Not everyone has the space or time to grow their own in-ground garden, but, with the rising prices of herbs and produce, you may long for a little patch of green for your own small harvest. Take advantage of Hawaii’s temperate weather and year-round sunshine by making your own small-space garden — indoors or out. Container gardens allow you the flexibility and convenience to rearrange your space. Use potted herbs as a decorative kitchen accent, or keep a collection of your favorite vegetable crops in a sunny spot on your lanai. Tending these small-space gardens is easy, especially because their mobility enables you to move your planters around for the best sunlight.

“Small-space gardening is something that anyone can do, no matter the size or scale of their home or outdoor space,” says Aja Muir, container gardening specialist and general manager of Tropical Garden Accents. “It’s cost-effective, sustainable, therapeutic and can visually enhance your space.”

pots

Remember, if planting strawberries from seedlings, make sure you’re using seeds that were cultivated in Hawaii. Local seeds will make your strawberry plant flourish.

Style: Use various-size glazed ceramic planters with drainage holes. They tend to hold in more moisture, while clay and stone pots breathe and dry out faster, says Muir.

Shapes: You can use any size or shape pot for planting herbs, but some will be better fits than others. Use strawberry pots, rectangular or square troughs or small, round ceramics for your summer herb gardening.

Size: For herbs, use 6-inch to 12-inch diameter pots. For larger produce, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, opt for larger pots that are at least two feet in diameter.

Saucers: Using saucers under your planters is optional. If they sit on the ground or grass, there is no need. Planters on tables and furniture will need saucers to prevent water damage on the surfaces underneath them.

Soil: Because soil tends to dry out in high-heat areas,
Muir recommends using potting soil with vermiculite to retain moisture.

plants

Plant marigolds in your herb beds to keep the bugs away. Marigolds are easy to grow and will deter whiteflies and other types of pests from infesting your garden.

Themed container garden: This “tea-lover’s” garden features two types of spearmint, purple sage and French lavender.

Herbs: Choose herbs that you like to eat. Shown above: hardy, common herbs that are just as good fresh as they are dried, including rosemary, basil, lavender, mint, parsley and thyme.

Peppers: Plant your own fiery pack of peppers to add a splash of heat and color to your garden. Super-hot habañeros and green or red jalapeños will kick your garden up a notch.

Flowers: Add in annuals for spots of color or, seasonal edibles such as Nasturtium, which is a type of flowering watercress.

Vegetables: Don’t wait all year for your garden to bloom. Choose productive plants that grow quickly and often, such as cherry tomatoes and various types of beans.

placement

Most herbs do well in either direct or filtered sunlight, but make sure they get plenty of water. Herbs and smaller vegetable crops can be kept inside, but they often don’t last as long or aren’t as healthy as they would be if they spent some time outdoors. The nice thing about a container garden is that you can move your plants in and out of your house, so they have the best of both worlds.
“
Keep in mind that, when your planters are in direct sunlight, they’ll need water daily,” says Muir. “If you can’t get around to watering them that often, move them into a shadier space. A change in location for a day or two won’t hurt.”

grow in the know:

Aja’s tips for container-gardening success

Can’t afford a big, beautiful planter? Plant a few small ones and elevate them on different levels to create a grouping that’s a visual focal point. Overturned ceramics and stone pedestals make great risers.

To spice up your outdoor space with bold color, choose brightly colored planters in cobalt blue, orange, red or green.

Container gardens make fantastic presents. Choose a bright ceramic planter, plant it with herbs, and deliver it for a long-lasting, edible gift.

Create themes. Make a tea garden of mint, lavender and lemongrass, or an Italian garden with parsley, basil and oregano. You can even make one with catnip for your furry friend.

Get the whole family involved. Kids are fascinated with gardening and the outdoors.

Dry or freeze herbs to give away or use later. You can also infuse them in olive oil to preserve them for long periods of time.

Sprout cuttings by placing them in a glass of water. This will propagate your plants so you will have more to give to friends or for future plantings. 

care

Water your small-space gardens daily in the summer so the soil is evenly moist at all times. Prune often. The more you prune, the denser your plants will become. Plants that aren’t pruned grow leggy, tall and sparse. When gathering herbs, pinch or prune right above leaf sets or at “nodes” to trigger new growth. Basil and mint need pruning often to stay full and bushy.