Kitchen gardening is one of the most popular aspects of the hobby, and it can be the most rewarding. Nothing tastes as good as fruit and vegetables grown in your own space.
Many believe they need a large outdoor yard to cultivate edible plants effectively, but this isn’t the case. While most plants will spread if they have the chance, they can also adapt and grow in a restricted area.
The plants listed here cover a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but all are edible options ideal for smaller spaces.
1. Tomato

It’s arguably the easiest edible plant to grow, so if you don’t have a green thumb, the tomato is the ideal place to start. There are many different varieties, so be sure to choose one that adapts well to smaller gardens.
Moneymaker should be simple to grow, while dwarf varieties such as Tumbling Tom and Firecracker are perfect for smaller spaces. It’s a versatile fruit that can yield bumper crops in the right conditions.
2. Chili Peppers

Chili plants don’t require a large outdoor space. Most varieties will grow vertically without too much horizontal spread. For that reason, many can also be grown indoors.
The important thing to remember is that they will require plenty of sunlight, together with regular watering. They are not low-maintenance plants, but chilis are fun and satisfying to grow, and they require little space in return for strong yields.
3. Mushrooms

They don’t require “mush-room” to grow. Apologies for the terrible joke, but if you’re a “fun-guy” you’ll likely enjoy your mushroom puns. As for growing this edible fungus, it’s easy to buy and develop kits from your local garden center.
Mushrooms thrive in darker conditions, with constant temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees C. Sheds and garages are usually ideal, and it’s fun to watch these incredible plants develop.
4. Potato

The potato is a perfect example of a plant that can grow well in a restricted environment. Many believe that they need a large outdoor space, but that isn’t the case. You can buy purpose-made sacks from your garden center, or you can use any clean, dark bag that blocks sunlight.
Potato plants require a little maintenance, and the “earthing-up” process is the most important part. As the shoots develop, add and build up soil, so that only the top leaves are poking out.
5. Basil

If you use store-bought basil from the pot, it’s easy to regrow. Just remember that those stores sell them as one product but in reality, there are several basil plants clumped together in a tiny pot.
To regrow them successfully, remove that pot and separate each plant. Place one basil plant in a larger container, and leave it on a sunny windowsill. With regular watering, you may never need to buy basil again.
6. Strawberry

Like the potato, strawberries can also be trained to grow in restricted areas. You can buy planting bags or expensive terracotta pots, depending on your budget and how fancy you want the overall appearance of your container.
A delicious fruit, strawberry plants can grow vertically, so there is no need to devote a large chunk of your yard.
7. Radish

Radishes only require a small plot, and another advantage is that they are extremely quick to grow. With the right conditions and a little care, you can start to harvest them in as little as four to six weeks.
There are lots of different varieties too, including those with a mild flavor, along with others that are much spicier. As a versatile edible plant requiring little space, radishes are tough to beat.
8. Lemon

Lemon plants need warmth, but as long as you can provide that, they are easy to grow and don’t require much space. Aim to plant them indoors, unless you are based in one of the hottest parts of the country.
The soil and the branches must be kept moist, so a daily watering regime is essential. In return for some extra maintenance, the lemon will grow fragrant leaves, and a nice crop of fruit is perfectly possible.
9. Rosemary

Another herb that is simple to grow in a small space, rosemary is great on your roasted vegetables. Its flowers will also attract bees while the stronger scent can deter unwanted bugs.
The smell and strong flavor doesn’t suit everyone, but even if you don’t intend to eat it, rosemary can be a rewarding plant to grow. It’s tolerant to a certain level of neglect, and will only demand a little space, indoors or out.
10. Carrot

The humble carrot is another plant that can be grown indoors or outside. All it requires is a 12-inch pot, and that will give it sufficient space to grow. You may even aim to grow one of the dwarf varieties such as chantenay, but any size carrot is suitable for a small space.
Remember that it requires moist soil, so there is a need for regular watering. That’s an essential point if growing indoors, but the same demands apply to outdoor plants during a dry spell.