Let’s make the most of your small space. Here’s 3 things to be mindful of.

1. Sun

   Where is there good sunlight? We want to be on the look out for the best sunny spaces. In my house it’s in the kitchen, near the garden door. We get some really nice sunlight there, and plants tend to flourish in that corner. Find your little corner, and allow that space to fill with rich greens!

But also embrace the shade. There are some plants that work well in shady spaces. For example, Alfalfa Sprouts need to start off in the shade.

2. Containers

Whether that’s pots, grow bags, hanging baskets or something you’ve up-cycled. Consider all the containers you can grow in. Containers will allow you to move plants around during the year, depending on sunlight, moisture levels and temperature.

Growing in pots can be great for your confidence too. It’s less overwhelming for first time gardeners. Large plots means more ‘work’. You can make the pots work for you.

Plus, some plants work best in containers, for example mint - you generally never want to plant mint in an open space because they like to travel, and they get everywhere! Which sounds like a great thing. More mint tea for me! What’s the problem I hear you ask? They can start to impact the growth of other vegetables. A mistake I learned during my first year of gardening. My mint is always grown in a pot of it’s own now.

3. Companion planting - We have a post about this coming in Spring 2021.

Companion planting is exactly what it sounds like. Growing vegetable with others that work well together - their friends! This will allow you to make the most of your space. Some plants will repel some bugs from coming near other plants, whilst some will attract bugs that benefit your garden. This can be really useful for making sure that plants stay healthy, especially when you don’t have much space. Also companion planting is said to help with flavour. We always like to plant our basil next to our tomato plants. That corner of the garden is very aromatic.

Good Companions for February’s Box:

• Aubergine - Pepper, spinach.

Avoid: Fennel

• Cucumber - Peas, corn, and beans.

Avoid: Potatoes, Sage and Melons.

• Pepper - Asparagus, basil, carrots, cucumbers, aubergine, oregano, parsley, rosemary, squash, Swiss chard, and tomatoes.

Avoid: Brassicas, or fennel.

• Tomato - asparagus, basil, bean, pot marigold, carrots, celery, chive, cucumber, garlic, lemon balm, lettuce, marigold, mint, nasturtium, onion, parsley, peas, sage, and squash.

Avoid: Brassicas, Corn, Dill, Aubergine, peppers, and potatoes, fennel, Walnuts.

So let’s make the most of your small space!

You may even be able to get a few extra plants in there.