Small Garden Layouts

Layout ideas for making the most of every inch, whether you have a patio, a courtyard, a raised bed or a small plot.

A good small-space layout puts the tallest, sun-hungry crops where they get the most light without shading everything else, keeps thirsty plants close to the tap, and leaves enough room to reach every pot.

Four principles that work in any small space

• Tall at the back. Put tomatoes, peas and climbing beans on the side that won't shade the rest of your crops (usually the north side in the UK).
• Quick crops in the gaps. Radishes, salad leaves and spring onions fill spaces between slower crops and are harvested before those crops need the room.
• Herbs by the door. You'll actually use them if you can reach them while cooking.
• Grow up, not out. Railings, trellis, wall pockets and hanging baskets add growing space without using floor space.

Use the free Tiny Garden Layout Planner for a suggested layout based on your space and how much sun it gets.