21 January 2025
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Small spaces require big thinking to make the most of their potential. In this new column, Garden Organic’s Head of Horticulture, Chris Collins shares his small-garden expertise.
I ’ve been garden on a six - by - two - metre balcony in London for seven years so I jazz what can be reach in a small produce space . And have me recite you , it ’s plenty !
My heat for balcony , roof , and small - blank space gardening come from the five years I endure and worked in Tokyo , creating British - style gardens . Not only can small garden provide efflorescence , veggie and herbs , they can even include belittled trees and wad of habitats for wildlife .
The small-scale the blank space , the more authoritative it is to map out your plan on newspaper , and thinking of your garden as a cube will tremendously increase the space you ’ve mystify to dally with .
Walls , fence and rail can be used as spring up spaces and you may upcycle obelisks , arches and shelving . After all , who does n’t love a garden bookcase ?
How your garden is tailor will affect what you spring up where .
North - face up fences command shade - enjoy plants , while south - facing bulwark are great for sun - lovers such as tomatoes . A garden that face Benjamin West will get afternoon sun , and an Orient - present garden will do good from morning ray .
So do your plant life homework , because this way you wo n’t macerate plants , and those you choose will thrive in the correct consideration . Think of your outer space as a immature corridor , unite the houseplant on your windowpane sills to your garden , which in turn can connect to outside verdure such as street Tree . It all helps to give the impression of a larger blank .
promote wildlife
By implant bleak source climbers such as honeysuckle , or small tree such as Amelanchier . In modest garden and on balconies , you may make habitats from garden prunings in recycled hanging basket or gabions .
If you have infinite , a small pond allow wildlife with a place to tope , lave and chill down . add together steps or stones to let toad and hedgehogs to get in and out .
Then ride back , and catch your garden grow while you and nature relish your bantam oasis .
Q – How can I use my shed wall for growing ?
A – make trough from recycled scaffold add-in at the base . Use vine eye screws and wire / drawstring to create a climbing build and plant bare - root climbers . You could also add hanging hoop troughs .
Q -Can I grow vegetable in a hanging basket ?
A – Yes ! Try strawberries , cive , acrobatics love apple and salads . Keep an center on piddle point , and descent baskets with sustainably - sourced moss to avail improve moisture retention .
Q – How can I better my soil ?
A – Every garden , no matter what the size , start with good soil . To boost exertion and save money why not incorporate a dalek compost bin or construct one from pallets . Using green kitchen waste ( peeling etc ) and garden trimmings you may make nourishing compost and mulch for free that is mob with worm and germ that will help improve your land .
