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Urban Gardening: How to Grow Food in Small Space.

March 18, 2025

When I first started growing my own ingredients, I thought I needed a big garden to make it work. But I quickly learned that you can grow fresh, delicious ingredients no matter how little space you have—whether it’s a balcony, a windowsill, or even a few pots on your doorstep!


I’ve always believed that food connects us, and there’s something special about picking your own herbs or harvesting homegrown veggies. It’s not just about eating which I must admit it has to be my favourite part. It’s about learning, experimenting, and feeling proud of what you’ve grown. That’s why I created Inca Community to show kids and families that growing food is possible anywhere!



In this guide, I’ll share simple, space-saving ways to grow your own herbs and vegetables at home, no matter where you live. Whether you’ve got a sunny windowsill or a tiny outdoor space, you’ll find easy tips and plant ideas to help you start your own mini garden. Let’s get growing!

Windowsill Wonders: Growing Indoors

Even without outdoor space, a sunny windowsill can be an ideal place to grow fresh herbs and small vegetables.


Herbs like basil, coriander, mint, thyme, and baby gem lettuce thrive in these conditions.


Small pots or upcycled containers work well, but it's important to ensure they have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Balcony Bounty: Maximising Vertical Space

Balconies provide excellent growing opportunities, even when space is limited. The key is to utilise vertical space by growing plants upwards rather than outwards.


Strawberries grow well in hanging baskets, while tomatoes, cucumbers, and French beans benefit from being supported by stakes, trellises, or vertical planters.


Hanging planters, wall-mounted shelves, and stackable grow bags help maximise space efficiently.

Container Gardening: Perfect for Small Gardens or Patios

For those without traditional garden beds, containers and pots provide a great alternative.


Carrots grow well in deep pots, while potatoes thrive in grow bags. Courgettes and bell peppers are best suited to larger pots.


Using lightweight pots allows flexibility, making it easier to move plants around to maximise sunlight exposure.

Smart Growing: Using Mini Greenhouses and Polytunnels

Small spaces can still benefit from the protection of mini-greenhouses or tabletop polytunnels, which help shield plants from harsh weather and extend the growing season.


Crops like aubergines, bell peppers, and broad beans thrive in these conditions. The enclosed environment traps warmth and moisture, ensuring plants stay healthy even when the weather is unpredictable.

Making Every Inch Count: Companion Planting

Growing the right plants together can strengthen their growth, improve flavour, and help naturally repel pests.


Tomatoes and basil make excellent companions, as basil enhances tomato flavour while deterring insects.


Strawberries and lettuce work well together, with lettuce providing ground cover to help retain moisture in the soil.


Cucumbers and French beans also thrive together, as beans fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting cucumber plants.

Urban gardening proves that fresh food can be grown anywhere, regardless of space limitations. Whether starting with a small pot of basil on a windowsill or creating a balcony garden, every step towards growing your own food makes a difference. With a little creativity and the right approach, anyone can enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce.

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