You can grow a lot in a small space gardening area. All you need is a bit of gardening knowledge, some raised beds, and some good, heirloom seeds.
Of course, you can get some of the very best heirloom garden seeds from David's Garden Seeds®. In addition, there are a lot of good gardening articles on that website as well as on the website you are reading right now.
Good morning. It is 39° this morning and we just had a beautiful sunrise. I took the above photo from our side porch when I let the dogs back in. I turned around and there was the full moon going down over Fulfillment which you can see below.
We have a ton of orders to fill today so it should keep us busy. I also have one order for pickup so I will need to do that first and then let the customer know that her order is ready.
The new temporary guy called in again so we will have less help. You just can't depend on people. He has already taken two days off and he has only been with us a little over a week. People just don't want to work. They want the pay but we wouldn't just pay people if we didn't need the help. So how is this helping us? This is the beginning of our busy season and he couldn't go just over one week without taking days off. Blows my mind. He is not doing anything difficult--just stuffing and closing envelopes with bags of seeds that have already been counted. Easy. Apparently it is too stressful to work a full five days a week. Okay, I will get off the sarcasm for now...
This week, we are talking about small space gardening. Maybe you live in an apartment and you have a small balcony or a small rooftop area to garden in. It can be done. Something we use is a Greenstalk planter. They come in three, five, and seven tiers and you can grow quite a bit in them. No, we don't sell them but I mention the company because they make a good product that fits well in a small space.
The day went by very quickly with all of the orders we all pulled and filled. Around noon, more seeds were counted and packed for the older orders that were missing some seeds. We had a few customers but most of the time, I was filling orders. It was a brutal day for my brain and my feet. Mondays are almost always like this, only there were a lot more orders involved. Of course, we are grateful for the orders, just really busy. I finally went in at 5:18pm to make dinner.
Our plants are pretty much all dead. It stayed chilly all day long today. By next Monday, it will be down in the 20s again.
Right at 6pm, the Wolf Moon made an appearance behind some trees. I stepped outside and nearly froze waiting for it to make its grand, orange appearance. The photos I took of it are not filtered.
Today was payday and we finally got paid again, too. Our accountant had left the country for the holidays. He is finally back and got our paystubs to us in good time so I could write paychecks.
Hey there, fellow gardening enthusiast! Whether you're dreaming of lush greenery or bursting blooms, small space gardening is your next big adventure. Even if you're working with a tiny balcony or a postage-stamp-sized yard, you can still embrace the joy of gardening. The great part? You don’t need a sprawling estate to create a personal oasis.
Let's dive right in. Small space gardening is an innovative approach that allows you to cultivate plants in limited spaces. It's all about making the most out of the area you have. Whether that's pots, containers, or a raised bed garden, your options are plentiful and exciting!
The first step is to decide what kind of small space garden you want. Are you aiming for a vegetable garden in pots, or maybe a vibrant raised bed garden full of flowers? Whatever your dream garden, you've got the power to make it happen right where you are.
If you choose to garden in pots, here's a little secret: virtually anything can become a plant pot! Old buckets, wooden crates, or even that cute mug with the chipped handle can work. Just ensure they have drainage holes so water can escape, keeping your plants happy and healthy.
In small space gardening, location is key. You need to find a spot that receives adequate sunlight – it’s like giving your plants their morning coffee. Most veggies and flowering plants need six to eight hours of sunlight, so pick your place strategically.
Wondering what to plant? That depends on your space and preferences. Herbs are a great choice for pots and smaller areas. Basil, mint, and parsley pack a flavorful punch and are quite forgiving if you're still developing your green thumb.
For a raised bed garden, you might want to start with lettuces, radishes, or strawberries. These plants don’t require mammoth space, making them perfect compact garden companions.
But let's talk about soil—a crucial element in any garden. High-quality soil is your best bet for container gardening because it offers the right drainage and nutrients. Your plants will thank you with thriving growth.
Actually, we ask for a good garden mix when we go to a soil place. We do not prefer to use potting soil because it has too many sticks and twigs in it. The sticks and twigs make the bags of potting soil lighter to carry around and to ship. Go to a good soil place and ask for some good garden mix. They will definitely help you if they are a reputable company.
Good morning. It is 36° on this very cold morning. I am sitting at my desk with a blanket wrapped around my legs, waiting for Matt to get here with breakfast. David ordered breakfast so here I am starving away. I would rather just grab anything here at home but David likes food brought in sometimes.
I was just watching a video that says the Los Angeles fires were planned to redo Los Angeles for the Olympics. Interesting. LA is due to have the summer Olympics in 2028. Weeks before the fire, Governor Gavin Newsom said that plans are “well underway in collaboration with stakeholders to rebuild, and reimagine 'California 2.0' ahead of the 2028 Olympics.” Now he says they will quickly rebuild...
Matt is finally here...
Breakfast hit the spot. Now that I feel like I will live again, let me tell you about an article that David recently wrote. It is entitled, "The Top Ten Easiest Vegetables To Grow From Seed." To go with that article, David made a brand new collection by the same name and you can purchase the seed set here.
I can't wait to start shipping these new sets out to all of you!
It stayed chilly all day long with gray skies. We all worked on filling orders, counting and packing seeds, and shipping. David graced our presence and started reorganizing seed bins, moving them around and adding new bins for all of the new varieties that are coming in. There was not enough time to finish this project but it helps to get a lot of the boxes of seeds off of the tables and up where they should be. This makes it much easier to find the new seeds.
Michelle showed up around 9:30am and cleaned a lot of the house. She also shampooed carpets. There were zero visitors to the store today but that does not surprise me. Meanwhile, the orders just keep pouring in and I cannot catch up. That is a good thing.
I made a Walmart order for some groceries and supplies. That arrived here at 5:08pm. Everyone left around 5:30pm except for Matt. He was fixing a broken printer, one of those big, complicated ones.
David and I left the farm around 6:15pm as we had a meeting to go to up in Devine. We got out of the meeting after 8:30pm, stopped at Dairy Queen for dinner because several folks we know said that it is now good.
Spoiler Alert: It was not good. It was awful. Why do they overcook their foods so they are hard as a rock? The first time we ate there was about five years ago. The burgers were just horrible, overcooked. We never went back until tonight. We won't be going back anytime soon unless it is for ice cream.
It sprinkled some on the way home from Devine but that was about it for rain.
In a raised bed garden, you can create a tailored soil mix. Use a combination of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand for good drainage. This mix ensures your plants have all they need right at their roots.
Now, about water – the lifeline for your garden. Plants in pots dry out faster than those in the ground, so you may need to water them more often. A quick tip is to water in the early morning or late evening to prevent evaporation.
Are you curious about raised bed gardens? These are fantastic for small spaces as they offer better soil quality, excellent drainage, and can be easier on your back. Just build or buy a raised bed, fill it with your customized soil, and get planting!
Raised beds also provide a controlled environment, making them an excellent option if you're dealing with poor soil in your yard. Your plants will thrive in their little haven.
While small space gardening might seem daunting at first, rest assured, it’s easier than you might think—which brings us to: is it easy to do small space gardening? Absolutely. With a little planning and the right resources, anyone can cultivate a beautiful, productive space.
One thing to keep in mind is spacing. Overcrowding plants can lead to diseases and stunted growth. So, ensure your plants have room to breathe, even in a limited area.
Vertical gardening is another clever trick to maximize your small space. Wall planters or hanging baskets can turn an unused wall into a thriving vertical garden.
Don't overlook the power of repurposing. Unused bookshelves or ladders can become charming plant stands, adding depth and greenery to your small space garden.
Good morning! I woke up at 4:40am and never got back to sleep so here I am. It is just beginning to get light outside.
I woke up warm instead of cold. The temperature was 52° instead of in the 30s. That was a nice surprise. The high today should only be 57° and then it will get down to 39° tonight.
It is time for me to get some breakfast going as I am starving...
I made eggs, sausage, and toast. It was delicious. We picked all of the lemons off my trees. I am going to put some in the freeze dryer and see what happens, maybe make lemon powder...
I cut off all of the growth on the hydroponic tower this morning. It was definitely out of hand. I then took all of the greens out to my chickens. They absolutely loved them.
I added some fertilizer to the hydroponic water and I am hoping that the greens will grow again. If not, then I will pull everything out and plant new seeds.
The temporary helper won't be returning. He actually left two hours early today without David or me knowing and he requested half of tomorrow off after he was just off on Monday and this past Thursday. He hasn't been with us for two weeks and has not made it to 40 hours for one week!
We need actual full time help, not someone who wants to earn a little extra cash. This is not a game. We are a real business. We ship seeds across the country. Shipping seeds out is our bread and butter. We have no other income. If seeds don't go out, we don't earn money. We need someone who will actually show up five days a week to work. It is definitely difficult to find people who really want to work.
Personal story time: A friend started her first small space garden on a tiny apartment balcony. With just a few pots of cherry tomatoes and a small herb garden, she created a lovely little green sanctuary that brought her so much joy and fresh snacks!
Moving to the next exciting segment, let’s explore maintenance. Regular care like pruning, deadheading flowers, and weeding are important, even in little gardens. These tasks keep your plants healthy and productive.
For pest control, consider going organic. Neem oil or homemade garlic spray can deter pests without harming your plants—or you!
Want to add a splash of color? Go for compact flowering plants like marigolds or petunias. They offer beauty, pollinator attraction, and won’t take over your limited space.
Let’s talk about climate. Your small space garden can change with the seasons. In cooler weather, consider planting spinach or kale, which thrive in lower temperatures.
As summer rolls in, embrace sun-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers. Not only do they contribute to your space aesthetically, but they also fill your harvest basket with goodies.
Feeling adventurous? Try some decorative accents. Little garden gnomes, fairy lights, or a mini fountain can add charm without compromising space.
A small space garden can be a sanctuary, an escape nestled right next to your home. It's not just a project—it's a lifestyle, a peaceful retreat you nurture and grow.
Here it is--morning again. I woke up with a headache and that is always fun, right? I woke up before 3am and could not get back to sleep so I went to the living room. It took a while, but I finally fell asleep, only to wake up again. Back to bed...finally fell asleep and woke up just before 7am, which is late for me.
It is currently 39° and should hit 64° this afternoon. There is no chance of rain today and tomorrow it should get up to 71°! Then starting on Sunday night, it will get down in the 20s for three nights in a row. That will not be good at all.
I opened the store and then read an email David sent regarding an Inauguration sale. So I set up a discount for single packs of seeds only that will be available on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. By the way, the Farm Store and the business will be closed on Monday so I can watch the Inauguration. There will not be mail because it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Also, it will be down in the 20s. However, Nacho and his team will be here stuffing and closing seed packets since we can't get anyone local to help us.
I added water to the pond this morning as it was getting low. The fish are doing great in this cold weather. We had a group of three adults come into the store, really nice people this morning. I got David to come and meet them.
After that, I spent the day filling orders. David continued to reorganize bins in Fulfillment and made room for all of the new seed varieties. It was a very busy day. At 4pm, I stopped and went into my kitchen. I chopped up vegetables and put one of the chickens we grew and processed into the oven and roasted it. Then I went back out to Fulfillment and continued to fill orders. I did that until 6:30pm so I got caught up. Now I just have today's orders to pull and fill. Of course, by tomorrow, there will be many more.
Always feel free to experiment. Gardening, after all, is about learning. Every season brings new lessons and experiences, enriching both your horticultural knowledge and your spirit.
Now, about harvesting—one of the most rewarding parts. Picking fresh herbs or plucking vegetables you’ve nurtured is a joyous experience that never gets old.
You might find that small space gardening also teaches patience and persistence. Plants take time to grow, and caring for them instills these virtues naturally.
If you’re looking for inspiration, gardening books and online communities are excellent resources. You'll find a wealth of fellow small-space gardeners willing to share tips and cheer you on.
Do consider documenting your journey. Before-and-after photos or a simple gardening journal can be incredibly satisfying as you watch your garden flourish over time.
On to the technical side—invest in a few simple tools like a hand trowel, watering can, and pruners. These make tending your small garden straightforward and enjoyable.
And here’s a handy tip: group plants with similar watering needs together. This not only makes care easier but improves the health of your plants too.
Rotating crops in raised bed gardens is another savvy practice. It prevents soil depletion and keeps your garden productive year after year.
Another idea is window boxes. They're perfect for herbs and small flowers, adding color and aromas right outside your window, making your small space garden a feast for the senses.
Ever thought about growing succulents or cacti? These resilient little plants are great for beginners or less sunny spots.
How about fruit? Dwarf fruit trees like lemon or fig can thrive in containers and add a sweet touch to your garden. Just don't leave them out in the winter or they will die. Store them in a greenhouse or a garage so they do not freeze. We have lost a lot of citrus trees and fig trees during our first few winters out here in the country. Now my citrus trees always go in the greenhouse for winter.
Good morning. It is Friday. I had a miserable night of not much sleep so it ought to be a great day! The high today is supposed to be 70°! It is currently 42°. Pretty much everything is dead.
Sunday night, Monday, and Tuesday temperatures will be in the 20s so whatever is left alive is sure to be unalive at the end of that cold snap.
Speaking of which, as I mentioned earlier this week, we will be closed on Monday.
The day has been filled with orders and customers. What? Yes, we have had a decent amount of customers today. It was supposed to be warm but it sprinkled this morning with lots of wind. Right now, it is 62° but it definitely doesn't feel that warm. It is downright cold and will get colder into next week. They are saying there will be some rain with temperatures down in the low 20s. I hate that.
I just heard that President Trump's inauguration has been moved inside due to weather and safety concerns.
Right after work, we got in the truck and drove out to see our friends over at Doe Re Mi Lavender Farm. They are closed for winter right now to the public but I suggest you visit them in the spring.
Rob and Ann had us over for dinner and then Rob, William (their son), and Matthew (our son), had a fun music session. We had such a good time.
We brought the salad using a head of lettuce growing in our greenhouse. It was very tasty.
One more thing: let's not forget about companion planting. Pairing certain plants together can help control pests and enhance growth. For instance, planting basil near tomatoes can improve the flavor and ward off unwanted insects.
Now, let’s talk about sustainability. Small space gardening is a step toward greener living. By growing your food or herbs, you lessen your carbon footprint and contribute positively to the planet.
Plus, growing your own produce ensures your food is fresh, pesticide-free, and packed with flavor. It's an empowering feeling knowing where your food comes from.
Community
gardens are also a fantastic resource. If your space is limited, see if
your area has a shared garden where you can plant alongside fellow
enthusiasts.
Speaking of communities, sharing produce with neighbors can foster new friendships. A jar of homemade basil pesto or a handful of fresh strawberries is a heartfelt way to connect.
Good morning. It stayed fairly warm all night. It was 49° when I finally got up. Of course, I woke up at 2:15am and could not get back to sleep until around 4:15am. I changed positions, moved to the couch, moved back to bed...so that was a lot of fun. Anyway, it is time to start a new day.
We started our Inauguration Day/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day sale at midnight and we already have quite a few orders that came in overnight. The sale is simple--save 20% on each single seed pack, no minimum and no discount code. The sale does not apply to seed sets.
The Farm Store is open today from 10am until 2pm but we are closed tomorrow and Monday. I plan on watching the inauguration from start to finish for the first time in my adult life so please do not come out to the farm on Monday. We will be closed! I have always had to work on Inauguration Day and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This is our first time to close for the holiday so I am excited!
We have finally started selling our brand new seed set, The Top Ten Easiest Vegetables To Grow From Seed. If you are new to gardening and you want to be successful in the spring, this is the seed set for you. Order it today! Just click on the link above. Remember, it is not currently on sale but the individual seed packs in the set are all on sale right now.
I have to go get ready to go out and face the world now.
I got the store unlocked and the fish fed. Matt came over and was helping David get ready for the freeze, draining pipes and hoses, etc. Soon, I heard some very loud propeller planes in the sky above. Of course, I took out my phone to get some photos. As I was aiming in the sky, David came up behind me and yelled, "We're under attack!"
That is exactly what it sounded like.
Matt came over this morning to print envelopes so that our helpers will have enough to do on Monday to stay busy. Again, we will be closed and I am watching the inauguration. I will not be out there.
I pulled orders for almost the entire time until we got our one and only set of customers who came in right before 2pm. They bought just a few things and then I had to let them out of the gate.
I went into the house and started slicing up apples, lemons, and ice cream sandwiches for the freeze dryer. I have not had the time to use my freeze dryer in about a month. I have a surplus of lemons from my lemon trees so we will experiment and see how they do in there. I have four trays of lemon slices, one tray of apple slices, and two trays of ice cream sandwiches cut into pieces. This should be fun.
Wow! It is now 4pm and it finally hit 71°. It feels cooler with the wind but it is a nice, sunny day.
Matt stopped by Tractor Supply and got some supplies for our animals this afternoon.
I air fried pork chops and mushrooms, and served them with rice and a nice salad. It was all delicious. We watched the Svengoolie movie, Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes, made in 1978. Believe it or not, David and I had never seen it. It was so funny. We enjoyed the evening. Of course, I fell asleep close to the end of it.
Matt left at 9:30pm and I got up to take a shower, wash my hair, etc. Then I went back out to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Fun times. Normally, I do that during commercials but I was freezing and had a blanket on. For some reason, David had the AC on and it was blowing right on me.
The dishes are going. I checked on my freeze dryer. It has been freezing now for seven hours. That seems like a really long time to me. I wonder when it will start drying.
Now, let's chat briefly about climate resilience. Some hardy plants can withstand tougher conditions. Consider options like lavender or rosemary if you’re dealing with extreme weather.
As your gardening skills grow, you might experiment with changing layouts or adding new plants. Evolving your small space garden keeps things fresh and engaging.
And remember, gardening is as much about nurturing the soul as it is about growing plants. Spending time in your green space cultivates peace and mindfulness.
Here's a quick recap: start small with pots or a raised bed, choose the right plants for your space, and maintain with love and care. The journey itself is just as sweet as the end results.
Don’t be afraid of setbacks. Not every plant will thrive, but that's all part of the learning curve. Small failures lead to big successes over time.
A personal anecdote: my second year of small space gardening brought its challenges, but seeing my first peppers and tomatoes ripen made every effort worthwhile.
If you're ready for more
experimentation, consider trying hydroponics, which can maximize growth
in even the smallest areas. It's a unique twist on traditional gardening
methods. We have a hydroponic tower in our Farm Store. I have grown greens and herbs in it. In fact, just this week, I harvested a lot of greens and took them out to the chickens to enjoy. David also uses hydroponics in his greenhouse to grow peppers, cabbage, lettuce, and other greens.
With small space gardening, even a few pots in a corner can transform your living space into an eco-friendly refuge.
Imagine stepping onto your patio or balcony to find fresh mint for your tea or colorful blooms to brighten your day. That's the magic of a small space garden.
Man, it was so cold this morning. The wind was blowing and it was 31° but felt colder. I had to go out and unlock things, feed the fish, and then go out back and feed everyone out there. That took some time. I made it back in alive and then I had to get ready for church. I finally decided on some warm clothes and we hit the road.
There was a pretty good turnout considering how chilly it is out there. After church, we hit up Walmart to lay in supplies for the horrible blizzard that awaits us. Well, there is talk of some snow and freezing rain so that is close enough in Texas. Whatever we get, it is sure to shut the place down. You know we don't have snow tires or proper weather gear here.
Fortunately, I will be watching the inauguration tomorrow. David has some people coming to pack seeds since we are so far behind but I need a day off. So I gave a day off to the whole company. LOL! We really don't have many people at all now, not like when we were selling Amazon Prime products.
I work six days a week out in the business but we do things online day and night, seven days a week. My last time off was in December of 2023 when we took a lovely trip to Branson, MO and had a wonderful time. Those sorts of things are few and far between for us. I get excited when I get to leave the farm to go to Walmart now.
Anyway, I am truly excited for the inauguration tomorrow and for what it will mean for our country. I watched the rally in DC this afternoon on the Benny Johnson show. As it was going on, I went out to put the animals away for this very cold night. It is supposed to get down to 26° Fahrenheit. The bunnies are doing well and the goats are fine. Still no baby goats.
I washed three loads of laundry this afternoon just in case the power goes out. One load is still in the dryer and the last load is in the washer waiting to go in the dryer. Let's not talk about folding and hanging up because that has not happened.
I am currently watching the latest episode of Kitchen Nightmares, the one I missed this past Tuesday night for a meeting. I was so excited when my sister told me it would play tonight at 6pm on Fox. It is a great show.
The freeze dryer is still going but it looks like it will be done within the next few hours. Unless it is candy, freeze drying takes a long time.
Finally, cherish every moment—even weeding—because it's all a part of crafting your little nature sanctuary.
Turning a small space into a garden is one of the best ways to blend creativity with sustainability. And it’s something that anyone can do, no matter the skill level.
By sharing these tips, I hope to inspire you to start your own small space garden. It’s a journey filled with discovery, beauty, and the joy of growing something yourself.
Remember, the most important tool is patience. With it, you'll see your garden—and your passion for growing—flourish.
Whatever your aspirations, from vibrant flowers to fresh produce, small space gardening can bring these dreams to life.
So why wait? Dive into your small space gardening adventure. You'll find happiness in every leaf and satisfaction in every harvest.
Happy small space gardening, friends! May your pots spill over with green, your raised beds thrive with color, and your heart overflow with the simple joys only gardening can bring.
Return from Small Space Gardening to Our Sixth Year
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Since 2009, over 1,500,000 home gardeners, all across the USA, have relied on David's Garden Seeds® to grow beautiful gardens. Trust is at the heart of it. Our customers know David's Garden Seeds® stocks only the highest quality seeds available. Our mission is to become your lifetime supplier of quality seeds. It isn't just to serve you once; we want to earn your trust as your primary supplier.
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Peppers and peas
And lots of yummy greens
You can't go wrong
With Squash This Long
At David's Garden Seeds
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