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The Secret to Growing Your Own Vegetables, Even Without a Yard

Portrait of beautiful woman watering green plants on the balcony, small cozy garden in apartment
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Have you ever wanted to grow your own vegetables, but don’t have the space for a full-fledged garden? Don’t let that stop you.

There are plenty of ways you can still nurture your green thumb and grow your own food. You just have to get creative. Fortunately, the world of gardening has expanded so much over the past few decades it’s easy to get started; you just have to know where to begin.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, these tips will help you successfully garden without the need for a yard.

Define Your Growing Needs

different containers of seeds ready for swapping.
Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

When you work with so little space, you need to make the most of it. That means no large plants, for one, and no vegetables you won’t eat. They will just take up space and take away from what you will actually enjoy.

So before you start planting all the seeds you can find, realistically evaluate your space and choose veggies you know won’t go to waste.

Embrace Container Gardening

A young blonde woman is planting a vertical tower garden with herbs and vegetables on her apartment patio, in the early spring
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The main difference between planting outside and inside is you won’t be using the ground, so you’ll have to adapt to container gardening. If this is your first foray into growing your own veggies, you’ll need to learn about the various types of containers.

You can use plastic containers, terracotta and ceramic planters, jars, and plenty of other options. The goal is to use the ones appropriate for the types of veggies you’re growing, and preferably with water drainage holes on the bottom. The good thing is they come in different sizes, so you can start small and grow if you have the space.

Choose the Right Growing Medium

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When you garden outside, you typically till the soil and nutrients where you plan to put your garden. When you’re using containers, however, what type of soil you use is important.

Different plants have different preferences, and sometimes, gardeners have their own tried-and-true methods, too. For most plants, premium potting soil is all you need, though some may want to put some extra additives in.

Choose Compact Plants That Grow Fast

Fresh red cherry tomatoes with basil on a rustic wooden background, selective focus
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When space is a concern, you have to focus on what will work for you. In small areas, compact plants work best, and those that grow faster will also yield more growth, so it makes the most sense to focus on those.

Compact varieties include cherry tomatoes, leafy greens, herbs, and dwarf versions of popular vegetables like peppers.

Use Grow Bags

Growing potatoes in the garden, potatoes growing in bags
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Grow bags are relatively new and a little more versatile than planters, which tend to be rigid. They work very much the same, though.

You add a growing medium, whether it’s soil, peat, or wood chips, and then cultivate the seeds and plants from there.

Take Advantage of Patio or Balcony Space

Urban balcony garden with chard, kangkung and other easy to grow vegetables
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If you have a patio or balcony, you’ve got built-in gardening space, even if it looks a little different. You’ll need to time the sun’s exposure to the area, so you can place your plants that require lots of sun (most vegetables do) outside at the appropriate times.

You’ll want to be mindful of cold spells and any inclement weather that can damage the plants and bring them in, as well.

Use Windowsills

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Windowsills are another great option if you don’t have a patio or balcony, but you will be limited. The good news is you can still grow smaller plants, such as herbs, on a ledge. There are planters especially designed for windowsills that you can reuse, and as a bonus, they don’t cost a lot.

Like with a patio or balcony, the timing and direction of the sun matters, but unless you’re placing the plants directly outside, you won’t have to move them much.

Grow Vertically

A vibrant vertical garden overflowing with fresh herbs lettuce and small tomatoes thriving on a sunny balcony in a bustling city
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Growing vertically is a great way to make the most of your space, especially if it’s limited. Use hanging planters or fashion a container wall, where you can add smaller containers of seedlings to grow before they need to move to bigger ones.

There’s plenty of vertical space to be had on a patio or balcony as well as indoors, but you’ll need to ensure there’s some type of light source. Which brings us to the next point.

Grow Vegetables Hydroponically

lettuce growing in a hydroponic setup.
Image credit: Depositphotos.

Growing hydroponically isn’t new, and it eliminates the need for any kind of soil since you’ll be growing food in a liquid-based, nutrient-rich solution. Instead of burying the seeds in the soil, the plants you grow will, instead, grow in baskets in water. You can easily grow some varieties of lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and herbs using this method.

This type of plant growing can be done indoors or outdoors, but it does need a grow light. Some setups may also require an air pump to provide circulation.

Join Community Gardens

community garden sign on a fence with garden beds
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If you don’t have the space and don’t want plant containers taking up free spaces in your home, you can join a community garden if one is available in your area.

Community gardens are popular in urban areas, but have also become a staple of many suburban communities as well. You’ll work alongside other community members to grow produce and may have your own plot or share with others. In the end, everyone benefits.

Author

  • Bonnie's interests include hiking, a passion she nurtured while living in Upstate New York, and cooking, gardening, and home decorating. These hobbies allow her to express her creativity and connect with nature, providing a well-rounded balance to her busy life. Through her professional achievements, community involvement, and personal pursuits, she embodies a holistic approach to life, dedicated to service, growth, and well-being.

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