I often encounter people who believe they need a large backyard to grow their own edibles. They’re convinced that without an abundance of land, gardening is out of reach. But I’m here to tell you that’s not true! With a little creativity and the right plant selection, it’s entirely possible to cultivate a thriving garden in even the smallest of spaces – like a patio, deck, balcony, or front porch. It all comes down to choosing plants that thrive in conditions with limited sunlight.
Choosing Compact Plants
Before diving into your edible gardening journey on a patio or balcony, it’s crucial to select container-friendly varieties that thrive in confined spaces. Most vegetables and fruits can be grown in containers, provided you use large enough pots (forget about those 2-inch cuties) and opt for compact or dwarf varieties. To identify these pint-sized plants, meticulously read the seed packet or pot tag. Look out for key terms like Compact, Baby, Patio, Mini, Thumb, Dwarf, Little, and Tiny.
A word of caution: not all ‘mini’ varieties produce small plants; sometimes, mini refers to the fruit size instead. Additionally, just because a plant name or description doesn’t feature one of these monikers, it doesn’t mean you can’t grow it on your outdoor space. These compact crops are perfect for snacking and ideal for households with one or two people. Grouping multiple small plants together can yield a substantial harvest.
If you’re looking to get started, consider the following top picks for growing in tight spaces:
Tomatoes
Growing delicious and compact tomatoes is a great way to enjoy the fruits of your labor without requiring a large garden space. Dwarf varieties like cherry tomato plants are ideal for smaller spaces as they tend to be more manageable in size than larger beefsteak-type tomatoes. While the yield may not be as high, these compact plants are often prolific producers, providing you with a bountiful harvest until the first frost.
The added bonus is that smaller tomato plants mature faster, allowing you to enjoy your fresh crop sooner. You can even take it to the next level by growing them in containers and training them to hang upside down, making the most of your space. Some popular compact varieties include Tiny Tim, Red Robin, Cherry Gold, Tumbling Tom, Sweet N Neat, and Cherry Cascade.
Cucumbers
I’m not a fan of cucumbers, to be honest. They always seem to multiply and take over my garden space! One plant I have is currently covering most of my porch railing. However, if you have vertical growing space, you can train the vines upwards to conserve room below. Additionally, there are compact cucumber varieties that won’t overwhelm your entire growing area. These include Spacemaster, Salad Bush, Bush Pickle, Bush Champion, and Pickalot.
Lettuce
Patio gardening offers a unique opportunity for green-thumbed enthusiasts to cultivate their favorite greens without sacrificing valuable space. One of the most significant advantages of growing greens on your patio is that they require minimal depth, eliminating the need for bulky containers. This makes them an ideal choice for small-scale growers. In addition to their compact nature, many types of greens mature quickly, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the season.
This rapid maturation process is particularly appealing for those with limited growing space. While dwarf varieties of lettuce do exist, it’s worth noting that compact greens like Tom Thumb and Little Gem lettuce seeds produce small yet perfectly formed heads that are both visually pleasing and fun to harvest. This variety can be especially enjoyable for children, who will delight in the miniature nature of these lettuces.
Peppers
My pepper plants have flourished this year due to consistent heat, a stark contrast to their previous small size. While peppers don’t typically require an abundance of space, they do need substantial containers. Fortunately, there are numerous compact varieties that can thrive in smaller spaces. Some popular options include Baby Bell, Jingle Bells, Mirasol, Pretty n Sweet, Alter Ego, and Patio Fire, which offer a more contained growth habit without sacrificing flavor or yield.
Eggplant
Eggplants hold a special place in my culinary heart. Perhaps it’s because I don’t overindulge, allowing me to appreciate their unique flavor without fatigue. Like peppers, these purple vegetables don’t dominate the garden, but they do require larger containers to thrive. A bonus for compact growers, miniature varieties take up slightly less space and produce smaller fruit, ideal for small households or urban plots.
Container growing is particularly well-suited for eggplants, which can be grown in a variety of container sizes and shapes. Among the compact varieties, Fairy Tale, Ping Tung Long (which I’m excited to try this season), and Eggplant Patio Baby F1 are all great options for those with limited space.
Squash
A single squash plant can spread rapidly, especially if you’re growing vining varieties. To accommodate their growth, you’ll need ample space unless you have vertical support structures in place. However, it’s surprisingly possible to grow squash in small spaces, like my own experience on a tiny side porch where I’m currently nurturing four plants! I’ve chosen compact varieties that won’t encroach on nearby containers.
When selecting squash for patio growing, prioritize bush varieties over vining ones. Compact options like Sunburst and Dwarf Summer Crookneck are ideal choices.
Beans
This year, I fell victim to a common gardening mistake that left me with an unexpected bean monster on my hands. Despite their reputation for being easy to grow and providing a bountiful yield, beans require some planning and consideration when growing in small spaces. Specifically, pole and runner beans need support structures to accommodate their climbing vines, while bush beans are more compact and don’t require as much vertical space.
Unfortunately, I planted beans too early in the season under the assumption they were bush beans, only to discover later that they were actually pole beans that had grown out of control, crowding out my nearby swiss chard and poppy flowers. A DIY trellis structure helped contain the situation somewhat, but it’s clear that a more substantial support system is needed to keep these vigorous vines in check.
To avoid a similar predicament next year, I plan to choose bush bean varieties specifically designed for small spaces and select seeds from a trusted supplier.
Peas
There’s something special about growing peas! Not only do they thrive without becoming invasive, but they also produce an abundance of delectable pods that can be enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of dishes. Plus, when provided with a trellis, peas can climb and reach new heights. However, there are several compact varieties that don’t require one, producing plenty of tasty pods despite their relatively short stature.
These include Peas-in-a-Pot, Little SnapPea Crunch, Dwarf Grey Sugar Snow Pea, and Blue Bantam Dwarf.
Carrots
Carrots may seem like an unlikely candidate for the title of ‘cutest’ vegetable, but scientific evidence suggests that miniature carrots are undeniably adorable. Despite their small size, carrots can be a bit finicky to get started, but once they’re sprouting, they’re relatively easy to grow in containers or shallow plots. However, depth is crucial when it comes to carrot growth, as inadequate vertical space can result in deformed and unappealing roots.
If you don’t have the luxury of deep soil or are working with limited shallot pots, consider opting for compact varieties that won’t require a super long taproot. In this case, look to miniature carrots like Parisienne, Caracas, Short Stuff Chantenay, Bunny Bite, and Thumbelina.
Corn
Corn is often overlooked as a container garden delight, with many assuming it requires an abundance of space. While it’s true that some varieties do benefit from more room to spread out, there are compact options that can thrive in a 5-gallon container. However, be prepared for the possibility of unwanted visitors – squirrels have a notorious fondness for corn and will steal it right from under your nose if given the chance.
To avoid this issue, consider implementing a barrier such as chicken wire fencing to keep them at bay. For those looking to grow compact varieties, Golden Miniature, Baby Asian, and Golden Midget are excellent options.
Strawberries
Strawberries bring a double delight to patio gardening. Not only do they produce charming white blooms, but also succulent and sweet fruits. Their compact growth habit makes them an ideal choice for container gardens, where space is limited. With the right variety, you can enjoy strawberries in even the most compact of spaces. Some popular compact strawberry options include Eversweet, Tristan, Delizzimo, Montana, Delizz, Flavorfest, Grande Berried Treasure Red, and Mara Des Bois.
Kale
Kale, another popular leafy green vegetable, thrives in container gardens just like lettuce does. To keep your kale happy and healthy, be sure to provide it with adequate water and fertilizer, as these plants can quickly become parched and under-nourished. Some kale varieties are known to spread quite far – up to 3 feet, in fact – so if you’re looking for a more compact option, there are several cultivars worth considering.
When shopping for compact kale varieties, look for options like ‘Blue Scotch Curled’, ‘Red Winter’, ‘Dwarf Siberian’, or ‘Black Magic’. These smaller-growing plants will still provide plenty of flavor and nutrition without taking over your entire container garden.
Blueberries
Patio gardening doesn’t mean you’re missing out on sweet treats like blueberries. In fact, there are compact varieties that thrive in zones 3-8 and can be grown in containers as small as 18 inches deep. To get started, look for a variety that’s specifically bred for container growing and provides the right amount of sun – at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Some popular compact blueberry options include Top Hat, Sunshine Blue, Patriot, Bushel, and Berry Pink Icing.
Figs
Figs are a fantastic choice for container gardens because they have a compact growth habit, produce fruit quickly, and display attractive foliage. If you live in zone 7 or below, you can easily move the containers indoors during the winter months to extend the growing season. For those looking to create a diverse patio garden, consider pairing figs with herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme, as well as microgreens like salad mix or pea shoots.
To further enhance your container gardening skills, I recommend consulting ‘The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible’ by Edward C. Smith, which offers valuable insights and practical tips for growing a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and herbs in small spaces.
