I’ve been learning about small space gardening and there’s a copy of ‘My Tiny Window Garden’ to be won.
The health benefits of gardening and plants are well documented and there’s nothing better than homegrown veg but what if you have no space? Many new houses have tiny gardens and for those in rented homes or flats, outside space is often non-existent.
In order to grow, gardeners have to be creative and My Tiny Window Garden by Felicity Hart is a good starting point for how to bring plants into the smallest of spaces.
(I was given a copy in return for a fair review.)
It opens with why we should have plants not only for our benefit in terms of mental and physical health but also for the way they help wildlife and the environment.
Growing in windowboxes, hanging baskets or small pots can also be a great introduction to gardening as it is more manageable than a large plot: ” . . . growing on a small scale will give you the opportunity to focus on what’s really important to you, manage every bit of space so it’s exactly as you’d like it, and get to know and nurture individual plants.”
There follows advice on equipment needed, where to buy and how to sow seed, and suggestions for different containers that could be used, including repurposing a spice rack or shoe hanger.
We’re introduced to the ‘Thrillers, Spillers and Fillers’ of container planting, given advice on light and how to tackle pests, both indoors and out.
There are suggestions for plants that are suitable for this small scale growing, including dwarf dahlias, herbs, such as mint, and ivy, which could be used as a houseplant as well as on a windowsill. There’s even a suggestion for using wildflowers to create a meadow in a hanging basket.
The book has projects – a succulent sphere, kokedama – and suggestions for themed displays. I rather liked the idea of a windowbox planted with gin and tonic garnishes.
Threaded through are pages of quotes: ‘Time spent with plants is never wasted.’ How true.
My Tiny Window Garden is clearly explained and easy to read, probably best suited to the beginner with a glossary of gardening terms that experienced gardeners would know and advice that isn’t too complicated. Perfect for tempting a newbie into the world of gardening.
My Tiny Window Garden by Felicity Hart is published by Summersdale Publishers Ltd with an RRP of £8.99 on April 13. You can buy it here for £7.66. (If you buy via this link, I receive a small commission. The price you pay is not affected.) Alternatively, you may wish to buy via an independent bookseller here. Prices correct at time of blog publication.
Feature image: masaaki-komori-unsplash
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