Topsy Turvy Tips on Space-Saving Gardening

There is nothing better than fresh vegetables and fruits right out of your own homegrown garden.But not everyone has the space in their yards to grow an adequate amount, especially if you live in an apartment or condominium complex where you may not even have your own backyard.Just because you don't have the luxury of a large yard area doesn't mean you need to limit yourself.Here are some tips to still enjoy the advantages of growing your own vegetables and fruits in smaller areas:

The most important thing you need to have is an area that gets a good amount of light, specifically on a back porch, deck or a balcony.You don't necessarily need to have the ground space either to get a good garden to grow.Many plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and even peppers will grow in pots or containers that you can hang in brackets directly on the wall in your porch area or just set around in different areas to give your outdoor area a little bit of color.You may also want to consider mounting shelves on the walls if it allows.This way you have the advantage to have pots of all different sizes and you can set them up to your own liking.If you have a balcony, you may want to think about window boxes or planters which can hang directly on the rail.

Another great alternative would be the Upside Down Tomato.With the Upside Down Tomato, there is no digging, weeding or worrying about pests and other critters involved with growing your tomatoes this way.The tomato plant grows upside down and the only maintenance required is to water it and then wait for your delicious tomatoes to grow.All you need is some good topsoil and your favorite tomato plants.You may be surprised to find the abundance of tomatoes you'll be rewarded with and the little time and effort that is required! If you don't mind playing in the soil and want to dig the holes and plant, you may want to also consider building your own little garden box that you can set on your porch.This will require a bit more work, but it will save on space yet still give you the same joys of having your own little mini-garden.

These are just a few ideas for alternative ways to garden, specifically for when you don't have the yard area.You can still enjoy your own delicious, homegrown fruits and vegetables with only half of the work required.

The author, AnnMarie Drennen is a freelance writer and new mother who loves the freedom of writing from her own home and on her own terms so that she can spend more time with her new daughter. Her family loves fresh vegetables and she's looking forward to using her Upside Down Tomato she purchased through Esbendshade's Garden Center this summer.