It’s easier than ever to grow your food, even in small spaces

Outdoor food gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years as people have become more interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle. Veggies and more are popping up in suburban yards, apartment patios, and other spots previously reserved for seasonal blooms. With planting season upon us, IMU offers these tips on maximizing your growing space without digging in the ground.

Raised bed gardens

By definition, raised beds are built above ground level. It’s easy to find pre-built and kit models at garden centers and online, or you can build your own inexpensively using landscape timbers, boards, or scrap wood. Corrugated metal boxes and rings are also popular, offered in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Raised beds offer several advantages over traditional in-ground gardens and help to ensure a bountiful harvest:

• Richer soil: Typically, the soil in a raised bed has been purchased and/or amended to provide a rich growing medium for plants of all kinds. Compost, humus, last fall’s leaves and dried grass clippings all make great amendments. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be great!
• Better drainage: A rule of thumb when you first install a new raised bed is to lay a first layer of drainable material. A few inches of gravel or small tree branches will last for years, retaining moisture near the roots and requiring less water.
• Easy access: Raised beds make it easier to maintain your garden, as they require less bending and kneeling. This is especially beneficial for older individuals or those with physical limitations. 
• Versatility: Unlike ground soil gardens, raised beds can be placed on any surface, including concrete or asphalt, making them a great option for urban gardeners who don't have access to a traditional yard. They can also be moved as your yard space evolves.

One-foot gardens

As the name suggests, these are gardens where each type of plant occupies a single-foot square. One-foot gardens are popular because they allow gardeners to grow a variety of vegetables in a small space. This is especially useful for individuals who have limited outdoor space, such as those living in apartments or condominiums. They are on the easier side of upkeep and maintenance, as they require less watering and weeding than traditional gardens. Moreover, because the plants are grown in such a small space, they are less susceptible to diseases and pests. One-foot gardens are a great option for beginners or individuals who are new to gardening, as they require minimal upkeep and are a great way to get started with growing your own food. 

PRO TIP: Certain plants don’t like to grow near one another, and this will definitely be a factor to consider when planning your one-foot garden. The good folks at almanac.com (the Farmer’s Almanac official website) offer both a low-cost garden planning app and loads of free advice on compatible planting.

Container gardens

Container beds are perfect for maximizing small spaces, from apartment patios to any corner of your yard that gets good sun. Like raised beds, containers are popular because they can be placed on any surface.

Ever versatile, they can be planted with a wide variety of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and peppers - even squashes and melons! They are also great for growing herbs, such as basil, thyme, and parsley that tend to prefer a fair amount of air space around them. Container beds are easy to maintain, as they require minimal watering and weeding. Additionally, because the plants are off the ground and distanced from others, they are less susceptible to diseases and pests.

Grow bags are popular for container gardening and range in size from 5 to 72 gallons. Traditional garden pots are also a great choice, but if you’re thrifty, consider 5-gallon buckets or chicken feed bags. With plastic buckets, be sure to drill at least one hole in the bottom to ensure proper drainage.

As people push for more sustainable lifestyles, being able to easily grow edible produce has an undeniable appeal. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, there’s an outdoor food garden perfect for you even if your thumb is a little more brown than green!