Space-saving Veggie Gardening

Keen to learn more about space-saving veggie gardening? Everyone can grow their own edibles, even those living in the tiniest of apartments. Space isn’t the issue it used to be because gardeners have so many more options, like moveable planters, raised troughs, grow bags and vertical wall planters. It is more about finding the right spot in terms of sunlight, a good growing mix, drainage, shelter and accessibility.

Space-saving veggie gardening is also about planting wisely and not overdoing it. Vegetables are high maintenance plants: the more effort you put into them, the more they reward you. Less space means growing fewer vegetable, but the advantage of that is you can give them more attention; quality versus quantity.

Here are 5 space-saving ideas for you!

1. Moveable Planters

Moveable planters like the Vegepod (in three sizes) and the modular Urban Box are both equipped with wheels for easy mobility. The Vegepod is a compact, self-contained system with water tanks that provide water to the roots through a water-wick system, and a canopy that creates a micro-climate. The Urban Box (made from recycled pallets) is not a closed system, but its modular design allows for variations in size and height.

What’s to like: Being mobile, they can always be moved to where the light, and other conditions, are best for the edibles.

2. Free-standing planters

Free-standing planters range from RainQueen’s lightweight corrugated steel containers to wooden planter boxes on legs (check out your farmer’s markets) and durable plastic grow tables from Elho, which you’ll find in hardware outlets.

What’s to like: The benefit of these planters is that they are at waist height so there is no need to bend, which makes working among the edibles so much easier.

3. Vertical Planters

Vertical planters make use of under-utilised wall space on patios, balconies or kitchen courtyards. Some are freestanding while others need to be attached to a wall. Gardena has a modular system that can be expanded and has a self-contained watering system with a tank to collect excess water. Because the growing pockets are not large, such systems are more suitable for herbs, edible flowers or smaller veggies.

What’s to like: It’s a nice way to grow herbs that don’t need much root space and like good drainage. Regular picking for the kitchen keeps the herbs bushy and productive.

READ MORE: Window Box Veggie Gardening

4. Grow bags

Grow bags, or fabric pots, can be as stylish as the Shweshwe fabric planting bag with internal drip tray. There are heavy-duty potato bags with a roll-up window for harvesting potatoes, as well as regular grow bags made from jute and other durable materials.

What’s to like: Compared to plastic pots, grow bags offer better air circulation and drainage and are cooler for the roots.

5. Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets make use of eye-level space that is as underutilised as wall space. The best hanging baskets for edibles are the steel-framed baskets with coco-liner for good aeration and drainage. The bigger the basket the better if you’re wanting to grow trailing baby tomatoes, strawberries, chillies or a mix of herbs.

What’s to like: Edibles are within easy reach, and they can be a patio feature. Don’t hang the basket too high, as this makes watering and harvesting more of an effort.

READ MORE: Take a look this Veggie Garden Design