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Harvest the Bounty of a Patio Garden
Make the most of small spaces on decks and balconies to enjoy your pick of vegetables, fruits and herbs
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find be writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most... More »
Growing edibles, whether veggies, herbs or fruit, has come a long way from the days of large gardens and an equally large time commitment. Today, with the right planning, you can grow your edibles along the edge of a deck, in pots on your patio or even on the edge of a wall on a small balcony.
Squeezing vegetables in as part of your overall landscape is a time-honored concept throughout the world that has become new again. It's especially useful when your actual gardening space is limited or if the only sunny space in your yard is the area where you relax and hang out.
You do have to take some precautions, though. Watering a patio or deck can render them slippery or cause damage. On a balcony or upper deck, especially a roof deck, the weight of soil-laden pots can be a problem. And for larger plantings, such as tomatoes, peppers or dwarf fruit trees, you'll need to ensure that the pots are big enough, usually a 16-inch minimum diameter and corresponding relational depth.
Squeezing vegetables in as part of your overall landscape is a time-honored concept throughout the world that has become new again. It's especially useful when your actual gardening space is limited or if the only sunny space in your yard is the area where you relax and hang out.
You do have to take some precautions, though. Watering a patio or deck can render them slippery or cause damage. On a balcony or upper deck, especially a roof deck, the weight of soil-laden pots can be a problem. And for larger plantings, such as tomatoes, peppers or dwarf fruit trees, you'll need to ensure that the pots are big enough, usually a 16-inch minimum diameter and corresponding relational depth.
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| Both edibles and people can grab some sun in this long patio space. The contemporary styling of the metal planters matches the styling of the rest of the space, and rosemary creates a fragrant (and edible) division between the two sections. As a bonus, the gravel surface is both low maintenance and reminiscent of traditional French gardens while also allowing excess water to drain easily. |
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by Don Ziebell
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| A Mediterranean patio almost calls for a potted dwarf citrus or two. Not only are they evergreen, but you can pretty much count on fruit or blossoms (or both) throughout the year. Though the overall diameter at the top of these urns may be slightly less than optimal, the shape and height give them plenty of space for roots. Lemon and citrus are the usual choices, but why not consider a lime (handy access for a mojito) or a kumquat? |
| A tall wood planter box not only adds interest to one side of a pergola, but it can also serve as a handy spot for any number of vegetables and herbs. Keep the plantings simple and cohesive — a row of thyme or Swiss chard or, if shaded enough, varieties of lettuce. Or mix them up: tomatoes and peppers interspersed with basil and oregano, and maybe a zucchini hanging over the side. Add a few flowers for color and to attract beneficial insects, birds and butterflies. This planter sits on only one side of the space. However, if you want more growing room, add a few more around the edges. By partially enclosing the space, they'll make it feel more like a separate outdoor room. |
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| Here's the same idea of a planter box that's an extension of the adjoining deck, only this time on high. You could even grow some climbing edibles (tomatoes, beans, even grapes) over the trellis above. See more about vertical gardening |
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Even if your balcony space is more streamlined than usual, vegetables can still fit in. The overhead here isn't ideal as a support for vegetables, but it does create a window effect, with the planter below serving as a window box, only this time on the inside of the room.
Evenly spaced dwarf fruit trees or climbing vegetables (use contemporary steel supports rather than bamboo or wood) can be planted to create a grid effect that frames the vista beyond; then fill in below with edibles and other plants. The plants will benefit from their daylong exposure to the sun, while you can relax in a more shaded spot.
Evenly spaced dwarf fruit trees or climbing vegetables (use contemporary steel supports rather than bamboo or wood) can be planted to create a grid effect that frames the vista beyond; then fill in below with edibles and other plants. The plants will benefit from their daylong exposure to the sun, while you can relax in a more shaded spot.
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| This space may have just enough room for a table and four chairs, but the fruit around it is abundant. If citrus isn't an option in your area, look for other dwarf fruit trees or turn the surrounding space into a vegetable extravaganza, with lettuces and other cool-season plants near the tree and the sun lovers out at the edges. |
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| A small balcony just off the main square in the town of Korcula, on the Dalmatian island of the same name, has probably been used for vegetables and flowers for centuries. It's just as useful today, especially in the somewhat cramped quarters of the old town. Filling the stone trough edging with removable planters makes upkeep and replanting much easier. The stone walls reflect heat, even when surrounding buildings may shade the space. |
by Garden Beet
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It's true that almost everything can serve as a strawberry pot, but a pink jeans-inspired planter is certainly one of the more unusual sources. As seen here, strawberry planters aren't just for strawberries; they're equally good for herbs and smaller vegetables as well. Radish pot, anyone?
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Hydroponic gardening is a good choice if you want a lot of food in a small space and don't want to fuss with the mess and weight of potting soil — especially useful if you live in a high-rise.
There are any number of systems available at specialty stores and online, and you can often keep your food production going for months with minimal fuss.
There are any number of systems available at specialty stores and online, and you can often keep your food production going for months with minimal fuss.
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What could be easier than a simple tray of veggies or herbs that you can wheel into the sunniest spot in your space? This tray, which comes in two different heights, has a reservoir for water under the planter, which helps keep the plant roots from drying out and prevents spills on the surface below.
See how to plant a mobile garden
See how to plant a mobile garden
by Garden Boutique
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These planters come in packs of three. The different sizes means you can adapt them to what you want to grow, and built-in handles mean they're easy to move. Note the drainage holes punched in the sides (and also in the bottom). They're a nice industrial touch that is also practical.
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by PureModern
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| Just because your style is contemporary doesn't mean there isn't a planter for you. For a juxtaposition of the modern with the homey, consider using the big one to grow your own different-colored potatoes. |
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This artichoke pot, at 5 inches high, is so tiny you really can't grow much in it except an occasional herb, but who can resist the look?
by Garden Boutique
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Willow planters and herbs are a natural combination. A planter like this can also serve as a centerpiece on a table. If it's filled with herbs, it's handy for individual seasonings during an outdoor dinner party.
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If you're more serious about your gardening, or simply want easier access to the produce, consider adding a raised planter/storage bench to your patio or deck. It gives you a lot of planting space, plus a handy location for fertilizers, extra pots or tools. If the raw wood look doesn't work for you, finish it with a nontoxic paint or stain.
More:
Vertical Gardens Raise Limits for Landscapes
Unexpected Edible Gardens
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
More:
Vertical Gardens Raise Limits for Landscapes
Unexpected Edible Gardens
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
Ideabook published on April 28, 2012.
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Side note regarding the fiberglass cube planters above: CB2 sells some that look almost identical to these, only in galvanized steel and much cheaper. :)