Crops for
SMALL SPACES These easy vegetables and salads will keep going all summer, no matter how little outdoor space you have for them omegrown tastes better and is so easy to do. It’s also good for your wellbeing: growing your own produce gives you a sense of calm – and a regular supply to eat. From salad with extra crunch to heavenly scented tomatoes and fresh herbs, it’s all very doable. The trick is to grow small amounts of different crops that offer big rewards. Avoid anything needing elaborate preparation and cultivation and opt for easy produce such as
cut-and-come-again salad leaves, perpetual spinach and dwarf kale, herbs, chillies, dwarf varieties of French beans and compact tomatoes. Edible flowers such as nasturtium, borage and calendula are another good choice, and add a pretty touch to the garden. Another idea is to plant mixed containers of herbs, tomatoes and chillies, for example, or large pots of mixed herbs, rather than separating varieties into individual pots. This adds more interest to your planting.
When space is tight
Balconies can be great spots for planters
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Even if your outdoor area is small, as long as you utilise it efficiently there’s still lots you can grow. The sheltered environment offered by a balcony means it’s the perfect growing space. There’s usually plenty of wall area for slotting in vertical planters or trellis to provide support for young plants. Courtyards and patios generally offer more space for growing things than a balcony or terrace, but shade can be an issue if you’re overlooked. Just remember to choose the sunniest and most sheltered spot possible for your plants. 126 YOUR PERFECT GARDEN
Getting started You need to decide whether you are going to grow from seed or from plug plants. Plug plants and larger potted ones are widely available from garden centres and via mail order, but you can also sow your own seeds with great results. It’s very easy to do and not too late to start, but a bit more effort than buying young plants, of course! There are two ways of doing it: either in seed trays for transplanting out later or straight into containers or troughs outside. Remember, for crops like salad leaves, lettuce and beans, you will need to keep sowing at regular intervals to ensure a steady crop throughout summer.
Top tip Make the most of the space on your balcony by using planters and racks that are designed to be hung safely on the railings.
