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Growing compact vegetables in small gardens can be a rewarding and efficient way to enjoy fresh produce without needing a large space. Best compact vegetables for small gardens include a variety of delicious and nutritious options that thrive in confined spaces.
By selecting the right plants, you can create a productive and vibrant garden, even if you’re limited to a small patio, balcony, or windowsill.
I remember the first time I ventured into small-space gardening. The joy of harvesting fresh compact vegetables right from my balcony was unmatched. It was amazing to see how much I could grow with just a little creativity and the right plant choices.
These 21 best compact vegetables will inspire you to make the most of your small garden and enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce.
Table of Contents
Compact Vegetables for Small Gardens
1. Cherry Tomatoes in Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets filled with cherry tomato plants, suspended near a sunny window or balcony. The baskets are lined with coconut coir and have a natural, earthy look. Each basket contains small, ripe cherry tomatoes ready for picking.
- Space-saving and visually appealing
- Ideal for sunny windows or balconies
- Provides a steady supply of cherry tomatoes
2. Radishes in Wooden Crates
Small wooden crates filled with soil and radish plants, placed on a sunny windowsill or patio. The crates have a rustic finish and are labeled with chalkboard tags. The radishes are vibrant and ready for harvest.
- Compact and easy to grow
- Suitable for windowsills or patios
- Adds a rustic charm to your space
3. Lettuce in Vertical Planter
A vertical planter mounted near a sunny window or on a small balcony, each section containing a different type of lettuce. The planter has a modern design and is filled with lush, green lettuce leaves.
- Space-efficient and productive
- Perfect for various lettuce varieties
- Adds a modern touch to your garden
4. Bush Beans in Ceramic Pots
Small ceramic pots arranged on a patio or balcony, each containing a bush bean plant. The pots are decorated with colorful patterns and are filled with healthy, green bush beans.
- Space-saving and decorative
- Ideal for patios or balconies
- Provides a fresh supply of bush beans
5. Spinach in Recycled Plastic Bottles
Recycled plastic bottles cut and decorated, each containing a spinach plant. The bottles are arranged vertically on a wooden frame or hung on a fence, providing an eco-friendly gardening solution.
- Eco-friendly and space-efficient
- Perfect for growing spinach
- Adds a creative touch to your garden
6. Carrots in Deep Planters
Deep wooden planters filled with soil and carrot plants, placed on a sunny patio or balcony. The planters have a rustic look and are labeled with chalkboard tags. The carrots are ready for harvest, with their green tops peeking out of the soil.
- Compact and productive
- Ideal for growing carrots
- Adds a rustic charm to your space
7. Peppers in Hanging Terracotta Pots
Small terracotta pots with pepper plants, hung from a wooden dowel or a metal rod. The pots are arranged in rows, creating a space-saving vertical garden. The peppers are colorful and ready for picking.
- Space-efficient and visually appealing
- Perfect for growing peppers
- Adds a rustic touch to your garden
8. Herbs in Mason Jars
Mason jars filled with soil and a variety of herb plants like basil, mint, and parsley. The jars are attached to a wooden board and mounted on a wall, creating a practical and decorative herb garden.
- Practical and decorative
- Ideal for growing herbs
- Adds a rustic charm to your space
9. Cucumbers in Trellis Planter
A trellis planter mounted vertically on a balcony or patio, each section containing a cucumber plant. The cucumbers are climbing the trellis, creating a green and productive vertical garden.
- Space-saving and productive
- Perfect for growing cucumbers
- Adds a green touch to your garden
10. Beets in Small Wooden Crates
Small wooden crates filled with soil and beet plants, arranged on a sunny windowsill or patio. The crates have a rustic finish and are labeled with chalkboard tags. The beets are vibrant and ready for harvest.
- Compact and easy to grow
- Suitable for windowsills or patios
- Adds a rustic charm to your space
11. Kale in Fabric Pocket Planters
A fabric pocket planter with multiple sections, each filled with soil and a kale plant. The pockets are hung on a wooden frame and mounted on a wall, creating a lush, green tapestry.
- Space-efficient and productive
- Ideal for growing kale
- Adds a green touch to your decor
12. Zucchini in Vertical Pipe Planters
Sections of PVC pipes mounted vertically on a wall, each pipe filled with soil and a zucchini plant. The pipes are painted in bright colors, creating a cheerful and productive garden.
- Space-saving and visually appealing
- Perfect for growing zucchini
- Adds a vibrant touch to your garden
13. Eggplant in Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets filled with eggplant plants, suspended from a ceiling beam or balcony railing. The baskets are lined with coconut coir and have a natural, earthy look. The eggplants are small and ready for picking.
- Space-efficient and practical
- Ideal for growing eggplant
- Adds a natural touch to your space
14. Swiss Chard in Recycled Tins
Recycled tin containers, each holding a Swiss chard plant. The tins are arranged on a sunny windowsill or patio and have a charming, rustic design.
- Eco-friendly and budget-friendly
- Perfect for growing Swiss chard
- Adds a rustic charm to your decor
15. Arugula in Vertical Wall Planter
A vertical wall planter mounted near a sunny window or on a small balcony, each section containing an arugula plant. The planter has a modern design and is filled with lush, green arugula leaves.
- Space-saving and productive
- Ideal for growing arugula
- Adds a modern touch to your space
16. Kohlrabi in Small Clay Pots
Small clay pots with a natural finish, each containing a kohlrabi plant. The pots are arranged on a sunny windowsill or patio, adding a touch of greenery to the space.
- Compact and easy to grow
- Perfect for growing kohlrabi
- Adds a rustic charm to your decor
17. Peas in Vertical Gutter Garden
Sections of rain gutters mounted horizontally on a wall, each filled with soil and pea plants. The gutters are arranged in tiers, creating a space-saving vertical garden.
- Space-saving and innovative
- Ideal for growing peas
- Adds a modern touch to your garden
18. Scallions in Recycled Glass Bottles
Recycled glass bottles cut and used as planters, each one holding a scallion plant. The bottles are arranged on a sunny windowsill or patio and decorated with twine for an eco-friendly look.
- Eco-friendly and practical
- Perfect for growing scallions
- Adds a charming touch to your space
19. Cabbage in Hanging Wooden Boxes
Small wooden boxes with a rustic finish, each containing a cabbage plant. The boxes are hung on a wall in a staggered pattern, creating a charming, vertical garden.
- Space-saving and visually appealing
- Ideal for growing cabbage
- Adds a rustic charm to your decor
20. Turnips in Fabric Grow Bags
Fabric grow bags filled with soil and turnip plants, arranged on a sunny patio or balcony. The bags have a natural, earthy look and are labeled with chalkboard tags.
- Eco-friendly and space-efficient
- Perfect for growing turnips
- Adds a natural touch to your garden
21. Microgreens in Vertical Shelving Unit
A vertical shelving unit with multiple levels, each shelf containing trays of microgreens. The shelves are placed near a sunny window or on a small balcony, creating a productive and space-saving garden.
- Space-saving and productive
- Ideal for growing microgreens
- Adds a green touch to your space
