With the advancement in science and technology, people have started understanding the importance of organic food and the underlying health benefits associated with it. Now, to procure organic food we have 2 options – either to procure them from the market at high prices or to grow it yourself at home. Growing food in your organic garden not only saves a lot of money but also has health benefits for you and your family. 

To do organic gardening we first need a garden. However, with the clustered urban settlement it is difficult to have personal gardens to grow your food. To solve this problem here we are providing certain tips for doing organic gardening in smaller spaces like the balconies at your home, the patio at the back of your house, or shared community urban gardens. 

Organic gardening in smaller spaces requires one to maximize the available space along with working on controlling pest problems. To start your organic urban garden all you need is a sunny spot on a relatively level surface, some containers, potting soil, and the right seeds. 

To do organic gardening in smaller spaces like balconies, patios, and urban gardens there are a few things that should be kept in mind. 

Choice of plant – Plants taking up more space should be avoided like pumpkins and winter squash. Sticking to smaller plants best suited for containers like herbs, lettuce, annual flowers, tomatoes, etc. is a great choice. Growing compact varieties of veggies like eggplant, spring onions, peppers, radishes, and pole beans best-fit balconies and patios. 

Perfect location – The most important thing to keep in mind before starting your organic garden is to choose a perfect location on your balcony and patio. This decision should be taken keeping in mind the amount of available sunlight and nearness to the water supply. Sunlight and water are the most important resources for growing a healthy garden. 

Friendly soil – For a healthy garden the type of soil used is an important factor. A good soil type will lead to a nutritious, pest-free, and abundant harvest. Using high-quality potting soil mixed with compost helps in faster growth. 

Here are some ideas to grow more in smaller spaces

Growing in hanging baskets – There are a few veggies and flowers which can be perfectly grown in hanging baskets like tomatoes, chilies, herbs, salad greens, etc. You can hang these baskets from rooftops, balconies, window panes, etc. 

Growing in containers – Plastic and glazed ceramic containers with a hole at the bottom are best suited to grow plants in small spaces. Small containers can easily support plants like spinach, tomatoes, microgreens, lettuce, etc. Medium containers can best hold eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, etc. 

Growing vertical gardens – Growing plants vertically with support will give space for other plants. Plants best suited to grow vertically are cherry tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, strawberries, etc. For successful vertical garden walls, cover fences, attach pots and plant stands can be used perfectly. 

Interplanting – Long-term plants can be interplanted with fast-growing ones. 

Eg – cabbages and broccoli can be grown with herbs, pea shoots, etc. By the time long term plants need space fast growing ones will already be harvested. 

Growing Hydroponically – Growing plants without soil in a water-based solution is one of the perfect ideas for gardening in small spaces. It is best suited for gardening in balconies, patios, and window panes without much hassle. 

Takeaway 

It is always advisable to grow compact fruits, vegetables, and flowers in a small-spaced garden. Bushy plants not only take up more space but also prevent smaller plants from getting adequate sunlight. Proper spacing of plants is necessary for healthy growth. Choosing crops that can be continuously harvested is a boon, as it reduces the work to crop again and again. The location, space, sunlight, soil, and availability of water will surely affect what is possible to grow but growing plants in your personal space will surely make your life feel better and happier. 

Here are some other blogs which make your Green Space more Greener!

1. Gardening Calender Blogs
2. Sustainable Gifting Ideas
3. Gardener Stories
4. Garden Care Blogs
5. Miniature Garden Decor
6. Gardening Workshops

Have a look at some amazing Videos on Gardening that might help you!

1. Tips on planting homegrown plants and creating art with them as a beginner.
2. How to preserve, plant, and grow flower seeds in monsoon, winter, and other seasons.
3. Growing different vegetables, winter vegetables especially, and tips and tricks to preserve.
4. Preserving fruits such as strawberries, Papaya, watermelon, muskmelon, etc.
5. Know all about microgreens using examples such as microgreen spinach, microgreen sunflower, microgreen mustard, microgreen flax, etc.
6. Using gardening tools such as pots, trays, growing bags, moss sticks, watering cans, etc.

Here are some Workshops that might help you if you are new to Gardening!

1. Convert your small space into a green jungle.
2. How to upcycle DIY’s for home decor
3. Watch our workshop on using biochemical enzymes  instead of chemicals in gardening.
4. Workshop on stepping towards sustainability.
5. Gardening workshop for beginners.
6. Workshop on styling home with plants.

Happy Gardening!