There are several different ways of creating more space to grow your own, without adding raised beds, by finding things to use as planters or containers, or bunging a few grow bags in the mix. Here are 5 suggestions that might help to inspire…
Extra pots and containers
An obvious suggestion, but often overlooked. Even just two or three small pots placed in a corner somewhere can be a helpful way to add growing space without taking up much room. They are particularly useful for leafy salads, can easily be used for dwarf beans or a wigwam of peas, and excellent for herbs and edible flowers like violas.
Growbags
A growbag set against a south facing wall is an excellent option for growing tomatoes, aubergines, chillies, peppers or cucumbers, especially if you don’t have a greenhouse to use for these heat-loving plants. You can also halve the growbag widthways so that you can stand each half up, like a pot, which is great for giving a little more depth for growing carrots.
Crate Planters
Our traditional crate planters can act like mini raised beds, without taking up very much space at all. They are excellent for growing salads, beetroot, onions and spring onions which all can be planted fairly close together. You can line several up alongside each other to grow your crops in a very compact area of your garden. They are ideal for patio gardens, and easy to set along a wall with a trellis so that you can grow veg vertically, with climbing beans, squashes etc.
Creative Homemade Containers
There are so many things you can use to make planters and containers – one of our favourites is an old wheelbarrow with a few holes drilled at the bottom. It gives a good bit of depth, and you can pop a couple of pots around its wheel as well so that you get maximum use of a small bit of floor space. Again, this is really good for patio gardens where there is little scope for raised beds. We’ve seen gardeners use old wellies, tin cans (of all shapes and sizes) and broken coal scuttles as pots for growing herbs. Anything that can provide a bit of space for roots is good – just make sure there is some drainage by drilling holes at the base, fill with compost and away you go.
Create different levels
The more you can use the vertical space in your garden, the more you can grow. Try outdoor shelving or line pots and containers up steps. Hanging baskets and windowboxes can quickly add extra growing space. There are various things you can buy, either online or at the garden centre, as well, so hunt around to see what you can find.