40 Best Small Garden Ideas

1

Build an Arched Trellis

a small garden with trellis
Handmade Farmhouse
2

Consider Raised Beds

raised garden bed small
Designer Trapped
3

Use Terra-Cotta Pots

a group of potted plants outside a building
Jane Merritt/The House That Lars Built

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4

Craft a Sun Catcher

yellow sunflower garden ornament
Crafting Cheerfully
5

Make a Wheelbarrow Garden

tuberous begonias in a wheelbarrow
Sergio Amiti//Getty Images
6

Repurpose Vinyl Gutters

diy hanging gutter planters
Pretty in the Pines

If you’re short on backyard space, hang flower-filled planters from the porch. White vinyl gutter and about 20 feet of nylon rope are the main components of this adorable hanging garden.

Get the tutorial at Pretty in the Pines »

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7

Use Plant Supports

raised garden bed ideas
Tilly Design

Help your crops grow taller and straighter with metal support stakes. Keep your plants off the ground and give them better access to sunlight, while also adding visual interest to your small garden.

SHOP PLANT SUPPORTS

8

Incorporate a Small Pond

patio garden with small pond
dolah//Getty Images

Dedicate space for a small fish pond surrounded by natural paving stones, then fill in the area with lush bushes and flowers. You’ll likely want to start with a pond liner, but keep in mind you’ll need an array of items to keep fish alive (like a pond pump and filter).

9

Stay Organized With Plant Markers

a garden with a black box
Tater Tots and Jello

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10

Choose a Sunny Setup

raised garden bed
Kody kohlman for Tilly
11

Transform a Side Yard

side garden small backyard with hammock
The House That Lars
12

Make the Most of Tiny Spaces

entrance to the beautiful small garden
Iuliia Bondar//Getty Images

If all you’ve got is a small patio, use potted plants and trailing vines to breathe life into the space. The end result is incredibly charming!

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13

Add Faux Grass Stepping Stones

small garden ideas, faux grass stepping stones
Sugar & Cloth

You might not have a huge lawn, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of grass — even if it’s faux. These faux grass stepping stones are inexpensive to make on your own.

Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »

14

Grow a Lattice Green Wall

small garden ideas

Obsessed with lattice? For an unexpected touch to your garden, let the pattern set the foundation for a green wall.

15

Accent With a Wind Chime

small garden ideas, wind chime
Christian Durocher

Instantly elevate a small garden space with a beautiful bird house wind chime, like designer Kate Anne does here. Not only will it draw birds to your yard, it’ll create a soothing sound in the process.

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16

Fill a Tray With Plants

succulent planter
Buff Strickland

This metal table, originally intended for serving drinks, now overflows with Irish moss and succulents on a patio.

17

Grow a Cocktail Garden

small garden ideas, cocktail garden
Inspired by Charm

You guessed it! A cocktail garden is a space designated to growing ingredients for delicious drinks. Go for herbs like mint, basil and sage, as well as fruits and veggies such as strawberries, cherries and peppers.

Get the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »

18

Set Up a Gardening Station

small garden ideas, gardening station
Helen Norman

Create a spot dedicated to potting and trimming your outdoor plants. The best part? This table is made from a few galvanized barrels and an old wooden door.

SHOP GALVANIZED BARREL

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19

Build a Pallet Garden

pallet planter
Buff Strickland

Attach clay pots to a pallet with nails and stainless steel cable ties for a living art display that keeps your rosemary and basil at the ready. Space out the pots so your plants have room to grow.

SHOP POTS

20

Fill a Pergola With Greens

small garden ideas, pergola
Elke Borkowski; GAP Photos/El

Grow your garden vertically by trailing plants up the sides of a pergola, fence or outdoor wall. English ivy, pothos and Russian vines are a few great choices.

Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

Headshot of Monique Valeris

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”

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