The thought of planning a backyard creates the image of a sprawling piece of land to make that special place transformed into a relaxed space. It is easy to feel intimidated when your special place has a tiny area and images of limitation comes to mind and dreams seems shattered and out of reach. This prospect eliminates the many possibilities and potentials that can be overlooked even in small spaces. It demands imagination, creativity and a willingness to face this challenge and make it work. It is like a painter who uses a blank canvas and the moment he takes up the brush it seems uncertain how this canvas will be transformed with the colours and brush stroke making their way across the canvas and eventually it becomes transformed into a masterpiece. Think of the garden as this canvas ready to be transformed into that green oasis.
This concept challenges the gardener to think about innovative designs that are suitable for the space. This means carefully selecting appropriate plants that are functional for the space. It requires a knowledge of the sunlight patterns which plays an important role to the plants growth and development. The overall design of the space must be functional with considerations of the soil conditions. With these challenges in mind, you will be motivated or become inspired to navigate these hurdles and find inventive solutions to these concerns. In this post we will explore techniques to inspire small garden ideas for tiny backyards into a place of relaxation and a functional outdoor retreat.
Evaluating your Space
Having a thorough understanding of your space and its unique characteristics will help to develop a good foundation leading into a long-term solution that is specific to your area. This will enable you to choose the best design for optimization of sunlight, drainage or pollinators. In the long run, an assessment will help to reduce wasted time and the choice of a better design for the space. The selections of plant choices will determine their location based on the sunlight patterns. Some plants demand maximizing the sunlight for several hours during the day while others prefer shaded areas. Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers love the sunshine while others like spinach and flowing plants like begonias prefer shade.
The introduction of companion gardening or vertical garden should be considered as they allow the plants to function and grow vertically without the use of absorbing too much space. The success of any garden will depend on how these plants are able to adapt to their environment using these simple techniques.
Have a thorough review of the backyard space including the flow of the sunlight, wind direction and the slope of the land for drainage is important. This will help to create a proper sketch using a basic layout. Keeping in mind the vertical concept and using any support systems like fences, walls or any support structure that can become useful for trailing vegetables like squash, peas or cucumbers. In a tiny space utilizing every square inch and possibilities matter. You may also prefer to use the horizontal growing method by using various geometric shapes for raised garden beds like L-shapes, V-shapes or U-shapes.
These are useful to organize plants giving the garden that unique and functional pattern. By allowing the space to be separated by stones will create an aesthetically and appealing functional space. Also keeping in mind any existing structures and mature trees. Challenging backyards with slopes can be transformed using stones and adding ground cover plants incorporated with shrubs and trees to complete the space.
Soil Conditions
Some backyards are faced with poor soil conditions which can become challenging. Having clay conditions allow the soil to be too thick and compact making the root system unable to absorb nutrients which leads to poor drainage and eventually plants are unable to survive. Due to root rot and poor absorption of nutrients. To solve this issue a blend of compost materials will help to improve the soil and drainage. If you are unsure of your soil type the best way is to have it assessed and make the necessary changes for its improvement.
Another method is the use of ground cover crops to help with the soil improvement and water conditions. The raised garden bed is also an effective method in which you are able to create the ideal soil conditions for the plants to absorb the required nutrients creating a more controlled environment that is able to function as its own eco-system.
With a sandy soil it creates the opposite conditions with the soil becoming too loose and has too much drainage for the nutrients to remain in it. Adding compost is also another technique and effective solution to combat this issue. If you are faced with conditions of excessive downpours a good way to fix the problem is to redirect the water source away from the space. Using a rain barrel to collect the excess water which can be used at a later time when there is less rain or in some cases drought conditions. Using a raised garden can become a technique to transform the space into a lush greenery if you have encountered this experience.
Using Smart Design Possibilities
For any tiny space using strategic and creative designs are important keys for transforming the space not only to make it functional but also to become aesthetically pleasing for the homeowner. The vertical method optimizes the space to include endless possibilities with the ability to reduce the amount of square feet that would normally be used by the traditional horizontal method. By utilizing permanent structures, walls plants are now trained to grow vertically or can be also used to form privacy screens or used as an obstruction from the wind, or as pocket planters which are excellent for growing herbs or leafy green vegetables that have a quick turnaround with endless possibilities to keep replanting and harvesting them.
Ladders are useful for repurposing and what is unique about this techniques is the ability it has to grow a variety of plants at the same time on the same structure without being too concerned about cross pollination. They also function in a dual role by assisting and save you time with your watering needs. Once the top layers are watered, they will eventually drip and help to keep the rest below moist.
A living wall with a vertical arrangement is a dynamic way to create an enhanced space in the garden and at the same time becoming the focal point adding greenery and colourful blooms. Plants like bougainvillea and climbing roses are known for their vibrant colours and blooms. Living walls help in their contribution by actively releasing oxygen to the environment transforming the space not only for aesthetics but function by helping to remove pollutants that are actively in the environment. They also make valid contributions helping to filter air born contaminants giving us a cleaner air to breath and live in.
Incorporate Container Gardening
Containers are one of the easiest and more suitable methods that are perfect for small spaces. Allowing the flexibility for movement in different spaces as the garden begins to develop and can become overcrowded. Utilizing a stacked formation will allow a variety of plants to grow in the same space. This allows you to grow herbs, a range of flowers and vegetables at the same time. Stack pots are available from many online stores like Amazon allowing you to create vertical layers for the space.
As gardeners become more concerned about the disruption of the formation of the soil grow bags have become more popular requiring no digging making the garden more efficient and easier to manage. Your garden can be in operation in a faster time frame than the traditional method of digging and preparing the ground. I wrote an article on container gardening if you need more information, I have enclosed the link below.
Garden Towers
These towers are now trending allowing us to think outside the box making our gardens more efficient and moving away from the tradition methods which takes longer and are more demanding. As we take steps into the future, we are finding ways to grow our food much better and giving us a faster turnaround rate to harvest our produce. Cylindrical towers are structures with planting pockets ideal for growing leafy green vegetables lettuce, various herbs and many other plant varieties. Great for patios, balconies and small spaces.
Hydroponic gardens are a good example in this type of gardening. It is cost effective and can become a project that you can build on your own or purchase from online stores, garden centers or hardware stores. They are environmentally friendly and provides a good way for the gardener to continue sustainable living.
The advantage in using this water-based system is there is no soil needed. They can be used both indoor and outdoor and works very well for tiny spaces. It is self-watering and has the ability to recycle nutrients and the capacity to use less water making it environmentally friendly. With this system the growth rate of the plants are faster than if placed in the soil, expect higher yields and faster turnarounds allowing you to replant and reap at a faster rate.
The hydroponic system demands some knowledge of balancing pH and nutrients being given to the plants. Crops that produce large root system like potatoes are not suitable to be grown and therefore it has its limitation on what will be a good fit. Also, having too many plants can lead to overcrowding and a risk of developing mold and other pests as the air flow can become obstructed. A Combination of various types of planters are usually a good fit for any space where room is limited.
Vertical Tiered Garden
This type of garden involves stacking multiple layers of raised garden beds that mirrors that of steps or shelves that allow each tier to hold containers for planting or planting directly into the tier allowing the plant to grow upwards. They are suitable for growing flowers and giving that backyard that special focal point. Or adding a variety of vegetables. The advantage in using this type of planter is to be able to utilize the space as the plant grows upwards.
Plants like strawberries make a good addition and allow the gardener to control the growth avoiding plants that can become invasive from taking full control of the space. Another advantage of this type of growth method is being very accessible to the aging population. Eliminating the need for constant bending.
Structures will need to be placed in a position to take advantage of direct sunlight if your plants require it. These planters are especially suitable for plants with shallow root system like spinach and for narrow spaces, patios or urban dwellers prone to small space living.
The vertical garden is the advantageous garden for small spaces using patios and balconies compared with the horizontal method which will require more room and would be subject to growing a limited amount of vegetables in any one space. When vegetables are placed above grown especially in a vertical position it helps to attract pollinators and will increase your yield in the garden. It is also becomes a deterrent for pests or other animals from finding your vegetables easily making it a more effective method for you and for the environment.
Container Creativity
Think of ways of repurposing containers before throwing them into landfills which are in many cases becoming overwhelmed and help to reduce the waste. Some creative examples are old cans, buckets, wooded crates, discarded tire wheels, bathtubs, coolers and plastic bottles. I have seen some very creative ways of using plastic bottles which have evolved into homemade irrigation systems, creative planters to grow herbs by drilling holes in the sides and allowing them to grow in various hanging baskets and can also be useful for trailing plants. It may require some drilling of holes or making some adjustment to make it suitable for the space. As a safety concern always make sure the materials used for repurposing are not harmful to you for growing food or the environment.
Impact your Space with the Right Choices
Being able to create that special space will depend on the plant choices you have made. You have the ability to make the environment lush and inviting otherwise it can become overcrowded and chaotic leading to an unpleasant space that is uninviting. By making strategic selections will ensure that the plants will be able to cohabitate and function as part of the overall design. Herbs like mint, thyme and basil are just a few that can be incorporated and the use of companion gardening with other vegetables are a good addition to the space.
Choosing fast growing plants like spinach, and lettuce will keep the area green and lush allowing you to reap and replant. Use miniature plants instead of those that will cause overgrowth to the area. Miniature roses are available in a variety of colours and add beauty and charm to the space. Dwarf evergreens like the boxwood or the dwarf varieties of hydrangea offers vibrant colours. Add perennials with special attention to the dwarf varieties are great as an addition and will not overwhelm the space. Make use of hanging baskets as they will not take up much room and it a great way to introduce plants that cascade which can add privacy to the space. In compact spaces it is the ability to use your imagination to let the plants function effectively in the space. Don’t be deterred from planting vegetables like cherry tomato, beans and cucumber. They are especially good for small spaces and will produce a bountiful crop. These types of vegetables are ideal for small gardens. It just takes some pruning to keep them from spreading.
Succulents are a great way to use the wall as a display area and are useful for small gardens. They are low-maintenance and are able to tolerate drought conditions requiring very little water. A good way to add texture, colour and a variety of styles to the garden for vertical walls.
Drainage
To ensure the garden functions well in the environment there must be proper drainage. This creates good aeration to prevent any form of water settling in the area and causing waterlogging to the plants root system. A good promotion of healthy roots must be priority and that will require consistently checking for any signs and taking any necessary steps to correct it. There needs to be proper management of pest and disease. That requires cleaning and disposing of the dead leaves which can be recycled by composting to improve air circulation of the plant.
Weed control is necessary and using natural pest deterrents like neem extract taken from the neem plant is a good way to get rid of unwanted pests. There must be continued pruning for optimal plant growth. As the garden continues to grow and flourish continue its update with new blooms to enhance the space.
By understanding the characteristics of your tiny space you can change this canvas into an inviting and creative lush haven making memories as it continues to produce and bloom into the future.
Image generated by AI using OpenAI’s DALL·E.