How to grow your own vegetable garden in a small space

You don’t need a sprawling backyard or a green thumb to enjoy the simple pleasure of growing your own veggies. In fact, all you really need is a bit of sunlight, a few pots and a dash of patience.

Whether you’ve downsized, moved into a unit or simply want to start small, creating a mini veggie garden on a balcony, courtyard or patio is not only possible — it’s downright rewarding.

And with the cost of groceries these days, there’s never been a better time to have a crack at growing your own.

Start with the easy growers

When you’re working with limited space, the trick is to pick plants that are happy in pots and don’t need a lot of fuss. Some of the easiest veggies (and herbs) to grow in small spaces include:

• Cherry tomatoes: These little beauties love the sun and will happily thrive in a pot.
• Lettuce and leafy greens: Quick-growing and perfect for picking as you need.
• Herbs like basil, parsley, and mint: Fresh, fragrant and so much better than the supermarket versions.
• Capsicum and chillies: Colourful and surprisingly easy once they get going.
• Radishes: Fast to grow and don’t need much room at all.

Start with seedlings from your local nursery if you want a head start, or sow seeds directly if you’re feeling adventurous.

Containers and clever setups

No need to buy fancy pots — any container with good drainage will do. Recycled buckets, old crates and even hanging baskets can be turned into a charming little garden. Just make sure there are holes in the bottom so water doesn’t pool.

If space is really tight, think vertically. Hanging planters, wall-mounted pockets or simple shelving units can dramatically increase your growing space without taking over the whole balcony.

Sun, water and a little love

Most veggies love about six hours of sun a day, so try to place your pots where they’ll soak up the morning light. Water regularly but be careful not to overdo it. Pots can dry out faster than garden beds, but too much water can cause roots to rot.

Adding a bit of compost or slow-release fertiliser now and then will keep your plants happy and productive. Many local councils even offer free or discounted composting workshops if you want to take things a step further.