Add Edibles to Your Small Garden, with Garden Designer Susan Morrison

November 21, 2025 Brittnie Neundorfer

Introduction

Incorporating edible plants into small garden spaces is a rewarding endeavor that combines aesthetics with functionality. Garden designer Susan Morrison offers valuable insights on maximizing limited spaces to cultivate a bountiful edible garden.

Assess Your Space

Begin by evaluating your garden's dimensions, sunlight exposure, and soil quality. Understanding these factors is crucial for selecting suitable edible plants that will thrive in your specific conditions.

Select Appropriate Edibles

Opt for compact or dwarf varieties that are well-suited for small gardens. Consider options such as Patio Choice Yellow Cherry Tomato, Bush Slicer Cucumber, Little Gem Lettuce, Baby Finger Carrot, and Spacemaster 80 Cucumber.

Implement Vertical Gardening

Maximize space by growing climbing plants such as pole beans, peas, or indeterminate tomatoes on trellises or arbors. Fast-growing crops like pea seeds in edible landscaping are perfect for vertical gardening. This technique utilizes vertical space, freeing up ground area for other crops.

Integrate Edibles with Ornamentals

Create a visually appealing garden by mixing edible plants with ornamental ones. For inspiration on using edibles throughout your landscape, see our guide on landscaping with edible plants.

For instance, plant colorful Swiss chard alongside marigolds or intersperse herbs like basil and rosemary among flowering perennials.

For another creative take on edible landscaping, check out our article on creating an edible hedge using the resilient ‘Hinnonmaki Red’ gooseberry as living borders.

Utilize Containers and Raised Beds

Containers and raised beds are excellent solutions for small spaces, offering control over soil quality and placement flexibility. They are ideal for growing herbs, lettuces, and dwarf vegetable varieties.

Incorporate Perennial Edibles

Include perennial edibles like currants, which are suitable for small spaces and add both beauty and functionality to your garden. Currants have a compact growth habit, making them ideal for container gardening or low hedges.

Currants in Edible Landscaping

Implement Efficient Watering Systems

Install drip irrigation systems to ensure consistent moisture levels, which is particularly beneficial for container gardens that tend to dry out quickly.

Herb Container Gardening with Drip Irrigation

FAQs About Small Space Edible Gardening

How can I grow edible plants in a small garden?

Use compact or dwarf plant varieties, raised beds, containers, and vertical gardening techniques to maximize space while growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits.

Which edible plants work best for small spaces?

Small or dwarf vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bush cucumbers, baby carrots, lettuces, and perennial fruits such as currants are ideal for limited spaces.

Can edible and ornamental plants be grown together?

Yes. Mixing edible plants with ornamental flowers and perennials creates a visually appealing garden while providing food, such as planting Swiss chard with marigolds or basil among flowering perennials.

How can I save space with vertical gardening?

Climbing crops like pole beans, peas, and indeterminate tomatoes can be trained on trellises or arbors, freeing ground space for other plants.

How should I water small or container gardens?

Drip irrigation or consistent hand watering is recommended to maintain steady soil moisture, especially for containers and raised beds that dry out quickly.