Nana's Prolific Garden in the Porch House's Small-ish Backyard

THE PORCH HOUSE

When Nana downsized from 20 acres in the country to a 7,500sf lot in town, she didn’t give up on gardening. In fact, she has a bigger garden now at the Porch House than she ever did in the country. And today we have a full tour of Nana’s backyard plus tips for growing a prolific garden in a smaller space. Let’s get into it…

Nana's prolific garden in her small-ish backyard | the Grit and Polish

Last summer I shared an Instagram REEL of Nana’s garden and so many people asked to see more. So I snuck over and took all of these photos in late August while the garden was at it’s peak.

If you didn’t know, Nana and Papa live at the Porch House. That’s the property Garrett and I renovated in 2017 while filming an HGTV pilot. The house we did to a T, but we finished up in December and that meant we did nothing to the backyard. So this was a blank slate when Nana got ahold of it. I don’t have pictures of then but I do from the first time we toured the house (before paint and windows and a new roof and all that). Prepare yourself for a sad backyard…

And here’s what the backyard looks like now…

Wood siding painted in Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy with Simply White trim

Garden coop and greenhouse in Nana's small backyard | the Grit and Polish

Climbing vines in Nana's backyard garden | the Grit and Polish

Nana’s an artist, gardener, and devout composter, and she designed her backyard accordingly. About half the yard is dedicated to garden (raised beds and containers) and the other half hosts a chicken coop, compost operation, and small grass area. There’s also a patio right next to the house, which Garrett and I will be helping her with this Spring.

Tomatoes in pots in Nana's backyard garden

Squash on arched trellis in Nana's backyard garden

Tomatoes in Nana's backyard garden | the Grit and Polish

A tour of Nana's prolific garden in her small-ish backyard

Nana transformed her small-ish backyard into a prolific garden | the Grit and Polish

Tips for growing a garden in a smaller backyard

Nana's backyard compost | the Grit and Polish

a chicken coop and cedar fence in Nana's backyard homestead | the Grit and Polish

Greenhouse, compost, chicken coop, and hydrangeas in Nana's backyard homestead

A curving brick path and prolific garden in Nana's backyard | the Grit and Polish

Of course 7,500sf isn’t exactly a small lot if you live in an urban local - our last home in Seattle had a 2,900sf lot! But whatever the size of your space, these tips from Nana’s garden will help you maximize your growing space!

small-space gardening tips

Go Vertical

Utilize your vertical space with hanging planters, trellises, wall-mounted pockets, and arched panels. This is a perfect solution for growing vining crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans, or cascading herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Think Raised Bed

Raised beds are a game-changer for small spaces. They offer better drainage, allow you to control the soil quality, and create a defined planting area. Opt for shallow, compact raised beds perfect for patios or balconies.

Embrace Container Creativity

Containers and pots are a great option for small gardens, and they don’t have to be your run of the mill terracotta (although I love those, too!). Get creative with washtubs, buckets, tins, or even boots (with drainage holes ;) as unique planters. Line them with plastic to prevent leaks and create functional charm in your garden.

Plant Powerhouse Picks

Not all veggies are created equal when it comes to space. Choose compact vegetable varieties like dwarf tomatoes, bush beans, and baby eggplants. Herbs are another fantastic option, adding flavor and fragrance to your garden.

Succession Planting

Don't let your garden sit idle! Once you've harvested your first crop, plant something again in its place. This continuous planting technique, also known as succession planting, allows you to maximize your yield throughout the season.

Bright Light, Big Results

Sunlight is essential for plant growth! Identify the sunniest spots in your space and position plants accordingly. South-facing balconies and windowsills are prime real estate for light-loving plants.

Strategic Planning

Small spaces require strategic planning. Group plants with similar watering needs together to simplify irrigation. Utilize companion planting to deter pests naturally and create a thriving mini-ecosystem.

With a little planning and these handy tips, you can transform your limited space into a flourishing little garden. So grab your seeds, get creative, and embrace the joy of small-space gardening!