The Basics on Container and Small Space Gardening

A lack of space is the primary reason many people don’t garden. And that makes a lot of sense. But there is a solution – container and small space gardening.

What is Container Gardening

Most plants can grow in containers – and containers mean anything that will hold soil in place and allow for water to drain out the bottom. However, not all plants will thrive in containers. You can grow anything from cultivated food plants like tomatoes and peas to native perennials.

What is Small Space Gardening

Growing plants in a confined space is tricky, but small space gardening can lead to a thriving natural space and may involve containers, raised beds, or vertical spaces.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using containers to garden that differs from in-ground:

Soil and Nutrients

Container gardening typically relies on a soil blend – not typical gardening soil, which may be too dense in the confined space. This may include various materials that assist with ensuring moisture retention, soil porosity and drainage. It’s best to work with a local garden group to determine what local materials to add to your soil to benefit a native plant.

Due in part to the limited space and fast drainage of containers, nutrients may leave the soil more quickly. This means fertilization will be necessary – but chemical-based fertilizers aren’t the only option. Using compost and mulching can provide additional nutrients that will remain within the soil longer than chemical fertilizers would. Click here to learn more about composting.

Watering Needs

Container and raised bed gardens typically require more frequent watering than in-ground gardens due to limited soil and quick drainage. Additionally, some types of containers (like polyethylene) can contribute to the soil growing warmer, which leads to faster evaporation. There are many solutions to supporting moisture retention without root rot. Click here to read more.

Drainage and Root Growth

Soil that doesn’t drain, particularly in containers, will lead to plant health issues. If you have a container you want to use without drainage holes, you can add one with a simple drill and the material-appropriate bit for most materials.

Roots will always be limited in their growth in containers and that can lead to health issues for some plants and limit overall growth of the plant. Choosing plants that have relatively shallow root systems or those that do well in drought conditions can help overcome these two challenges.

Sunlight and Mobility

Container plants can be easily moved to ensure they’re protected from extreme weather events, unseasonable temperature fluctuations, and even wildlife. If your plant requires more sun than it’s receiving, you have the opportunity to move it to get more sunlight without having to dig and disrupt the whole garden. Likewise, if a plant is getting too much direct light, you can move it to a shadier spot. This is a great benefit to container gardening.

Costs and Maintenance

The initial startup costs of a container garden may be higher than an in-ground garden, due to the need for pots. The need for more frequent watering and fertilizing adds to maintenance and costs; however, weeding and general pest management can be easier on container plants, particularly if exclusions are needed.

Here are a few tips that can help your container or small space garden thrive:

Be considerate of sunlight – while container plants are mobile, a north facing balcony is unlikely to get the plentiful light needed for vegetable growth.
Container plants need more frequent watering, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be overwatered. Read up on the specific moisture needs of your plant, and consider a moisture meter to help get an accurate understanding of their current moisture levels.
Think vertically. When space is limited, vertical gardening techniques can help a space feel lush.

Cues to care still apply in small spaces or with containers. Arranging containers to offer varying heights, including a trellis to guide growth, and grouping plantings can add to the aesthetic.
Visit local second-hand shops, marketplaces, or use online community groups to find cheap containers looking for a new home. (I promise, there is always someone nearby whose spouse wants them to get rid of plant containers.)
Container plants may need to be divided – and that’s a great way to help other people grow container plants in your community. Consider attending a local plant swap, talk to neighbours, or use online community groups to share and increase biodiversity in your area.
Some plants may need to be brought indoors or otherwise protected through winter seasons.

Sources

Lin, P., Morris, P. G., & Williams, J. (2025, January 24). Perceived benefits and barriers of gardening among urban older adults: A Chinese perspective – lin – 2025 – journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology – Wiley Online Library. Wiley Online. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/casp.70052

Cerda, C., Guenat, S., Egerer, M., & Fischer, L. K. (2022, January 21). Home Food Gardening: Benefits and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Santiago, Chile. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.841386/full

Bunt, A. C., & Kulwiec, Z. J. (2024, November 4). The effect of container porosity on root environment and plant growth – plant and Soil. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01372847

Liu, P., Xia, Y., & Shang, M. (n.d.). A bench-scale assessment of the effect of soil temperature on bare soil evaporation in winter. Hydrology Research. https://iwaponline.com/hr/article/51/6/1349/77650/A-bench-scale-assessment-of-the-effect-of-soil

Mays, D., Richter, K., Bradley, L., Sherk, J., Kistler, M., & Neal, J. (n.d.). 18. plants grown in containers. North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook . https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/extension-gardener-handbook/18-plants-grown-in-containers