Gardening for renters: How to grow a portable garden

Renting doesn’t mean giving up the joy of gardening. For renters, it’s all about having a few clever, portable ideas up your sleeve, so you can turn any temporary space into a green retreat.

Whether it’s a backyard, balcony, courtyard or sunny doorstep, there’s always room to grow your own patch of green and still take it with you when you move.

Growing in pots and containers is the obvious choice, but hear me out.

Sure, you could grab a few from your local garden centre and fill them with herbs, veggies or pretty flowers. But too many small pots can make your space feel cluttered, and even create trip hazards.

If you have the room, modular raised garden beds are a fantastic way to keep your garden organised.

They come in various heights, sizes and materials, and can be placed on hard surfaces or grass (which you may need to replace).

Fill them with a soil mix from the garden centre or try the no-dig method: layering cardboard or newspaper, compost, mulch and organic matter to create a nutrient-rich planting medium.

For those seeking a lower-commitment option, portable raised planters or troughs filled with quality potting mix make excellent alternatives.

Wicking beds are also great. Arrange rectangular troughs in layers and plant around their edges to soften and hide corners, creating the feel of a seamless, established garden rather than a collection of random pots.

Now, I’m not knocking pots! Large pots made from terracotta or fibreglass add texture and style while providing ample space for bigger plants or dwarf fruit trees.

For added convenience, place them on plant stands with wheels, making them easy to move.

Whatever option you choose, consider what you want to grow and whether your backyard or balcony gets enough sunlight.

Most flowering and fruiting plants, such as tomatoes and citrus trees, need at least six hours of full sun to thrive, while leafy greens like rocket, lettuce and spinach will do well with around four hours.

If you’re short on space, vertical gardening is your best friend. Hanging pots or baskets, wall-mounted planters and balcony railing boxes let you grow a mix of compact flowers, herbs or veggies.

Trellises can be inserted into raised beds or troughs to support climbing vegies like beans, peas, cucumbers and even pumpkins (support heavy fruit with slings made from soft fabric or netting).

Other clever options include tiered plant stands, stackable planters or hydroponic systems. Don’t forget window boxes – they’re perfect for adding colour or fresh ingredients to your kitchen window.

Tip: Place pots or containers on pot feet when setting them on patios or decks. This lifts the pot slightly off the surface, allowing water to drain freely and preventing staining caused by trapped moisture beneath.

Tammy Huynh is a horticulturist, presenter on Gardening Australia and the owner of Leaf an Impression.