Over the past few years, many people have been downsizing; from small meals to small homes to small cars, the trend has been to shrink things down to their essentials. As such, it's easy to see that the trend has arrived in the world of gardening. Many people don't have the space to plant large vegetable gardens that take up the better part of the backyard. These days, gardeners are trying to create their home gardens in smaller areas, like patios. If you are interested in the hot, new trend of patio gardening, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Physical Space
First, you need to assess exactly how much space you have with which to work. Most patios are small, so you have to get creative with the physical layout by thinking three-dimensionally. Look for opportunities to go vertical and build your garden upwards instead of outwards. The easiest way to do this is with hanging planters.
However, you can also go vertical with stackable patio planters. These can be stacked and staggered, so you have multiple levels of planting opportunities; you can even put these planters on a dolly and carry them inside when the weather turns bad. There are several options that are a little more stylish with metal or wood frames that are tasteful as well as practical.
Sunlight
You will need to estimate how much sun the space will get. If you live in a densely populated urban area, the sunlight is probably going to be blocked by high buildings. You can purchase something called a sun calculator that can determine exactly how much direct sunlight the area gets.
A sun calculator will show you how the sunlight total will shift as seasons transition throughout the year. If you are worried about not having enough sunlight, you can look at tiered growing stations that serve as miniature greenhouses. These enclosures can absorb the sunlight while also blocking the damaging winds and heavy rains that your area may get.
Water
Another issue for many small space gardeners is access to water. If you’re living in an apartment building, chances are you won't have access to an outdoor water spigot and a garden hose. That means you will have to fill up the water in the kitchen and carry it out. Make sure that you invest in watering cans to help you ensure your plants are thoroughly hydrated.
Temperatures
Patio and balcony environments can also vary in temperature. Because these are often made from concrete, they may absorb heat and hold it, causing plants to wilt. Your best bet is to measure the temperature over several days to see exactly how hot your patio will get. Once you figure that out, you can look at your local nursery to see what types of plants will grow and thrive in these environments.
Time
Finally, you must decide if patio gardening is right for you. Unless you are considering artificial plants, you are going to have to put in some time and care; otherwise, you are going to wind up with dead, withered plants. You must understand that this is a commitment you must make if you want your garden to grow and thrive
Gardening can be a very therapeutic and Zen-like experience. Big space, little space – it doesn’t matter – be creative and get that garden planted and growing. To enjoy the benefits of patio gardening, be sure to plan ahead, match the plants to the environment, and have the right equipment. Before long you will be the envy of all the porches in your neighborhood because a colorful patio filled with flowers and plants can be enjoyed by everyone!