Spring is just around the corner, and if you’re like most people, you’re staring at your yard thinking, Well, this is a mess. But don’t panic—I’m here to help you get your outdoor space in shape without losing your sanity. Whether you’ve got sprawling acres or just a balcony, there’s a way to make the most of your green space. So grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger), and let’s get into it.
Small Space Gardening: Because Not Everyone Has a Farm
If you don’t have endless land to work with, don’t worry. You can still have a lush little paradise with the right containers, a little planning, and minimal effort (okay, some effort).
Pick Your Containers Wisely
You don’t need fancy raised beds or acres of soil to grow fresh veggies or flowers. Here are your best options:
Store-bought containers – If you’re feeling fancy, head to your local garden center and grab some pots, boxes, or even those trendy vertical planters. Like THIS, THIS, THIS or THIS.
Home-built boxes – If you’re the DIY type, a few wooden planks and some nails can turn into a beautiful raised bed. Bonus points if you repurpose old pallets or crates.
Upcycled containers – Buckets, whiskey barrels, and even old tires can work. Just make sure you punch some drainage holes unless you want your plants to drown. Old tires are also great for growing potatoes, just fill the tire with soil and plant your potato plants in them. When you are ready to harvest all you need to do is flip the tire and pull your potatoes.
Garden & Soil Prep: Dirt Matters More Than You Think
Let’s talk dirt. If you plant things in junk soil, they’re going to struggle. You need to build up that foundation like you’re creating a luxury resort for your plants.
Fertilizers & Soil Amendments
Here’s what you need to know:
Cow Manure – Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, cow manure is a fantastic all-purpose fertilizer. It improves soil structure and adds organic matter, but make sure it’s well-aged or composted—fresh manure can be too strong and may burn your plants. Try THIS.
Fish Fertilizer – Packed with micronutrients, amino acids, and natural growth stimulants, fish fertilizer gives plants a strong start. It’s often available as a liquid concentrate that you can dilute with water and apply directly to soil or foliage. Try THIS.
Chicken Manure – One of the highest-nitrogen fertilizers, chicken manure is powerful but needs to be composted before use. If applied raw, it can be too intense for plants, but once aged, it becomes a fantastic way to boost leafy greens and other nitrogen-loving crops. Try THIS.
Mushroom Soil – Also known as spent mushroom compost, this is a byproduct of mushroom farming. It’s full of organic material and can improve soil structure, but since it’s alkaline, it’s best used in moderation and avoided for acid-loving plants like blueberries. Try THIS.
Peat Moss – Helps retain moisture and improves soil aeration, making it great for sandy or clay-heavy soils. However, it doesn’t add nutrients, so it should be used alongside compost or fertilizers. Try THIS.
Compost – The ultimate soil amendment, compost adds nutrients, improves moisture retention, and supports healthy soil bacteria. Whether made at home or purchased, compost should be a staple in every garden. Try THIS.
Topsoil – A basic but essential component, good-quality topsoil provides a foundation for your garden and works best when mixed with organic matter. Try THIS.
Container Soil Mix Formula:
- 1 part peat moss
- 1 part perlite
- 2 parts compost
Basically, think of this as meal prepping for your plants—give them the best ingredients, and they’ll thrive.
Compost Like a Pro: Even If You’re Lazy
Composting is the best thing you can do for your garden (and the environment), and it’s easier than you think.
Simple Compost Bin Ideas
The Classic Wooden Box – Sturdy and functional, but requires some assembly.
Trash Can Composter – Drill a few holes in an old trash can, add scraps, roll it around occasionally, and boom—you’ve got compost.
Worm Bin – Let worms do the work for you (just don’t name them, or it gets weird).
Pile It and Forget It – Literally just make a heap in the corner of your yard and let nature do its thing.
Seed Starting: Get a Head Start on Your Garden
Want a flourishing garden? Start your seeds indoors before the last frost date. Here’s how to do it without losing your mind.
Choosing the Right Soil Mix
Seed-starting mix isn’t the same as potting soil. It’s lighter, finer, and designed to help seeds germinate. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own:
DIY Mix:
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part vermiculite
- 2 parts peat moss
- 4 parts compost
Picking Seed Start Containers
You don’t need to buy expensive trays—get creative:
Store-bought trays – The 72-cell trays are great, but not necessary
Biodegradable trays – These decompose right into the soil.
Egg cartons & eggshells – Cheap, sustainable, and easy to use.
Disposable cups (Dixie cups, coffee cups, or plastic cups) – Just poke drainage holes at the bottom.
The Soda Bottle “Ghetto Greenhouse” – Cut a plastic bottle in half, use the bottom for soil, and the top as a mini greenhouse.
Indoor Greenhouses for the Overachievers
If you really want to impress your neighbors, grab a Jiffy Greenhouse kit or set up a small indoor greenhouse with grow lights. It’ll keep your seedlings thriving until they’re ready to move outside.
Final Thoughts
Spring is your chance to redeem yourself from last year’s gardening failures (we’ve all been there). Whether you’re growing tomatoes on a balcony or prepping a full-scale backyard farm, a little planning now will save you frustration later. So get your hands dirty, enjoy the process, and remember—gardening is supposed to be fun. And if all else fails, there’s always the farmer’s market.
