How to make a small garden?

Do you want to do this indoors? Or out? Containers are a great way to make a small garden, all you need is containers, soil and seed.

more information is needed on what you want to plant,lighting,location and size of a garden

Home Depot has small wooden above ground garden boxes. Have fun with it

It all depends on what you want and decide to handle. I used to have a large garden but wasn't tending it the way it needed so I downsized. I chose an area that gets both sun and shade, was an pain to mow, easy to water, and was a size I felt I could handle. I tilled up the ground (red clay in VA) added some compost and then dry laid cinder block around it 2 high. I bought mulch, some stepping stones and then proceeded to dig up the existing gardens and pick my favorite plants to put in my new smaller garden. Yes, it was a lot of work but I now enjoy my gardening rather than complaining about all the weeding.

Go vertical! I had a tiny sliver of a garden next to a fence. I built a series of trellises that I attached to the fence, and planted vines at the base. Over the summer, the vines fill the entire fence with flowers, and there's still room for more plants in front! You can find my tutorial here.

A keyhole garden is perfect for small spaces. You can see mine here and how we built it using rocks from our yard: https://www.morenascorner.com/2012/05/building-a-keyhole-garden.html

Concrete blocks are a quick and super inexpensive way to create a raised garden bed. (If you want to make the bed look prettier, you could plant flowers or plants in the concrete block holes, too.) I wanted a quick garden this past fall and was a bit under the weather, so I made a simple concrete block garden. I put in little work, and got to enjoy some fall mums: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/diy-cinder-block-raised-garden-bed-32593942?r=1

If you're thinking a small indoor garden (or outdoor, really) ..how about a fairy or gnome garden...I'm working on one now that I hope to have finished in time for the 1st May challenge. But I agree with the other comments. ..we need a bit more info as to what kind and type ☺

You can create little mason jar herb planters to edge your small garden and expand your gardening area vertically. You can see how here: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/mason-jar-herb-garden-36568992

I would go with a vegetable garden. You get the color and the healthy benefits. Remember to start with good compost - you can buy it at most "real" garden centers. Tomatoes can be staked up with colorful posts as well as other varieties of plants made to grow vertical now. Put annuals especially marigolds around the border for immediate color.

I live in a house with a small garden. I like to make planters that I stack vertically to maximize my growing space. Here is my latest project which certainly brightens up my small walled garden. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/gorgeous-colorful-planters-to-brighten-up-any-small-garden-36579611

I made another vertical planter last year for my walled garden this time I used a pallet and gave them a Moroccan feel. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/stunning-moroccan-style-upcycled-pallet-planter-30684378

You will see that I have a thing about vertical planters this one can be used indoors as a mini garden in the house or outside on the patio. I upcycled all my favorite plates and bowls that had been chipped or broken to make it.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/upcycle-your-old-bowls-and-plates-into-a-stunning-wall-planter-28717482

There are all sorts of small gardens you can do! Comtainers are the easiest way to get what you want & are easy to care for. I did a mini herb garden this year for my home - something I can enjoy year round as I will bring it in during the winter. Here's my tutorial for mine: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/mini-herb-garden-36592832?r=2

I used to sell a lot of herb gardens, and I think the main reason they sold so well, was that I planted herbs in coffee pots. I went to the local thrift store, and purchased the pots, then I brought them home and started working on them. I put some gravel in the bottom of the pot, about an inch or so, then I put dirt in the pot, about another inch. Next, I took a herb out of it's original pot, took a knife and scored the dirt to break up the roots a little, then put it in the pot, and covered the roots with dirt. I made both ones that only had one kind of herbs, and others I put a few different herbs. They look so cute sitting around a kitchen. Good luck to you, hope you have fun making your garden!

This is my post for the Mini Garden challenge. I have always been an avid gardener. However, because of mobility issues, I have had to come up with innovative ways to keep my green thumb green. My garden had to have some basic requirements:

1. Accessibility

2. A water source

3. 6-hours of direct sun.

The answer to my requirements was a patio garden! I planted seeds inside and transplanted them into outdoor pots after the threat of frost had passed. I also planted a variety of seed. North Florida summers can be brutal. Therefore, it is imperative that you choose hardy plants for your area. Vegetables that I have had success with include tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow squash, and bell peppers. Successful flowering annuals include petunias, pansy, marigold, sunflower, and begonias. When looking for containers, you have many options choosing from a variety of pots, half wooden whiskey barrels, and other innovative containers. Whatever you choose, make sure that your container has good drainage. It is also important to start with a rich soil and after the plants are established, a good all-purpose fertilizer, I prefer Schultz 10-15-10 liquid plant food. A patio setting offers access to my little garden and can look out of my window and enjoy their natural beauty or just see if they need a cool drink of water. As the summer progresses, I can also spot pests such as aphids and the dreaded horned worm. My preference for controlling pests is Monterey B.T. for organic gardening. It works on all houseplants in addition to outdoor vegetables, and flowering plants. My variety of vegetables and flowers offer an array of colors, a wonderful bounty, and, ease of maintenance. I wish you luck.

There's nothing like a small water garden to add interest and a focal point in a small garden. It's like your own private oasis! You can add plant materials both in the pond and around it. You can also add some containers to complement the rest of the landscaping. You'll find many ideas specific to small gardens in our new post :) https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/pools-ponds/install-a-water-garden-in-your-small-yard-35304077

Hi Ruth! We've created a small raised bed garden area for our yard and you can read all about it right here: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/raised-garden-beds/how-to-make-a-small-garden-36577081?r=2

I hope this helps and please let me know if I can answer any questions for you! :)

Hi Ruth! One way to have a garden even if you have limited space is to use containers. In this post, I used a pallet with succulents but you could use it for herbs or flowers, even strawberries. Hope this is helpful.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/easy-peasy-garden-36625240?r=2

I have a made a post with some link on how to make a tiny garden I hope this helps you also some links on my profile if the links I posted don’t open on how to make the bonsais I have in my garden

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/plants/making-a-tiny-garden-36626920

What type of small garden are you looking to create? Flowers? Vegetables? Fairy garden? Any details would help in answering.

Hi Ruth!

Creating your own small garden really is super fun! (and inexpensive and easy!!) We've put together this really simple 30-minute container garden tutorial, give it a go and let us know what you think.

The awesome thing about a container garden is that it can move and grow with you. It can go from indoor to outdoor garden in seconds! You can even suspend the container or have multiple containers on a shelf, the possibilities are endless.

Once you have a little garden patch outside you can submerge the container garden half-way in soil to create a beautiful feature - a garden within a garden!

HI Ruth, I have found the easy way to make a small garden is using a children's sandbox or small pools.

. They are the perfect size. Drill holes in the bottom to allow drainage. They can be place anywhere depending on what type of garden you are planting vegetable or flowers, sun or shade. Fill with soil and your plants.

Here is one miniature garden. You might get some ideas and adapt it to what you like. Hope this helps! https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/secret-mini-village-and-garden-35896766?r=2

I think that the best way to start is probably by identifying the area that you want to use for a garden. Is it outside or inside? What are the dimensions? Do you want plants, flowers, herbs, vegetables or a combination?

Then research what will grow best in the zone that you're in and whether they will thrive in the sun/shade and how much water/fertilizer they will need. Sometimes, it's easier to start small and grow as you go....

Since I don't have any outdoor area to use for gardening, here's a link to the lanai garden that I did.... https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/lanai-garden-36642115-garden

Good luck!

Our daughter wants an inside garden, and she has a window almost exactly like this on her kitchen so this is what we are gping to do! You can find everything on Pinterest!!

Have you tried using an old bath to use for a container garden? It is very simple to make and will only take about 30 minutes to create once you have everything on hand - soil, plants, stones and... of course an old bath. Take a look at the one I have created to give you an idea how to create one. You will find it here:-

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/succulents/have-you-tried-using-an-old-bath-to-make-into-a-container-garden-36691745?r=2

Hi Ruth! Here is another option for a small garden. I hope it inspires you.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/patios/small-space-garden-36703157?r=2

My moms name is also Ruth - love this name!

I suggest to cultivate your plants inside until it is warm enough to bring them outside. Here is a cute way to speed up the process of getting your plants ready:

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/plants/tomayto-tomahto-a-mini-green-house-36706870?r=2

happy gardening, hope you like this idea!

I I have a great example of a small garden that hardly takes any time or space. It's baby steps... literally! See it at: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/5-easy-steps-to-a-small-garden-36710243?r=2

Just posted my ideas. Hope they help. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/how-mini-ways-can-you-make-a-small-garden-36720222?r=2

I have a awesome way to do a garden if you have no green thumb! https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/succulents/artifical-succulent-garden-36641346?r=2

Perhaps you'd like 6 different kinds of apples from 1 fruit tree grown espalier style along a fence or wall for the most amazing small garden as I explain the how-to here--- https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/apple-tree/6-kinds-of-apples-from-1-little-tree-36727728?r=2

Here are some Fairy Garden projects I've created as another option for small gardens. This is one type of garden that really can cost nothing by using what you have and be as small or large as you want. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/fairy-gardens-36722395?r=2

Hi Ruth,

I made a tomato and pepper garden using a child’s plastic pool and an old drawer. You can see my tutorial on Hometalk.com. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/vegetables/the-answer-is-a-child-s-plastic-pool-and-an-old-drawer-36727898 Susan K Mullins

a box garden or even a kiddie pool put holes in bottom

The best idea is to measure your garden and transfer the measurements on to a sheet of paper by way of a plan! Then decide what you intend to use it for eg: BBQ - Relaxing - Entertaining - Children's play - Veg garden- Raised Bed - Shed - Summerhouse - Greenhouse etc.. Then pencil in your items where you think would be good. Then Lay out your garden to suit.

Yes I am. I can now weed it, prune it and pick it up all in a short period of time so that I can actually sit and enjoy it. Makes a big difference. Loved all the plants I had before but I still get them because I change things out every so often when I mulch. Costs less and is more private. Win Win for me

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