9 gardening hacks for small spaces

Green-fingered Brits are being offered tips on how to create a stunning garden with limited outdoor space.

Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have revealed the top nine hacks to make the most out of small gardens.

Those who only have tiny gardens, patios or balconies to work with can still enjoy the outdoors with some careful planning and space-efficient solutions.

Although they pose some challenges, small gardens have their benefits as well – they’re typically much easier to maintain and also tend to be more budget-friendly.

Homeowners can make their gardens look bigger by choosing the right colour schemes and lighting options, as well as paying attention to how they position the plants depending on their size.

Vertical gardening, containers and hanging baskets are also very handy when it comes to small-space gardening.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Your gardening plans shouldn’t be hampered by limited outdoor space, even a small garden has plenty of potential and can be turned into a cosy haven.

“With more and more people moving to cities, gardening has seen an incline, but you don’t need much to grow your own plants.

“Even if you live in an apartment, all you need to start gardening is a sunny spot on your balcony or patio, a few containers and some quality soil.

“With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and revamp your outdoor space so it’s ready for sunny days.”

Here are GardeningExpress.co.uk‘s top nine gardening hacks for small spaces:

1. Use containers

Containers are perfect for small gardens because they take up minimal space. The best thing about containers is that they are portable, so you can move them around your garden as needed.

2. Vertical gardening

Vertical gardening will allow you to make full use of all of the space you’ve got. You can use upright structures like walls, fences and balconies for growing plants by adding shelving, hanging baskets, trellises and living walls to them. 

3. Create raised beds

Raised beds are perfect for small gardens because they allow you to grow more plants in a smaller space. You can build your own raised bed or buy one from a garden centre. Raised beds are also great for controlling soil quality and drainage.

4. Choose the right colours

Choosing the right colour scheme can make a small space look bigger. Vibrant flowers, shrubs and features can make small gardens appear lighter and bigger. If you want a more intimate look opt for warm colours, if you want to add depth and serenity then go for cool tones.

5. Choose the right lighting

The best lighting options for small gardens should be subtle and highlight specimen plants to create shadows and give the garden depth. To avoid taking up too much floor space you can opt for wall, hanging and fairy lights.

6. Positioning of the plants

Use perspective to your advantage by carefully positioning small, medium and larger plants in sequence. This creates an optical illusion and makes the garden look larger.

7. Grow herbs

Herbs are easy to grow and take up minimal space in the garden. You can plant herbs in containers or directly in the ground. Herbs are also great for vertical gardening.

8. Choose space-efficient furniture

Compact and flexible garden furniture will allow you to still create cosy dining and relaxing areas even if you don’t have much space. Opt for furniture that can be folded or stacked away when not in use.

9. Add a focal point

Draw the eye towards the longest axis in the garden, normally a diagonal, by adding a focal point into the furthest corner from the seating area.

For more small-space gardening ideas visit:

61 Small garden ideas and inspiration for 2023