Garden Techniques for Limited Space

Espalier planting

Apple trees using epsalier built with wires strung between posts
Figure 1. Espalier Technique Employed on Apple Trees at the Ogden Botanical Garden

Espalier techniques are employed to train a fruit tree to grow a certain way, typically in a 2-dimensional form that takes up a small amount of space. When training fruit trees in the espalier form one should allow for a main leader to grow vertically and secure shoots and branches in place against a wall or lattice in the desired shape and form. When shoots grow in undesired directions or undesired locations, they should be pruned off. For more information on pruning in the espalier technique see page 10 of Pruning the Orchard from Utah State University Extension.

Trellising

Trelles made of wood poles arranged in a triangular shape
Figure 2. Use of a Pole Structure for Trellising at the Ogden Botanical Gardens 
Trellis made of wire panel fencing in a hoop shape
Figure 3. Use of Fencing to Create Trellises at the Ogden Botanical Garden 

Trellising is an excellent way to add more to your garden without expanding on limited space because it allows the plants to grow vertically. There are many garden plants that can be grown using trellising like cucumbers, pole beans, peas, melons, gourds, squash, pumpkins, indeterminate tomatoes, grapes,and various small fruits like blackberries and raspberries. Trellises can be made out of many different types of material and can take on many different shapes and sizes. Arbors, fencing panels, and poles are used here. Trellises can also provide shade for cooler weather garden plants, can provide more air flow for the plants, and can even help to decrease insect pests and disease.

Companion planting

A planter box with nasturtium and squash
Figure 4. Nasturtium and Squash - Companion Planting Example at the Ogden Botanical Garden

Companion planting has been used for generations with the idea that certain plants can help provided benefits for each other when grown together. Companion planting can take on different forms and can bring different benefits to each plant including nutrient replenishment, disease and pest control, and structure. For example, when legumes such as peas are grown near vegetables like tomatoes the legume fixes nitrogen into the soil which can reduce needed fertilizer. When nasturtium is planted with summer squash the nasturtium can help mask the summer squash from squash bugs. Sunflowers can provide a living trellis structure for plants like beans or small pumpkins. Companion planting also provides diversity in the garden habitat which attracts beneficial insects.

Crop rotation

Crop rotation is an important practice in reducing pest and disease and promoting soil health. If certain plants were to grow in the same spot every year the soil would become depleted of the nutrients needed by that specific plant. When crop rotation is used, different soil nutrients are used or replaced during each rotation which enhances the ability of the soil to continue to support crops. Legume plants, like peas, have the ability to replace nitrogen back into the soil and are often planted after plants that take up a large amount of nitrogen.Succession planting is also used as a form of crop rotation here in the garden. Not all plants grow well all at the same time. Some plants grow well in the spring and others in the late summer and early fall. Succussion planting is used to get the most food out of one season by planting early crops, harvesting them, and then planting crops that grow well later in the season in their place. For further information on crop rotation and succession planting see this USU Extension Video and search the USU extension website.

Raised bed gardening

wooden planter boxes with gravel walkways between them
Figure 5. Raised Beds at the Ogden Botanical Garden 

Raised bed gardening has many benefits. Raised beds make it easier to amend soils (making soil suitable for growing your desired plants) which can be difficult or impossible in some poor soil landscapes. Raised beds can also grow more plants in less space, especially when used with trellising, and are easier to care for as they reduce the need for constantly bending over and kneeling down. There are many types of raised bed gardening and things to keep in mind when planning them. For this information see USU Extension Raised Bed Gardening.

References

Author

Tiana Miller and Helen Muntz

Helen Muntz

Helen Muntz

Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor | Horticulture | Weber & Morgan Counties

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Phone: (801)-399-8204
Office Location: Weber and Morgan Counties

Events

View Events Near You

Learn More

Take an Online Course Tips SIGN UP Find an Event