On today’s podcast episode I will discuss how you can make the most out of what you have by giving you 21 ideas to help you grow a lot of food on a small homestead. These ideas can be used for urban, suburban, and even rural homesteaders for increasing the amount of food they grow.
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If you’re like me and dreaming of producing a ton of food on your little slice of land, you’re in the right place. I’ve pulled together 21 of my favorite ideas for maximizing food production in a small space. Whether you have a tiny urban yard or a cozy suburban plot, these tips are super simple and can work for any homestead, big or small. Let’s dive in!
1. Grow Up, Not Out!
When space is tight, think vertical. Use trellises, poles, or even old ladders to grow climbing plants like beans, peas, or cucumbers. It’s like giving your garden an extra floor! I love how growing vertically opens up so much more planting space.
2. Go for Dwarf Trees
You don’t need a giant orchard to enjoy fresh fruit. Dwarf or espaliered trees (that’s when you train them to grow flat against a wall) are perfect for small spaces. They produce just as much fruit, but in a compact way, making it easy to pick and enjoy!
3. Use Window Boxes
Got windows? Then you’ve got a garden! Window boxes are great for growing herbs, greens, or even strawberries. Plus, they make your house look super cute while providing fresh food just steps away from your kitchen.
4. Try Hanging Baskets
Why not grow your food up in the air? Hanging baskets aren’t just for flowers; you can grow trailing tomatoes, strawberries, or herbs in them too. I hang a few baskets from my porch and love watching my plants grow and spill over.
5. DIY Barrel Planters
Ever heard of barrel planters? They’re these cool vertical gardens made from barrels, with plants growing out the sides. They’re perfect for strawberries, herbs, or lettuce, and you can even make your own. They’re a huge space-saver!
6. Potato Towers
If you love potatoes, try building a potato tower. Stack old tires or make a tower out of wire mesh, fill it with soil, and plant your spuds. You’ll get loads of potatoes from just a few square feet of space!
7. Use Buckets and Pots
Don’t underestimate simple container gardening! Whether you use pots, buckets, or even old tubs, they’re great for growing just about anything—from tomatoes to peppers. You can line them up on your porch or patio for a small but mighty garden.
8. Square Foot Gardening
This method is all about packing as much as you can into a small space. Divide your garden into square-foot sections and plant accordingly. It’s amazing how much food you can grow in a single raised bed using this method.
- Bartholomew, Mel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages – 11/27/2018 (Publication Date) – Cool Springs Press (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Plant Along Pathways
Why not put that extra space along your pathways to work? Plant veggies or herbs along your garden walkways or driveways. I love planting low-growing veggies like lettuce or spinach along my garden paths for a pretty (and edible) edge!
10. Use Every Unused Space
Look around your yard—there’s probably a spot you haven’t thought of yet! Got a doghouse? Turn the roof into a mini-garden. Have a bit of bare dirt by your fence? Pop in some berry bushes. Think creatively!
11. Build Guilds
Guilds are groups of plants that work together, like a mini-ecosystem. For example, plant herbs, flowers, and veggies under your fruit trees to create a layered garden. It’s a great way to pack more into less space while also benefiting the plants.
12. Try Aquaponics
If you’ve got a bit of indoor or outdoor space, why not give aquaponics a try? You grow fish and plants together in one system. The fish waste fertilizes the plants, and the plants clean the water. It’s a win-win!
13. Grow in the Shade
Got a shady spot? Don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of veggies that don’t need full sun to grow. Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale are perfect for those less sunny corners.
14. Choose High-Yield Crops
When space is limited, plant crops that give you the most bang for your buck! Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are all high-yield crops that can give you a ton of produce without taking up much room.
15. Start Seeds Indoors
Want to grow more food? Start your plants indoors early, so by the time the last frost is over, you’ve got strong, healthy plants ready to go. It gives you a head start on the growing season!
16. Use Cold Frames
Cold frames are like little greenhouses that keep your plants warm in early spring or late fall. You can build them out of old windows and scrap wood, and they’re perfect for extending your growing season.
17. Try a Hobby Greenhouse
If you have the space, consider adding a small greenhouse. It’s a great way to grow food year-round. Plus, it’s a cozy place to tinker with plants when the weather outside is less than ideal.
18. Attract Pollinators
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are essential for helping your plants grow. Plant flowers and set up bee houses (like mason bee houses) to attract these friendly insects. They’ll make sure your garden thrives!
19. Encourage Beneficial Insects
Not all bugs are bad! Ladybugs, praying mantises, and other beneficial insects help keep your garden free of pests. You can attract them by planting flowers and herbs they like or even buying them to release in your garden.
20. Grow Indoors Year-Round
Why stop growing when it gets cold? Set up an indoor garden with grow lights for leafy greens, herbs, or even sprouts. You’ll have fresh food all year long, no matter the weather!
21. Raise Small Livestock
Don’t forget about animals! Raising small animals like rabbits or quail can give you a source of meat and eggs without needing much space. Quail, for example, can live in a small cage and produce plenty of eggs.
I hope these ideas have sparked some inspiration for your small homestead! Remember, it’s all about working with the space you have and being creative. You can grow a surprising amount of food, even if you don’t have a huge plot of land. Happy homesteading!
4o
