Coming up with small backyard garden ideas can be quite the challenge especially when you are limited in space. Whether you live in a townhouse, a house in the city with no grass, or just don’t have a large backyard, we have 19 small backyard garden ideas that will maximize your backyards space.
As the owner of a small backyard, I was struggling trying to find places to start a flower garden without making the backyard feel too cluttered. After living here for five years, I have tried several different gardening ideas and have come up with solutions to gardening in a small backyard and am here to share them with you.
In this blog post, we will show you 19 small backyard garden ideas that will help you get an aesthetically pleasing gardening without sacrificing any unnecessary space in your already small backyard. From small backyard garden ideas on a budget to small courtyard garden ideas, we have a garden idea that will inspire you.
This blog post is all about small backyard garden ideas.
*Please note as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How can I make my small backyard look amazing?
Here are some ways that you can make your small backyard look amazing:
- Clean up any weeds and maintain a healthy lawn
- Trim any overgrown bushes
- Plant seasonal blooms
- Power wash any concrete to remove dirt and grime
- Add rocks or mulch to your landscaping
- Add some decor to your backyard
- Invest in lighting for your landscaping
Buy Backyard Lighting From Amazon:
Best Small Backyard Garden Ideas
Now, let’s dive into the best small backyard garden ideas that we have found online!
1. Vertical Vegetable Garden Idea
In a small backyard opt for space saving techniques like growing your plants and vegetables vertically! Growing your plants vertically allows you to save additional floor space or grass space. We love this small backyard garden idea for townhomes or apartment balconies or just small backyards.
BEST PLANTS TO GROW VERTICALLY:
- TOMATOES
- CUCUMBERS
- SQUASH
- GOURDS
- BEANS
- IVY
- ORCHIDS
- CLIMBING ROSES
GET THE LOOK FROM AMAZON:
2. Add a Water Feature
A water feature is the perfect decorative element for your small backyard that is both calming and pretty to look at. We have a water fountain in our small backyard garden area and the water dripping down is the most peaceful sound to hear while we relax in our yard.
TIP: Opt for water mounted water fountains to avoid taking up too much space in your garden.
RECREATE THE LOOK FOR LESS:
3. Raised Garden Bed Idea
A raised garden bed is perfect for small backyards that don’t have any grass or are just have limited space to plant in the ground. We love raised garden beds because they are high up enough so that critters won’t get into your plants as easily and you can grow almost any plant you want in them. We also love that you don’t have to bend down to the ground to prune your plants and maintain your garden.
BEST PLANTS TO GROW IN RAISED BEDS:
- TOMATOES
- PEPPERS
- ONIONS
- PANSIES
- PETUNIAS
- CARROTS
- BEETS
- RADISHES
- CABBAGE
GET THE LOOK FOR LESS:
4. Ladder Herb Garden
Herbs are actually perfect to grow in small backyards if you want to start your very own garden that is both useful and beautiful. We high recommend an herb garden if you are limited in space because herbs don’t require too much growing room.
BEST HERBS TO GROW IN SMALL SPACES:
- CHIVES
- SAGE
- THYME
- BASIL
- SAGE
- OREGANO
- MINT
- CILANTRO
- PARSLEY
GET THE LOOK ON A BUDGET:
5. Hanging Flower Garden In A Small Backyard
One of the best small backyard gardening ideas is to hang your plants to avoid taking up any additional ground space in your yard. To do this, use hanging baskets on your front porch or against your fence to display your favorite seasonal flowers.
GET THE LOOK FOR LESS:
6. Pot Vegetable Garden
Start your very own space saving vegetable garden by planting your favorite vegetables in decorative pots! This is an awesome gardening idea if you rent your home or live in an apartment and don’t have any ground space.
Be sure that your vegetables are getting the proper amount of sunlight wherever you decide to place your pots. Remember, that gardening may require some trial and error so you may need to test out which areas your plants thrive in the most.
BEST VEGETABLES TO GROW IN POTS:
- TOMATOES
- LETTUCE
- PEPPERS
- PEAS
- CARROTS
- ONIONS
- SPINACH
7. Potted Trees
Trees can also be planted in pots if you are limited in backyard space. Create a cluster of potted plants like this one or just place on single tree on your patio to add some beautiful greenery and privacy.
BEST TREES TO PLANT IN POTS:
- JAPANESE MAPLE TREE
- AMELANCHIER
- DWARF CONIFERS
- BAY TREE
- CREPE MYRTLE
- OLIVE TREE
- CAMELLIA
8. Small Backyard Garden Idea Against Fence
One of the best places to start a garden or plant your landscaping is against your fence in your backyard. Plant a variety of seasonal flowers and shrubs near your fence to add visual interest to your small backyard.
10. Garden Wall
If you live in a city, a townhouse, or just have no backyard space, this small backyard garden idea is for you. Make the most out of your space by creating a vertical garden that goes all the way up a wall in your backyard. This idea is ideal for herbs and vegetables that only need a few inches of soil to grow in.
BEST PLANTS TO GROW IN SHALLOW SOIL:
- SPINACH
- PANSIES
- DWAF MARIGOLDS
- CHARD
- LETTUCE
11. Small Backyard Garden Ideas on a Budget
The best way to save money on landscaping and gardening is to do it yourself. Stick to a budget by going to the local nursery and creating your very own garden area. Be sure to select your plants based off the conditions they will be living in such as sunlight, soil quality, and the amount of space they need to grow in.
12. DIY String Light Post
Get the best of both worlds by adding some aesthetic lighting and beautiful flowers to your small backyard. Hang your string lights from lamp posts and secure them on the bottoms with a planter filled with flowers. For more added decoration, hang flower baskets to your poles as an easy and space saving way to incorporate more flowers into your yard.
13. Create A Garden Around a Tree
Design a garden around your tree to add visual interest to your small backyard and showcase your tree. We suggest planting perennial plants around your tree and creating a mulch ring for them to be displayed in.
PERENNIAL PLANT SUGGESTIONS:
- PEONIES
- LAVENDER
- FOX GLOVE
- DAYLILLY
- ASTER
- CONEFLOWER
14. Small Backyard Garden Seating Area
To help make your backyard look better, add a small seating area in your garden for you and your guests to relax and admire your backyard. This will also give you extra seating for when you entertain or just want a quiet place outside of the home to read and drink your morning coffee.
15. Start A Container Garden
Start your very own vegetable garden in a small container on your balcony or patio. Grow your favorite fruits and vegetables so that you can always have fresh and clean produce to cook with.
BEST VEGETABLES FOR CONTAINER GARDENING:
- TOMATOES
- PEPPERS
- SQUASH
- CUCUMBERS
- LETTUCE
- STRAWBERRIES
16. Tiered Containers
Invest in a pot that has tiered levels to allow you to grow different types of plants all in one pot. This is perfect for succulents, herbs, and small vegetables.
GET THE LOOK ON A BUDGET:
17. Window Box Planter
Add some curb appeal to your home’s exterior in your small backyard and front yard by adding window boxes underneath your windows. Plant your favorite seasonal flowers in them to match your backyard’s decor.
BEST PLANTS FOR WINDOW BOXES:
- ZINNIAS
- PETUNIA
- MARIGOLD
- HOSTAS
- TRUMPET VINE
- SWEET POTATO VINE
- IMPATIENS
- COLEUS
- CREEPING JENNY
- SALVIA
GET THE LOOK FOR LESS:
18. Create a Garden Along A Pathway
Make any walkways or stepping stones looking better by creating a garden area on either side of it. This creates a grander entrance to your backyard and also makes it appear larger than it really is.
GET THE PATIO SET FOR LESS:
19. Incorporate Rocks Into Your Garden
Add visual interest to your small backyard by incorporating rocks into your landscaping’s design or garden area. The rocks will also add some dimension to the space and stop any weeds or unwanted grass from growing through.
This blog post is all about small backyard garden ideas.
CHECK OUT OUR SIMILAR BLOG POSTS:
- 21 Amazing Small Backyard Pool Ideas To Maximize Your Space
- 21 Charming Small Backyard Landscape Design Ideas to Transform Your Space
- 23 Small Backyard Patio Ideas To Transform Your Outdoor Space
