Small Garden Ideas

Although it's easy to think that gardening with a limited space is easier than farming the back 40, nothing could be further from the truth. Employing small garden design ideas when every inch of space counts presents opportunities to learn about specialized gardening techniques and plant preferences. Turning a small space into an outdoor oasis requires careful planning and some care once everything is in place, but the rewards of a small garden are worth every minute of planning and effort that gardening small takes.

Containers

Implementing small garden design ideas doesn't require a plot of soil because many plants can grow in containers. Raised beds also provide enough growing space for plants, as do hanging baskets and vertical gardens. When the budget or space is limited, wooden pallets used for shipping make good vertical gardens for growing smaller, more shallow-rooted plants, whether edible or decorative.

Climate makes a difference when selecting the type of containers for small gardens if a plot of soil isn't available. Plastic pots may not be as decorative as ceramic or terra cotta pots, but the plastic holds moisture better, which makes them a better container for water-loving plants in hot or dry regions.

Plants

While plants adapt to most geographies, some do better than others, depending on moisture, humidity and day length. Choosing onions for a garden depends on day length. Some require long days, plentiful in northern climates, while short day onions are planted in the southern states with more even day length year-round. Tomatoes are another example of plants that have geographic preferences. All tomatoes like it warm, but a few varieties are better adapted to the hot summers found in southern states.

Color, Aroma and Texture

Small gardens need a focal point, which can be a larger plant or other patio or yard object that withstands wind, sunshine and moisture. Color choices for plants are highly individual. Some gardeners like every color under the rainbow, while others like subtle changes in leaf and flower color. Spending time researching when the plant bloom helps place plants so that something is always blooming, providing color and fragrance continually in the garden.

Soil

Mixing in soil amendments to existing soil gives plants a boost when using native dirt. But it's a good idea to use an inexpensive soil testing kit before amending the garden soil, since too much nitrogen promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers or fruit. All purpose potting soil is good for container gardening, except for cacti or succulents, that need a sandy mix for fast drainage. Since every inch counts in small areas, placing decorative objects on top of the soil around the plants is another way to bring more color and texture to enhance small garden design ideas.

Watering Systems

It's the rare garden that doesn't need supplemental watering from time to time, either from a hose, an irrigation system, or from watering cans. Drip irrigation systems use water efficiently and once the garden is established, the tubing and emitters don't detract from the small garden design ideas. Some pots have water reservoirs at the base and use the principles of osmosis for irrigating the plants. Decorative watering cans can be part of the overall design of the garden.