Complete Gardening
Gardening in New York’s limited spaces requires strategic planning. Some crops that seem appealing at first glance can become a source of frustration due to their expansive nature or high maintenance needs. Here’s a look at 13 such crops and what you might consider planting instead.
Pumpkins
When autumn rolls around, the allure of home-grown pumpkins can be tantalizing. Yet, these sprawling vines quickly dominate small gardens, leaving little room for other plants.
A single pumpkin plant can cover a vast area, often requiring more space than a typical urban garden can afford. Instead, consider growing compact varieties of squash like the Bush Delicata, which offers similar flavors in a more manageable size.
Corn
Corn may evoke images of golden fields, but in a small garden, it often spells trouble. These towering plants cast large shadows, depriving other crops of sunlight.
Additionally, corn requires pollination from other stalks, meaning you need to plant a fair number to ensure productivity, which isn’t feasible in constrained spaces. Opt for leafy greens such as Swiss chard or kale, which thrive in limited sunlight and space.
Watermelons
Watermelons conjure thoughts of sweet summer refreshment, but their expansive vines can quickly overrun a small gardening area. These fruits demand ample sun and space to flourish.
For those tight on space, consider growing cucumbers or cherry tomatoes in containers. They provide a refreshing taste without the need for sprawling land.
Zucchini
Zucchini plants are known for their prolific nature, often producing more fruit than one can handle. However, their large leaves can smother nearby plants, making them unsuitable for small gardens.
Instead, opt for compact or dwarf varieties of zucchini, or alternatively, try growing bush beans, which offer a more controlled growth pattern and plenty of yield in confined areas.
Asparagus
The thought of fresh asparagus spears might be appealing, but this perennial requires patience and space to establish. Asparagus needs a dedicated area to develop properly, which might not be possible in a compact garden.
For a quicker and more space-efficient harvest, try planting radishes or lettuce, which can be grown in succession throughout the season.
Cabbage
Cabbage heads are hefty and require substantial room to grow, making them a challenging choice for small plots. Their size often restricts companion planting, which is crucial in limited spaces.
Consider growing kale or Asian greens that mature more quickly and take up less space, allowing for a diverse range of other plants to coexist.
Potatoes
While home-grown potatoes can be a delight, they are space hogs in small gardens. The yields from a limited area often don’t justify the valuable space they consume.
A better alternative would be to grow herbs like basil or mint, which provide continuous harvests and can be cultivated in smaller containers.
Grapes
Grapes are enticing, but their vines require extensive trellising and space to grow effectively. In small gardens, they can become entangled, creating a maintenance headache.
For a similar vine experience without the extensive space, consider growing climbing peas or beans, which also enrich the soil with nitrogen.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower’s dense heads take up significant room, and their growth can crowd out other valuable garden residents. In a limited space, this can lead to a lack of diversity.
Instead, try planting broccoli rabe or spinach, which provide a quicker harvest and allow for multiple plantings throughout the growing season.
Eggplant
Eggplants are notorious for their sprawl, often overtaking the limited space available in small gardens. Their demand for sunlight and air circulation can be hard to meet in urban areas.
A more suitable choice could be cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, which offer vibrant colors and thrive in smaller spaces with less fuss.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb’s broad leaves and long stalks are visually appealing but occupy more space than a small urban garden can typically offer. Their large size often means sacrificing variety.
Instead, consider growing strawberries, which can thrive in containers and offer a sweet, compact harvest ideal for tight spaces.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts grow tall and wide, monopolizing the space in small gardens. Their long growing season also means they occupy valuable ground for extended periods.
For a more space-efficient choice, opt for leafy greens like arugula or mustard greens, which mature faster and allow for varied planting cycles.
Artichokes
Artichokes have a majestic presence but are impractical for limited spaces due to their large size and lengthy growth period. They tend to overshadow smaller, more productive plants.
A better alternative would be to grow herbs like thyme or oregano, which provide continuous harvests and complement many dishes.