How to Make the Most of Your Garden Space, For Any Size or Type (Part One)

Every garden has potential—you just need the right approach to make the most of the space you’ve got. You might be working with a few square feet of patio or an entire backyard, but thoughtful planning can turn any space into something rewarding, and we’re here to help.  

This two-part blog series breaks down practical, creative strategies for getting the most out of any garden setup. In this first post, we’re focusing on growing what you can eat with kitchen gardens, along with practical tips for using raised beds to make the most of your available space—with tips that fit every kind of gardener, space, and skill level. When you’re done here, be sure to check out part two for ornamental inspiration and water garden ideas that bring beauty and balance to your yard. 

Grow Your Own Goodness with a Kitchen Garden 

Despite the name, a kitchen garden isn’t planted inside your kitchen—it’s an outdoor space set aside for growing edible plants like vegetables, herbs, and fruits. It’s about convenience and flavor, giving you easy access to ingredients for your next meal without a trip to the store. 

In the Dayton area, we’re USDA Growing Zone 6, and our kitchen gardens thrive from spring through fall with the right planning. Companion planting—grouping vegetables and herbs that benefit each other—is a smart way to simplify care, improve growth, and reduce pest problems. For example, planting carrots alongside onions can help repel pests, while pairing beans with corn offers natural support and soil benefits. 

Start small if you're unsure. A few well-placed plants can be more productive than a large garden that’s hard to manage. You can browse the herbs, vegetables, and fruits section of our website for ideas and visit our vegetables and fruits and herbs resource pages for Zone 6-specific guidance. 

Big Flavor in Small Pots 

A balcony garden or patio gardening setup can still deliver big rewards. Use containers with good drainage and fill them with high-quality potting mix enriched with compost. To keep things efficient, pair plants that grow well together and thrive under similar conditions. Basil and tomatoes are a classic team, while thyme and strawberries share similar water and sunlight preferences. 

In Zone 6, try leafy greens like spinach or kale in early spring and again in fall. Use hanging baskets for trailing herbs like oregano or stack planters vertically to grow more without taking up extra space. 

If you’re just getting started and looking for tips for gardening in small spaces, our Beginner’s Guide to Gardening blog is a great place to explore helpful techniques. 

Small Spaces, Big Harvests 

A modest patch of earth can be incredibly productive when planned with intention. Raised beds, trellises, and interplanting techniques help you make use of every inch. In fact, a well-managed 20x20-foot garden can yield around 400 pounds of produce per season. 

To get the most from your small space garden, rotate crops seasonally and plant in staggered rows to improve airflow and sunlight exposure. Use vertical supports for vining crops like cucumbers, beans, or squash to free up ground space for leafy greens or root vegetables. 

Spacing matters, too. Overcrowded gardens can lead to lower yields and higher pest risk. Keep pathways between beds at least 18 inches wide to move comfortably while tending your plants. 

Room to Grow (and Keep Growing!) 

With more yard space comes more opportunity—and more need for thoughtful planning. Dividing your garden into zones helps keep crops organized by their growing needs. Sun-loving plants like peppers and eggplants do best in the brightest areas, while leafy greens or parsley can handle a bit of shade. 

Designate clear paths—again, 18 inches is a good rule of thumb—to help you avoid stepping on soil and compacting root systems. Add a compost bin nearby for easy access to organic material and consider drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient watering. 

A layered, zoned layout not only boosts yield but also keeps your kitchen garden low-maintenance and enjoyable to work in throughout the season. 

Rise Above with Raised Garden Beds 

A raised bed garden is a framed planting area built above ground—usually using wood, brick, or stone—and filled with a custom soil blend. This setup improves drainage, warms up faster in spring, and helps reduce weeds and pests. Raised beds are also easier on your back and allow for more efficient use of space. 

To fill your raised bed, start with nutrient-rich soil mixed with compost—roughly 60% topsoil, 30% compost, and 10% aged manure or other organic material. If your bed is especially deep, you can add a layer of twigs or leaves at the bottom for drainage, then build up with soil. Top it off with a couple inches of fine compost to create a smooth planting surface. 

Raised beds offer a flexible way to organize your garden, improve growing conditions, and create a layout that matches your needs and style. 

Mini Beds, Mighty Results 

If you’re working with a deck, patio, or balcony, small raised beds or container-style planters can support everything from herbs and greens to compact vegetables, flowers, and even dwarf shrubs. For raised beds that sit on a hard surface, aim for a depth of 8 to 12 inches. If your bed is connected to the ground, 4 to 6 inches may be plenty. Just be sure your plants have at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. 

These space saving garden systems are ideal for renters or anyone working within physical limitations. If you’re unsure how to begin, we’re always happy to offer advice—just contact us or stop by the store. 

Small Beds, Smart Layouts 

Standard bed sizes—like 4x4 or 4x8 feet—make planning and maintenance more manageable. Keep walkways clear, group plants by similar growth habits, and rotate crops each year to keep your soil healthy. Don’t forget to consider trellises for climbing plants and row markers to track where you’ve planted what. 

Big Beds, Big Plans 

Larger raised bed setups give you more flexibility to organize your garden by crop type, sun exposure, or harvest timing. With more space to work with, you can incorporate wider walking paths, dedicate zones for crop rotation, and group plants by their care needs to streamline maintenance. Bigger layouts also make it easier to integrate compost bins, support structures, and irrigation systems that keep your garden productive all season long.  

Bring Your Garden Dreams to Life with Knollwood 

Whether you’re just starting out with a few herbs in pots or planning a large-scale raised bed setup, there’s always a way to make your garden space more productive, organized, and enjoyable. With smart design and the right plant choices for Zone 6, you’ll be harvesting more—and working less—in no time. 

At Knollwood Garden Center and Landscaping, we’re here to support gardeners at every stage. Explore our resources on herbs and vegetables, get inspired by our Beginner’s Guide to Gardening, or reach out to us directly for personalized guidance. 

And if you’re dreaming of a more colorful, expressive garden space, be sure to read Part Two of this series—it’s full of ideas for designing ornamental gardens and adding peaceful water features to your landscape.