to find ways to utilize the space that you do have.
Home & Garden Articles
- Build Your Own Brick Barbecue
A brick barbecue may be easier to build than most people may think. For the serious grill chef, a brick barbeque is great for outdoor parties with family and friends. A brick barbecue is a permanent fixture... - Grow Your Own Herbs
When filling up the spice rack or cabinets, wouldn't it be nice to have fresh herbs from your own herb garden? Growing herbs could be fun and save some money on the most commonly used herbs in the home, and... - Build Your Own Greenhouse
Building a greenhouse can be an easier and less expensive project than one might think. Researching how to construct a greenhouse is the first step before getting started on such a large project. A very... - Spring Lawn Preparation
Preparing your lawn for mowing season begins in the springtime. Lawns that are properly groomed and fertilized will be fuller and greener during the summer months. With just a few implemented lawn care tips,... - Attract More Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are a joy to watch and are very inquisitive by nature, and will investigate any possible new source of food. Hummingbirds feed by sight on regularly followed routes, called traplining. Rather...
