Gardens for a Small Yard

[MartySue]

We have a very small yard that has limited access to full sun (about a 6 foot area gets full sun--6 to 8 hours daily). So far, the only thing we've been able to grow successfully is tomatoes, and mainly because they're in containers.

Now, don't get me wrong--I love container gardening! It's been very good to me, especially since I do not have a green or even a green-ish thumb. But I don't particularly care for tomatoes. They're okay, but I want squash and broccoli and other goodies besides the tomatoes.

The problem is they don't do well for me in my small space. Never have. Not even in containers, and I don't know why unless it's the lack of full sun in my only really ideal growing spot. If only the veggies could do as well as the weeds, I'd be ecstatic.

Has anyone here had any success at growing in small spaces? Do you have any tips for me? We have friends that are --ALREADY!!!---giving out fresh summer squash. They say it's overflowing, an abundance. Every part of me is green with envy. Except my thumbs.

 

[marlingardener]

MartySue, if you have a small space, think "up"! Trellising cucumbers, melons, and even some squash increases you space. There are also bush type squash and cucumbers that take less space in the ground, but give a nice harvest.
Broccoli is a cool season crop. I don't know where you are, so take this advice from a Texas gardener with a grain of salt--we plant broccoli, lettuces, peas and other cool season crops in February to harvest in May, and then make room in the garden for later season crops like green beans and squash. We plant again in September and harvest in November, then let the gardens lie fallow until January, when we start tossing compost in and tilling.
Just a thought--your friends are probably so happy to have someone who will take their excess squash. One of the great problems of gardening is getting rid of extra squash. A friend that doesn't grow squash is more valuable than gold!

 

[mgmine]

Check out this link.
http://www.vegetable-gardening-online.com/square-foot-garden.html

Also do a search for square foot gardening.