Small garden design and ideas

Designing and landscaping a small garden
Ideas for small gardens

On this page tips and gardening ideas for small gardens

For a small garden landscaping quote
Contact Mike

A Small garden landscape should be, simple, interesting and practicable.

Creating a focal point in small gardens adds interest and structure but can be difficult if you don't want to sacrifice your entire garden space to one large plant, tree or garden feature. A well chosen focal point doesn't have to be large, rather something  that is different and catches the eye.

So what can be used to create a Focal Point?

You don't have to have a focal point, but if you think it might work for your small garden its best to plan one in from the planning stage.
throwing  one in as an after thought rarely works.

Positioning the Focal Point is important

Placing the feature just off center works better than being placed centrally. If you have a small, circular garden,it will work better, positioned  towards the rear of the circle.

The smaller or shorter your garden, the smaller or shorter your focal point can be.

Even with very little space you can grow and enjoy fresh garden vegetables, nothing beats a freshly picked tomato and freshly dug new potatoes!

The cottagers have always grown their fruit and veg  wherever they could find the space to place a plant. Runner beans climbing up and over stone walls and garden fencing, cucumbers in the flower borders. We now call it companion planting, the olden folk called it making use of every available bit of garden space. At the same time reducing space for weeds to grow and reducing the effects of garden pests. Have a look at my companion planting page for some ideas.

Almost any container can be used to grow fruit and vegetables in a small or large garden from upside down planters for tomatoes,
window boxes to raised garden beds made from almost anything that will hold garden soil, even hay bales.

Hay bales make great planters see my hay bale gardening page for tips.

If you have a small garden with limited space for planting vegetables be creative and you will find more space than you ever thought you could find and at the same time add interest to your garden,...

visitors will be in awe of your ingenuity and you will love your fresh garden produce  There is no right or wrong way as long as the plants receive sun, air and water they should grow healthy and strong no matter where you plant them or what you plant them in.

Make the most of the tips on the pages I have highlighted and limited space you have in your small garden and plant  can find to plant  vegetables in your  garden. You might  end up with kitchen herbs growing next to your Hollyhocks but there's one thing for sure you will love being in your large  "small" garden.

Limited by space or poor soil try growing homegrown vegetables in containers on window sills,patios, your balcony or your doorstep . 
Selection

Almost any garden vegetable will grow in a container . Some  are ideally suited  including tomatoes, peppers, spring onions, beans, lettuce, squash, radishes and parsley. runner beans and cucumbers.  Most plants that will grow in your garden will  do well in containers. 

Soil should be free of disease and weed seeds,  Mix in some home made compost .
Containers

Any  container can be used for growing vegetable plants. Tupperware,  cans, tubs or wooden trays. They should be  easy to handle and have space for root growth.

Good drainage is important drill or cut drain holes about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch from the bottom and add an inch of coarse gravel in the bottom. 

Seeding and Transplanting

If you have saved seeds from last seasons harvest you will know how to sow them, if not read the packet . Its really that easy.  Always buy plants that suit your site and soil and can be transplanted,  choose disease-resistant varieties whenever you can. Organic seed catalogues offer a huge range of plants, both ornamental and edible.

Fertilization and  Watering

Making your own Organic liquid mix is best.( Lots of free information on the net)  Home-produced organic garden compost nourishes the soil, (Tips on making a compost heap)
Chemicals
Chemicals, even organically acceptable ones, can cause more damage than we realise. Contact killers can often hit non-pest species, while treatments designed to combat fungal problems can be washed into the soil, damaging worms. Try to avoid the use of chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilisers. Almost all chemicals will kill plants and animals beyond those targeted. Work with nature rather than against it.  Organic gardeners want their plants to grow well, but not at any cost. Dont rely on an arsenal of pesticide sprays to deal with problems accept and tolerate a certain level of imperfection.

Light

Nearly all vegetable plants will grow better in full sunlight than in shade.  lettuce, cabbage, greens, spinach and parsley will tolerate more shade than  radishes, beets, turnips and onions.  Fruit bearing plants like  cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes need a lot more light so  position the vegetables in areas where they can receive the best possible growing conditions.

Harvesting
Eat the vegetables at their peak when full off flavour .