My Flourishing Container Garden

I have tried growing things over and over again over the last few years, and without fail, everything dies or just never starts to grow. I think the main reason is that I forget to water them or move them out of the sun. I have a very short attention span and get impatient quickly.

So, in an effort to combat that, I decided to try container gardening for small spaces by purchasing seedlings rather than starting from seeds. Turns out, this was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had! 🙂

I tell ya, I feel like a master gardener now! Every time I look out onto my tiny backyard garden, I feel ecstatic.

Easy Small Garden Ideas That Worked for Me

Since I have limited space and not the best track record with plants, I focused on small garden design ideas that are low-maintenance yet rewarding. Here’s what worked:

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1. Container Gardening for Small Spaces – Instead of planting directly in the ground, I used raised garden bedsand pots, which made it easier to move plants as needed
2. Herb Garden Setup – My basil and cilantro have thrived, proving that a mini herb garden is one of the easiest ways to start gardening in small spaces
3. Vertical Gardening Solutions – Some of my plants, like tomatoes and peppers, needed more space, so I grew the tomatoes upside down and hung the container under my deck
4. Space-Saving Garden Tips – I chose compact plant varieties and grouped them strategically to maximize my limited outdoor space

Before & After: My Small Garden Transformation

These are the “before” pictures taken on Mother’s Day, may 13th (so 16 days ago):

From left to right: jalapeno, straight neck yellow squash, green pepper, basil, cilantro – all thriving in my balcony garden setup.

Now, 16 days later, here’s what they look like. And no, I am not using Miracle-Gro or anything—just good ol’ water and sun.

Yellow: crooked neck yellow squash Blue: watermelon

Tomato plant

Now, 16 days later this is what they look like (and I am not using Miracle Grow or anything…just good ol’ water and sun)

Basil and cilantro – I’ve used the basil so many times and also given good amounts to several neighbors. The cilantro looks a little rough but that’s because I just used a ton of it for a dish I made this weekend

…and the basil just keeps growing! The fragrant leaves are AMAZING! I often go out there and just sniff my plants (not to my neighbors – I’m mentally OK, please don’t worry if you see me getting a high off of my basil plants)

Green pepper plants

Straight neck yellow squash

Look at all of those little growths! Can’t wait for them to bloom? grow? mature? What’s the correct terminology here? I have no clue!

Jalapeno plant

The jalapeno fragrance is soo strong and makes my taste buds water with anticipation.

Watermelon plant. Thinking that it’s going to need to be moved out of this planter and into something quite a bit bigger! I’m considering buying a really large shallow tupperware container – that way I can still take it with me when we move….yes, I’m selfish and not willing to leave the fruit of my hard work to someone else. 🙂

Crooked neck yellow squash – also needs to be moved out to a bigger container.

More sweet little buds!

Tomato plant – look at this guy! It’s getting so big that it’s tipping my container!! Can’t wait for it to produce some tomatoes!!

My Favorite Small Garden Plants

Here are some of my favorite plants that have flourished in my small patio garden:

• Basil & Cilantro – The fragrant basil leaves are amazing, and I’ve used them in so many dishes!
• Tomatoes – My tomato plant is growing so big it’s tipping over the container!
• Jalapenos & Peppers – The jalapenos are super aromatic, and I can’t wait to use them in homemade salsa.
• Squash & Watermelon – These plants might need to be moved to a larger container soon, but they’re thriving!

Final Thoughts: My Small Garden Success

I’m beyond thrilled with how my compact garden is coming along! Starting with seedlings rather than seeds made a huge difference, and my patio garden is now full of life.

Have you started a garden this year? If so, what are you growing? Share your small garden ideas in the comments!