Growing Vegetables in Limited Space
Growing Vegetables in Limited Space
This year, I’m focusing on maximizing my 10x20-foot garden with compact, space-saving vegetables that are perfect for small spaces. I am not just looking for space saving, I am also looking for disease resistance and performance. If I am going to grow a jalapeno, I want to grow the largest jalapeno like Jalafuego (a 5–6-inch jalapeno that produces a lot). The challenge? Narrowing down my options to fit this space!
When you look at the days until harvest on a package of seeds, it really means the number of days from when it was set out, or from seed emergence when direct sown, not the day you planted it!. So, to maximize your space while keeping as many varieties as possible, consider these tips:
Choose compact varieties: Select dwarf or bush versions of vegetables and herbs that thrive in small spaces, like compact tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers. I’ve found varieties like “Carolina Gold” and “Celebrity” tomatoes and ‘Cherokee” pumpkin perfect for small spaces. I also grow compact bush squash like ‘Dark Green Zucchini’ and ‘Butternut Bush,’ which only take up a 2x2-foot area, allowing me to grow more in less space.
Vertical gardening: Utilize vertical gardening for crops like beans, peas, and tomatoes. Use trellises or other structures to grow plants upward, saving horizontal space. For example, I use a large tomato cage supported by wooden stakes around each tomato plant—even with smaller varieties. I also add small cages around my peppers, basil, and rosemary—not just for staking, but for early-season protection. If you prefer a more decorative touch, consider using an obelisk. It adds beauty while still supporting your plants without the industrial look.
Interplanting: Plant fast-growing crops like radishes, lettuce, or spinach alongside slower-growing plants like tomatoes or peppers. This helps maximize space and provides a continuous harvest. For example, I plant a quick-growing crop of arugula around my peppers, and I also sow beets under an A-frame that cucumbers will eventually grow over. Both the beets and cucumbers grow without competing for nutrients, allowing me to harvest both crops from the same space.
Succession planting: Plant crops like lettuce, radishes, or spinach that mature quickly, then replant the same area with another crop once it’s harvested. For example, after harvesting my early-season lettuce, I’ll plant a second round of beans or another quick-growing crop. This ensures that space is used efficiently throughout the growing season.
Square foot gardening: This method divides your garden into 1-foot by 1-foot sections, with each square dedicated to a different type of plant. It’s an ideal way to organize your small garden space. Here's how it works:
1 plant per square for larger crops like compact tomatoes or peppers.
4 plants per square for medium-sized crops like bush beans or compact cucumbers.
9 plants per square for smaller greens like spinach or lettuce.
16 plants per square for tiny crops like radishes or carrots.
Closing Thoughts
By focusing on compact varieties and varieties that produce more and utilizing these space-saving techniques, you can maximize your garden’s potential—even in a small area. These tips will help you grow a productive and thriving garden no matter how much space you have. With just a little planning, you’ll be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest from your small garden.
If you're looking for ready-to-go plants that fit perfectly in your small garden, keep an eye out for Milo and Mable’s Home Harvest at your local garden center. They have a nice variety of space saving plants. Happy planting and here’s to a successful growing season!!!
Interested in some of the specific varieties that will make your small garden shine?
Here is a list of my current favorites -