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Nurturing a garden can make us feel happy, calm and prideful. Not to mention, the presence of lush greenery and flowers can instantly spruce up your outdoor space. Depending on your small space, you may choose easy-to-grow vegetables, fruits and herbs that can be harvested at peak season, or opt for tropical plants, evergreen shrubs or perennial flowers that require even less maintenance. Regardless, we've rounded up charming small garden ideas that run the gamut — from building raised garden beds and unique vertical gardens to decorating with potted plants.
Whether it's landscaping in the front yard, a vegetable garden in the back or flower pots on a stylish patio, we've got a budget-friendly hack for every area of your home — even if you're a beginner gardener. Embrace a modern look on the porch by turning vinyl gutters into planters, hang fresh herbs from a wooden palette or get organized with hand-crafted plant markers. If you want to flex your DIY skills, try building a small fish pond, bubble fountain or arched trellis covered in trailing plants.
If you're building a brand-new garden to revamp your current setup, don't forget to consider plants you'd like to grow and each crop's sunlight, soil and water requirements. Now, start scrolling these outdoor photos to find an idea that's compatible with your small space.
1
Build an Arched Trellis
Add an arched trellis, covered in climbing vines, to create a focal point in your small garden. Try planting one crop on each side. Just make sure not to over-crowd the seeds for air flow.
2
Consider Raised Beds
A great option for beginners, raised garden beds offer better soil drainage and don't require excessive tilling that can come along with an in-ground garden. Place small raised garden beds in the backyard, front yard or even on a patio.
Get the tutorial at Designer Trapped »
RELATED: Inexpensive Raised Garden Bed Ideas That Are Easy to DIY
3
Use Terra-Cotta Pots
Display multi-colored flowers in a tiered terra-cotta planter to save ground space. Take it a step further by recreating the beauty of a rainbow, using red tulips, orange tiger lilies, yellow daffodils and so on.
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4
Craft a Sun Catcher
This hand-crafted sunflower sun catcher will add a dose of cheer to your outdoor garden. You'll need a wooden flower and acrylic paint to get started, plus beads that'll sparkle in full sun.
5
Make a Wheelbarrow Garden
Turn an old wheelbarrow into a rustic flower garden. Just drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage. What's great about this setup is you can relocate your garden as needed.
RELATED: Summer Flowers to Enjoy in Your Outdoor Garden All Season Long
6
Repurpose Vinyl Gutters
If you're short on backyard space, hang flower-filled planters from the porch. White vinyl gutter and about 20 feet of nylon rope are the main components of this adorable hanging garden.
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7
Use Plant Supports
Help your crops grow taller and straighter with metal support stakes. Keep your plants off the ground and give them better access to sunlight, while also adding visual interest to your small garden.
8
Incorporate a Small Pond
Dedicate space for a small fish pond surrounded by natural paving stones, then fill in the area with lush bushes and flowers. You'll likely want to start with a pond liner, but keep in mind you'll need an array of items to keep fish alive (like a pond pump and filter).
9
Stay Organized With Plant Markers
From tomatoes and cucumbers to jalapeño peppers, make sure you know exactly where your fruits and veggies are plotted with plant markers.
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10
Choose a Sunny Setup
Before building a garden, keep in mind that most vegetables and fruits prefer full sun (at least six hours of sun per day). Here, Tilly Design carefully considers the needs of each plant and chooses to use a mix of raised garden beds and planting directly into the ground.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Vegetable Garden
11
Transform a Side Yard
Use stacked pavers to establish a garden in one area of the yard (ideally the side closer to your property's edge). Bring in mulch and stones, then let trees and shrubs flourish.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
RELATED: Beautiful Backyard Decor Ideas to Create an Outdoor Oasis
12
Make the Most of Tiny Spaces
If all you've got is a small patio, use potted plants and trailing vines to breathe life into the space. The end result is incredibly charming!
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13
Add Faux Grass Stepping Stones
You might not have a huge lawn, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a bit of grass — even if it's faux. These faux grass stepping stones are inexpensive to make on your own.
14
Grow a Lattice Green Wall
Obsessed with lattice? For an unexpected touch to your garden, let the pattern set the foundation for a green wall.
15
Accent With a Wind Chime
Instantly elevate a small garden space with a beautiful bird house wind chime, like designer Kate Anne does here. Not only will it draw birds to your yard, it'll create a soothing sound in the process.
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16
Fill a Tray With Plants
This metal table, originally intended for serving drinks, now overflows with Irish moss and succulents on a patio.
17
Grow a co*cktail Garden
You guessed it! A co*cktail garden is a space designated to growing ingredients for delicious drinks. Go for herbs like mint, basil and sage, as well as fruits and veggies such as strawberries, cherries and peppers.
18
Set Up a Gardening Station
Create a spot dedicated to potting and trimming your outdoor plants. The best part? This table is made from a few galvanized barrels and an old wooden door.
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19
Build a Pallet Garden
Attach clay pots to a pallet with nails and stainless steel cable ties for a living art display that keeps your rosemary and basil at the ready. Space out the pots so your plants have room to grow.
20
Fill a Pergola With Greens
Grow your garden vertically by trailing plants up the sides of a pergola, fence or outdoor wall. English ivy, pothos and Russian vines are a few great choices.
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
