Size doesn't matter if you know what to do with it...
Having a small garden doesn't mean you have to give up on gardening entirely - in fact, some of the best gardens are small ones, and they're usually easier to look after too! To help you maximise your garden's potential, we've put together some tips on design, management and planting that will ensure your garden is small and beautiful.
Planning
When space is limited, a good plan is essential. Follow these handy tips to get the most out of your square footage.
Drainage: This is really important, especially in a small garden where there isn't a lot of room for excess moisture to go. To test your drainage, dig a hole 8 inches deep and 8 inches square. Fill it with water, then check back in about an hour to see if it is dry. If all the water is gone, your drainage is sufficient and you can go ahead with your garden plans. If there is still water left in the hole, work some sand into the soil before planting.
Containers: Pots, hanging baskets and structured beds are the ideal solution to small garden worries, as they help keep your plants neat and tidy. Get creative with some unused household items: a porcelain sink makes a great container for a flower bed, and an old wellington boot is the perfect home for your geraniums! http://www.littletrekkers.co.uk/fun-stuff-to-do-and-download/step-by-step/item/how-to-make-welly-plant-pots.html
Vegetables: A small kitchen garden can do wonders for a household on a budget, cutting down your weekly shopping costs and supplying your family with fresh, home-grown produce. If you're stuck for space, try these handy hints:
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Use pots for potatoes. This makes them a lot easier to dig up, too!
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Grow cucumbers and green beans vertically using wigwams.
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Plant rows north to south to reduce over-shadowing and make the most of your sun coverage.
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Plant cherry tomatoes in hanging baskets.
Design
These clever tips will help you get the most out of your space and create a visually stunning garden.
Frames and Arbours: A wooden arbour or arch creates a bold focal point and provides a vertical growing space for climbing plants.
Stacking: Stack boxes and planting pots vertically to maximise your space. Use an old step ladder to display your favourite plants.
Underplanting: Make the most of your containers by adding small decorative flowers beneath larger plants.
Mirrors: Mirrors are great for creating the illusion of a larger space, and this trick works outdoors just as well as it does indoors. Hang a long mirror on a fence or wall to enhance the visual impact of your planting.
Rooftops: City rooftop gardens have become extremely popular, and it's easy to see why. They're space-efficient, provide great views and get lots of sun.
Paving: This Harlequin-style paving design cleverly provides easy access and maximises the planting area.
Maintenance
Small gardens can quickly overgrow and become messy, so it's important to keep on top of them. The bonus is that the trimming, weeding and pruning shouldn't take too long when you don't have much ground to cover!
Rearrange: Swapping your plant pots around and changing your garden layout can give it a new lease of life, as well as letting you scrub away any under-pot scum that might have accumulated on your paving or decking areas.
Artificial Lawn: In a limited space, an artificial Grono lawn can be a real advantage. It requires no mowing (it can sometimes be hard to fit a lawnmower in a small garden!), no weeding, and lessens the impact of harsh weather on your garden.