I’ve been cultivating a love for gardening in unexpected places, from urban gardening feats in my own city, like the Rooftop Farms, to revitalizing and small-scale farming efforts all over the world. When I moved into a tiny studio apartment (a.k.a. Tiny Palace) a few months ago, I fortuitously came upon the book, A Little Piece of Earth: How To Grow Your Own Food in Small Spaces by Maria Finn, which has helped me get my hands dirty and get some herbs growing in my windowsill.
Author Maria Finn also has a blog and weekly newsletter called City Dirt. She lives on a floating houseboat in Sausalito, CA that has a huge rooftop garden with lots of edible plants grown amidst the challenges of heavy winds and saltwater spray.
You can purchase A Little Piece of Earth: How To Grow Your Own Food in Small Spaces from Amazon or an independent bookseller.
A woman in my dance class asked me for tips about her small terrace — she wanted a space to relax and to do yoga. That’s when the idea of a small spa terrace occurred to me. She could have chaise lounges in the center that could be folded and moved so that she could unfurl her yoga mat. Surrounding these, i suggested that she plant the flowers, fruits, and vegetables that spas traditionally use in treatments.
Herbs have long been cultivated for their culinary and medicinal uses, while their scents are prizes in and of themselves as therapeutic. They have the power to transport, relax, or revitalize you. Many soaps, shampoos, candles, and body lotions are scented with them, so there is no reason why you can’t grow and then create your own treatments. I’m picturing this terrace with modern, simple containers that are beige and white.
Photo of Maria Finn by Hilary Duffy
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena is really easy to grow. It likes sun and for its soil to be on the dry side. This plant should come indoors for the winter (it will lose its leaves and then regenerate them the following summer). The leaves smell wonderful and retain their scent for quite some time when dried, so they are a good bet for making bath salts.
Apricot Trees
Apricot trees are great to have for ornamental purposes, as they have lovely pink and white flowers in the springtime and then are laden with fruit in mid- to late summer. After this their leaves turn yellow and russet-red before the tree goes dormant for the winter. They are also very versatile, as they handle temperatures from minus 30 to 100 degrees F. If you live somewhere that has long stretches of extreme heat or extreme cold, wheel them indoors during the hot or cold blasts. They are self-pollinating, so you only need one tree, which is practical on a small terrace. Remember to keep your apricot tree watered and to add organic fertilizer or fruit tree food at least once a month. When the tree is dormant, prune it by removing any unhealthy branches or limbs that are intersecting or hampering others. Apricots are rich in vitamin A, and so are often used topically for skin care. As well, they have vitamin C, and lots of amino acids and enzymes. Apricots make your hair stronger, more pliant, and shinier. But the best way to benefit from all the health benefits of apricots is to eat them.
Violets
Plant patches of violets under a tree or shrub on your terrace. Harvest and dry both the leaves and flowers and steep them in tea. The fragrance is wonderful, and the tea is a good source of vitamins A and C.
Bergamot
Also known as monarda or bee balm, this is an excellent plant to have in your terrace garden. Plant it in full sun and keep it watered. You want to harvest the leaves for tea before the flowers bloom. Bee balm tea helps relieve symptoms of colds, flu, and nausea. By mid- to late summer, the plant has big, bright bushy flowers that butterflies and hummingbirds love.
Chamomile
Chamomile can be used to fill in areas where you need a pretty little plant that is low growing and it makes for a nice ground cover. For tea, harvest the flowers when they are bright yellow. Once they turn dull, they are too old and have gone to seed. You can dry the seeds and plant them the following year.
Hibiscus
There are many different species of hibiscus flowers, but the one most commonly made into tea is the hibiscus sabdariffa. These are for warmer climates, and don’t like freezes. They bloom best when the temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees F. To harvest them, wait until the flower has bloomed and has fallen off; it’s the calyx or outer bunch of leaves that you want. Wash them well and either dry them in the stove or out in the sun. Rich in vitamin C, hibiscus tea is also believed to aid in weight loss if a cup is consumed after meals as it helps reduce the absorption of carbohydrates.
Thank you to Maria Finn and the good folks at Universe Publishing for sharing this project with us. For more tips on gardening in small spaces, check out A Little Piece of Earth and Maria’s website, City Dirt.
Terrariums | Sowing the Seed | More How-Tuesday Posts | Plants and Edibles on Etsy
109 comments
Sign in to add your ownmonkeyandsquirrel says:
reminds me of my days living in nyc, growing basil on the windowsill and longing for the days of having a garden to call my own...
3 years ago
SugarPineBoutique says:
Yumm!! I love all these herbs, they make me want to whip up a batch of lovely soap! ; )
3 years ago
SusanFaye says:
My little herb garden gets bigger each summer...I harvest basil and oregano all summer, dry it, and save it up for winter. Nothing like home-grown herbs to spice up a dreary winter! Can't wait to read Maria's blog in more detail! Thanks for sharing!!
3 years ago
greenandpretty says:
I had no idea that you could make tea with violets. Mmmm, I love their fragrance so I'm definitely going to give that a try this summer. Thanks for such a lovely article and such great tips!
3 years ago
artbywinona says:
What a lovely idea.
3 years ago
matt says:
Awesome article, Julie! I'm inspired
3 years ago
undermyfeet says:
I have a big yard and still can't get things growing.
3 years ago
recycledwares says:
herbal remedies, what a great solution to chemical whenever possible.
3 years ago
vaivanat says:
YES!! This is totally to the spot - the thing with what I am awake and getting to bed ;)))) Thank you!
3 years ago
goingplaces2 says:
Thank you for the Bath Salt & Face Mask recipes and all of the other hints. Beautiful article.
3 years ago
candacejean says:
Oh wooooow... I want a little "spa terrace"! Thanks for the recipes. I love those illustrations! Ima have to get a copy of that book. I'm dying to have some real garden space this year, but our back yard (where we actually get enough sun for food plants) is pretty tiny. Thank you for this!
3 years ago
seragun says:
Great,thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
GreenRoomStudios says:
I don't live in the city, but I definitely have a limited amount of space to grow all the herbs I want to! I just put them all in pots and have a little potted garden on my porch... it's a little cluttered, but it works for me! Thanks for the great suggestions! Now I want an apricot tree!
3 years ago
kissadesign says:
This is great! I grow and harvest my own lavender and catnip (among other things) for some of my handmade goods. Gardening is such a wonderful way to connect with the earth! Thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
vnes says:
love this!
3 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Great article!
3 years ago
resplendid says:
Herbs in a small garden can have so much impact. I grow varieties of thyme between the flagstones by my gate. The smell is so wonderful and it's like a velvety cushion under bare feet. One of the types blooms solid with ity-bity pink flowers. These are the tiniest plants in my garden, but maybe my favorite.
3 years ago
bedbuggs says:
Fun idea...thanks!
3 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
oh great article! i live in a small space - i will look up some of these sellers!!
3 years ago
mytenfingers says:
Thanks for the inspiring and natural botanic "how to". That's useful, fun, important and beautiful!
3 years ago
BellaPuzzles says:
Now I feel that my backyard is too BIG. Oh, my, these are great ideas. Thanks!
3 years ago
BellaPuzzles says:
Here's a tutorial for something herb-related I did in my garden -- it's called an herb spiral. You grow herbs according to their water and sun needs, which makes it easier to care for them. I didn't have room for a 6-foot wide spiral, so mine is only 3 feet wide. Who says your spiral can't be a pyramid instead? Give it a look: http://www.mitra.biz/howto_herbspiral.htm
3 years ago
craftscafe says:
My husband & I started a veggie & flower garden this year! We can’t wait for our first crop: http://craftscafe.wordpress.com/2010/04/25/zucchini-squash-going-crazy/
3 years ago
jennifermorrisbeads says:
beautiful article!
3 years ago
cutiepiecompany says:
Wonderful article! we started a little indoor garden from seed this spring. Basil, mint, dill and we are also trying strawberries and cherry tomatoes. Maybe I'll try lemon verbena as well...
3 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
I've been organic gardening in postage stamp size plots for years now and am amazed at the abundant yield of a few square yards of ground. My French lavender isn't supposed to weather our harsh winters but has come back each year for over a decade.
3 years ago
chasedreams says:
Lovely article. I can't get enough of the chamomile that I've been growing in my garden!
3 years ago
kathartstudio says:
Great article! I've gardened in 4'x4' raised beds for many years. We have huge crops and the beds are so easy to take care of.
3 years ago
DarkBluebell says:
Oh wow, I love the idea of wellbeing garden. Need to plant up the space I have with more spa type plants like bergamot and chamomile. Feel inspired to further beautify it now, especially with all the plant-related pictures. Thank you for sharing.
3 years ago
GardenAngels says:
I love gardens of any size, but especially, tiny roof top gardens and spaces that have chi.
3 years ago
Hammermann says:
I have to get that book! Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
LuRuUniques says:
Great article, Thanks for sharing
3 years ago
badplatypus says:
I want to do this so bad!
3 years ago
odiliafu says:
Love the idea!! Thanks for sharing. BTW, I bought some cat grass seeds on Etsy. Looking forward to growing a small salad bar for my cat.
3 years ago
purposedesign says:
love this article! I will have to try growing bergamot, that's one I haven't tried yet and I love earl grey tea. Just waiting a few more weeks to plant my baby herbs!
3 years ago
astarteearthart says:
ahhhh the healing power of earth's plants
3 years ago
LoveandLust says:
I've become an avid gardner this year and am taking such pride in watching my seedlings grow - thanks for this!
3 years ago
HornCatCreations says:
I'm so happy it's gardening season again!
3 years ago
paramountvintage says:
i love the ceramic pig planter!
3 years ago
lucillejean says:
Love this! Will def be growing herbs on my new apartment's balcony in the near future :)
3 years ago
bellasparty says:
Love the idea of growing my own herbs! Thanks!
3 years ago
WarrioressRising says:
Great article, the one thing I miss about my old home is the garden space, now I'm noting all the nooks and grannies that would support plant life in this new place. Thanks for all the great links.
3 years ago
hankietankie says:
Wonderful!! My bf just made me a garden box to hang out my urban wonderland window...Had plans for tomatoes, now will mix in some herbs...Thank you!! XO
3 years ago
zimka says:
So beautiful... I wish I was gardening right now!
3 years ago
Carlottavaldes says:
I love the apricot recipe. I am inspired to grow my own herbs... It's finally sunny so I am going on a walk and buying some plants!
3 years ago
themefragrance says:
Taming bamboo in my backyard in Brooklyn! Bamboo does grow here.
3 years ago
gogovintage says:
Thats it! I am starting an herb garden. Yhank you so much! gogo v
3 years ago
artshirt4you says:
nice idea...
3 years ago
bhangtiez says:
fun article...we have a "bucket" garden...my husband collects pickle buckets from the restaraunt he works at...we live in a rental, so it works well...we can also follow the sun this way! Small..yet soul soothing!
3 years ago
kadlubik says:
i am fortunate to have a backyard where i have number of planters with tomatoes, thyme, rosemary and basil. it is amazing how little of a space/soil you need to grow herbs.
3 years ago
SmilingGirlStudio says:
I love and club appreciate this article....I just won a garden club award in my neighborhood, and it was very exciting to me because I work hard at it! Thanks so much for sharing.......you deserve an award too! : )
3 years ago
JeansViews says:
ECHO http://www.echonet.org/content/globalFarm helps grow gardens just about anywhere.
3 years ago
MissFiKingdom says:
I think everyone needs to grow something... Even a chia pet should count j/k
3 years ago
threepennycollective says:
Love love Love this article.. I was just thinking about about going out and buying some bath salts..Now I will definately make my own! Thanks!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxox
3 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
I expanded my garden this year to 1/4 acre of raised beds. But I never anticipated how hard it would be to get good dirt. Yesterday was the last delivery of 3 palletes of top soil. I can't wait to plant! More gardening blogs-please!
3 years ago
scarletbegonia11 says:
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3 years ago
saintesmariesjewelry says:
I loove gardening! its so fulfulling to plant a seed and then be able to see a plant grow... its one of the most wonderful things in this world.. i love this article!
3 years ago
modflo says:
wonderful and timely subject for an article!! love it...yay for gardens. that rooftop farm in brooklyn looks amazing!
3 years ago
Dreamingcowcreations says:
wow i liked one of the videos I saw on her page "How to grow mushrums" never thought it went that way! I'll try myself
3 years ago
LulaMatilda says:
I LOVE violets and lemon verbena...two of my favorite things! And here are some recent pics of my own tiny herb and flower garden: http://lulamatilda.blogspot.com/2010/05/inspiration-sunday-my-own-patio-garden.html
3 years ago
Morrgan says:
I'm currently all excited about growing things, as every day I watch my parsley, lemon basil, coriander and many other herbs and flowers grow a little bigger. Can't wait for it to get warm enough to bring them out onto the balcony! Not sure how they'll all fit though, will have to get creative. ;) Especially as this article has so many tips for more plants to try.
3 years ago
ClementinesJewelry says:
Great idea! Thank you!
3 years ago
moonangelnay says:
I just love my garden. Fab post!
3 years ago
vantiani says:
Oh these are just so so good! thanks much for sharing! inspiring!
3 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great tips! I've always found gardening in small spaces quite challenging.
3 years ago
2treasurehunt says:
Great Article Julie. Thank You.
3 years ago
battysbath says:
What a great feature! I love the gardening in small places idea :)
3 years ago
littlethings1 says:
Gardening is a lot of fun ( and work ) I made the same pots out of newspapers that RushofWings did , they work wonderful for starting seedlings !
3 years ago
artofjane says:
I don't have a green thumb, but I really admire everyone else's. Nice article.
3 years ago
kitoki says:
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ! lovely. clap clap :)
3 years ago
OhMafelt says:
Inspiring article Julie, thank you! Gardening is a must for me.
3 years ago
charlieparker says:
♥ having a herb garden ! This season there has been a lot of mint ... think I will try freezing it into icecubes. Any tips for trying to grow a plant in a bathroom with no windows? Thanks for sharing
3 years ago
terradctl says:
i've been thinking about making edible plant terrariums for a while, and now i'm all inspired to go and do it. thanks julie! maybe some microherbs like miniature greek basil to start :)
3 years ago
goosebaby says:
I can't wait to try my hand at these ideas. Thanks for this article!
3 years ago
terradctl says:
charlieparker - try sansevieria (snake plant), begonias or golden pothos... they survive without much light. you might have to move them into another room occasionally, specially if your bathroom is really dark! happy growing :)
3 years ago
brigittemarie says:
Love this article! I am a total gardening addict :P And I have basil coming up that I planted from seeds from LAST years basil! It actually worked/grew :P Makes me want to go home and plant more..
3 years ago
princessdoodlebeans says:
What a superb article! Can't wait to create my little spa haven.
3 years ago
PorsbyDesign says:
You have inspired me to start a mini garden again. Great wall planter!
3 years ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Great article!
3 years ago
SudsNSuch says:
Great article! Now I really want an apricot tree!
3 years ago
laralewis says:
lemon verbena! that's what i am missing in my herb garden! thanks so much for a beautiful article with great tips!
3 years ago
BeadinBabe says:
I'm definitely inspired, I am starting a garden for sure! :) Thank you!
3 years ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Great idea -- great article! It's amazing what you can do in a small space.
3 years ago
Yvonne4eyes says:
Spa gardens for everyone!!!
3 years ago
jewelrybyjackie says:
This post is so awesome, insightful and informative!! I am so inspired! Thanks so much!
3 years ago
kellyemeraldhart says:
paper planters WHY didnt i think of that.
3 years ago
VelvetBitchOriginals says:
Spa Terrace! Nice! The spices look yummy too!
3 years ago
VintageTribe says:
having a garden adds so much to your life! thanks for this great article!
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
wonderful article! I don't know what I'd do without my garden.
3 years ago
MelroseFields says:
Great article. I love gardens!
3 years ago
metroretrovintage says:
I love small gardens, and one of my specialties (when I did freelance writing), was 'container gardening'. There are lots of miniature and dwarf veggies that one can grow, along with herbs and flowers. So glad to see everyone, no matter where they live, get their hands in the dirt. :)
3 years ago
DayDrum says:
So inspiring!
3 years ago
meoneil says:
I have seen thes newspaper pots before. Very clever. As an avid gardener, I loved everything.
3 years ago
elemegibere says:
Wonderful!
3 years ago
PositiveEnergyDesign says:
I'm an urban gardener myself and am so excited that homegrown food is spreading! Thanks for showing another example of humans making progress--together! <3
3 years ago
PositiveEnergyDesign says:
I am an urban gardener myself and am so excited to see that homegrown food is spreading! Thank you for showing yet another example of humans making real progress in this world--together <3
3 years ago
BambuEarth says:
This is my kind of "How-Tuesday"!
3 years ago
LIONESSCREATIONSRAK says:
Love to grow herbs and snip them daily for cooking-rosemary is great on chicken, in salads, and on lamb. When I am serving cheese platter, cut herbs are a wonderful adornment on top of the cheese and on the side both tasty and visually pleasing can you suggest some craft ideas for taking herbs to the next level. lionesscreationsrak ruth@andersonkalish.com
2 years ago
gnormyle says:
I am always growing herbs inside and out! Very nice article!
2 years ago
gailscreations1 says:
What an idea,kudos to you.
2 years ago
SpaGoddess says:
lovely and inspiring:) thanks for sharing! xoxo SpaGoddess
2 years ago
CottageGardenTherapi says:
I just love this!!
2 years ago
lilybird33 says:
wow! Love it!!!!
2 years ago
cubits says:
This is my life's work: helping people grow their own food no mater where they live. Currently I have a bathtub of Kale in the back yard. here's a cool video about my urban garden: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vw1Nz0mYSs Glad to see such a nice article here on Etsy.
2 years ago
emu24 says:
Very inspiring! I'm getting started on my second year of container gardening. I'd also highly recommend the book McGee and Stuckey's Bountiful Container if you're growing edibles!
2 years ago
FlowerPress says:
I just posted a tutorial on making those paper pots on my blog! http://flowerpress.blogspot.com/2011/02/paper-pots.html#axzz1FNrgF52O
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Just realized this was an old article, after seeing my avatar! Anyway, I'm not a fan of dropping links, but this site is awesome for gardeners of all levels: http://www.yougrowgirl.com/ More blog posts like this one please!
2 years ago
BonitaBellita says:
Refreshing to read, definitely makes me want to restart my little balcony garden.
2 years ago
SouthOfTheBorder from SouthOfTheBorder says:
I was interested in what you said about Bergamot since I am an Earl Grey fan and have tons of bee's balm growing in front of my home in the US. BUT when I checked on google it seems they are NOT the same. Bergamot is a large very sour fruit that is lemon colored and about orange-sized. Not bad since I believe one of my neighbors here in Mexico has a Bergamot tree. :) time to go steal a few seeds.
220 days ago