How to Start a Homegrown Garden (No Matter Your Space)

Written By Fleur McDonald

Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a small patch of space, starting a homegrown garden is more achievable than most people think.

With rising food costs and a growing desire to be a little more self-sufficient, more people are looking for practical ways to grow their own food at home. The good news is—you don’t need a big block of land or a perfect setup to get started.

You just need to start small and start smart.

Work with the space you actually have

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need a full backyard to grow anything meaningful.

In reality:

  • A windowsill can provide enough light to grow small pots of herbs

  • A balcony can support herbs, leafy greens, and even tomatoes

  • A verandah can be perfect for pots and vertical growing

  • A small yard can produce more than you expect with the right layout

  • A fence or wall can support a vertical garden

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s making your space work for you.

Pay attention to sunlight (this matters more than anything)

Before you buy anything, take a few days to notice:

  • Where the sun hits

  • How long it stays there

  • Which areas stay shaded

Most edible plants need at least 4–6 hours of sunlight a day.

This one step will save you time, money, and frustration.

Start with easy, high-reward plants

If you’re new to growing, start with things that:

  • Grow quickly

  • Don’t need constant attention

  • Actually get used in your kitchen

Good beginner options:

  • Herbs (basil, parsley, mint)

  • Lettuce and leafy greens

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Spring onions

Starting small builds confidence—and momentum.

Keep your setup simple

You don’t need to build a full garden straight away.

Start with:

  • A few pots or containers

  • Good quality potting mix

  • A watering routine

As you learn what works, you can expand gradually.

Avoid the “all at once” trap

It’s tempting to try and create a full garden in one go—but this often leads to overwhelm.

Instead:

  • Start with 2–3 plants

  • Learn how they behave

  • Add more as you go

This approach is more sustainable—and more successful.

A helpful next step (if you want a clear plan)

If you’re feeling unsure about what to grow, how to set things up, or how to make your space more productive, having a simple guide can make a big difference.

One resource that lays this out in a really practical, step-by-step way is The Self-Sufficient Backyard. It covers how to make the most of your space, what to grow, and how to build a setup that actually works in real life.

👉 You can take a look at it here: https://independentbackyard.com/my-book/#aff=homegrowngardening

At first glance, this guide might feel a little old-school—but that’s actually part of its value. It’s been put together by people who have been living this way for many years, and the advice comes from real experience, not trends. It focuses on practical methods that work overtime, not just what looks good in photos.

Final thoughts

You don’t need a perfect setup to start growing your own food.

Whether it’s a few pots on a balcony or a more established backyard setup, the key is to begin with what you have—and build from there.

Small steps can lead to something surprisingly productive over time.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Fleur McDonald