Small-Space Gardening Ideas for Growing Vegetables
There’s nothing like a freshly picked tomato. Store-bought veggies just can’t compete with produce plucked straight from the garden. But if you live in an apartment or have a barely-there backyard, you may think growing your own vegetables is a pipe dream. Luckily, small-space vegetable gardening is here to change all that. These gardening ideas for small spaces from Go Store It in Charleston, SC, will have you elevating your fresh salad game in no time.
Tips for Vegetable Gardening with Limited Space
Find the Right Lighting
Light is one of the most important factors for small-space vegetable gardening. Many plants need six to eight hours of sunlight daily to thrive. A kitchen windowsill facing the south gives your plants both direct and indirect light. It also lets you easily pluck a tomato or snip a sprig of basil while cooking. Grow lights can be great for indoor gardening if you have the space—but these space hogs can often end up in self storage units if aspiring gardeners don’t realize how grow lights would impact their living space.
Where to Plant a Garden in a Small Space
Once you’re armed with the knowledge you need to care for your vegetable plants, choose a space that suits their lighting and care needs. Almost any spot that’s properly lit can work for your small-space gardening project. Try one or more of these areas:
- deck
- patio
- rooftop
- balcony
- fire escape
- backyard raised beds
Of course, any indoor space that can accommodate a grow light or gets the right mix of indoor and outdoor lighting can also house your garden.
Maximize Your Garden Plot
Planting your herbs and produce at the right time is essential to their health. Study the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to discover which plants grow best in your area, and research about the plants you choose to ensure they receive proper care.
If you’re used to squeezing as much use as possible out of every square inch in your home, you might be tempted to do the same in your garden. Crowding your plants, however, could limit your yield or stunt plants’ growth. Instead, optimize space by planting in triangles, not rows. One study found that a distance of 8 to 10 inches between romaine lettuce plants doubled the size of each head of lettuce. That’s a lot more lettuce for your gardening dollar!
Make Room for Your Home Garden in South Carolina
If you get serious about your edible garden, you’ll need a place to stash your garden tools and supplies in the offseason. Self storage units are perfect for safeguarding planters, spades, hoes, soil, gloves, seeds, and other items. For whatever leaves you needing additional space in Charleston, SC, or a nearby area, get in touch with Go Store It today. Ask us about our well-kept facilities, or reserve a unit online anytime.