Savon This post shows you simple container garden layout ideas!
Are you gardening in a small space? While some people may see this as a disadvantage, I actually love it.
A tiny garden just means more space for intention, creativity, and ideas.
Love flowers? Train them to grow up vertically on a trellis into a beautiful arch.
Growing food? With a small space, be thoughtful about growing the things that you actually like to eat!
If you’re not sure where to start, this post shows you container garden layout ideas to help inspire your green space, no matter what size!
17 Container Garden Layout Ideas
# 1 Vertical Garden
The best way to garden in a small space? Grow upwards!
Not only is vertical gardening practical to free up floor space from getting cluttered, but the act comes with some major creativity.
Space Saving Tip:
- Use vertical methods like tiered shelving, trellises, and hanging plants to save floor space.
- For indoors, install a double curtain rod to fit more plants in your window for sunlight all day!
2. Perimeter Garden
If you have an apartment balcony, you can easily line your plants along the rail.
Go for bigger plants on the ground, or if your property allows it, install planter boxes.
Best Success Tips:
- Grow hardy flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnia to add some cheer to your space.
- Some railing planters are adjustable, be sure to research the different size and materials best suited for your climate.
3. Maximize Natural Sunlight
The type of container garden you grow should be dependent on the sunlight your space will receive.
For example, if you balcony or patio is facing East, there is a lot of sunlight in the morning and shade in the day.
Plant Tips:
- For East and North facing: Go for leafy greens such as kale, arugula, and broccoli.
- For West and South facing: Vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers are more ideal!
4. Extend Your Living Zone
I think the best part of a balcony or small patio garden is being able to do the same thing you do indoors, outside!
So why not personalize like the rest of your indoor space?
Decor Tips:
- My favorite way to make a tiny space even more cozy is add string lights.
- Add comfy chairs, pillows, an all-weather rug to extend your living space for 24/7 vibes!
You May Also Like:
18 Ways to Make a Balcony Garden Even More Cozy
5. Group Plants in a Corner
A simple layout idea if you’re a beginner gardener is to just group your plants in one corner.
A lot of plants grouped together makes a bigger impact and decor statement than individual potted plants spread out all over the place.
Decor Tips:
- Use a tiered structure to vary the height and texture of the plants for visual interest.
- Place taller plants in back with smaller plants in front to guarantee maximum sunlight.
6. Grow for Efficiency
While it’s great to grow for aesthetics, some people are very strategic about how to supplement how they grow food.
Learn methods like relay cropping and square foot gardening to be intentional in growing in containers.
Money Saving Tip:
I love to repurpose larger plastic tubs as planters with herbs, lettuce, and kale for easy access to a fresh salad ingredients!
7. Consider Tall Plants for Privacy
Sometimes we want to just sit with our plants and relax. Create your own private retreat and consider investing in taller plants or a tree.
Yes, you can fit a tree on balcony, patio, or deck! Not only is it more private, but it offers shade as well.
Plant Tips:
- Consider varieties of bamboo, flowers on railing, or a citrus tree to create seclusion.
8. Design a Square Container Garden
Most traditional apartment balconies, patios, and decks are square or rectangular-shaped.
Maximize as much space as possible by growing in square containers.
Money-Saving Tip:
- Instead of buying new planters, recycle old square shaped containers like storage tubs or milk crates.
9. Try a Garden Theme
If you’re not sure about what to grow, why not start out with a garden theme based on where you live?
For example, a tropical garden with plants that love moist conditions would be perfect for places like Florida.
Plant Tips:
- Smart small to avoid being overwhelmed
10. Create Uniformity
Do you like organization and symmetry? Grow plants that are ideal for 5-gallon pots or all fabric grow bags.
I actually found it easier to grow multiples of one vegetable crop and master that than growing different ones at once.
Plant Decor Tips:
- Try growing the same variety of flowers, but with different colors to be bold.
11. Go Minimalist
Embrace a minimalist and no-waste lifestyle with permaculture practices! Grow from seed, learn to compost, harvest your seeds, and DIY your soil.
Plant Care Tips:
- Grow seedlings in toilet paper rolls, plastic bottles, and milk jugs for free.
12. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture
Get creative with functional furniture!
Go for benches and chairs with storage, tiered ladders, or repurpose items for plant stands.
Plant Decor Tip:
- I love using wooden ladders for multiple plants, to save space, and add a rustic look.
13. Mini Indoor Garden Layout
If the thought of container gardening outside sounds overwhelming, why not try starting inside instead? You can start with one plant.
A beginner favorite is to grow succulents which are easy and low-maintenance.
Plant Idea Tips:
- Get whimsical with DIY with a fairy garden kit!
- Build a terrarium with mason jars, fish tanks, etc!
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14. Create Tiered Shelving
If you’re handy, build your own garden contraption or use a garden pallet to prop up smaller plants and save space.
Go for glass or wicker textures to ensure light can still filter through to plants.
You May Also Like:
How to Design a Container Garden From Scratch
Vertical Gardening: 19 Hanging Plant Ideas
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Large and Small Cheap Plant Pots
This Post Has Shown You 14 Container Garden Layout Ideas!
Gardening in pots is a creative activity. Whether you’re learning to be sustainable or embracing colorful vibes of flowers, grow the container garden layout ideas most tailored for you and your lifestyle!
