The Small-Space Gardening Upgrades Worth Buying this Labor Day

Bench surrounded by flowers in bloom — (Image credit: Jacky Hobbs/Future)

Jump to category:

1. Vertical Garden
2. Outdoor Storage
3. Multipurpose Potting Bench
4. Portable Greenhouse
5. Raised Planters

Labor Day is here again, and with it are some incredible deals from our favorite retailers. As summer comes to an end, it's a great time to reflect on what struggles you had in the garden this year and what could make it easier. For small gardens in particular, you may be thinking about space-saving solutions that will allow you to make the most of your courtyard, balcony, or patio.

To help you navigate the Labor Day deals, I've compiled my favorite small garden upgrades that actually work and elevate your outdoor space. From tools to create a vertical garden to this multipurpose potting bench with storage from Amazon, there are some great pieces you can pick up now to give yourself more room to grow next year. You might even want to pick up some collapsible garden tools to save even more storage space.

So, keep reading. Here are my top picks of small-space gardening upgrades that are actually worth buying this Labor Day – grab them while the sales last.

1. Vertical Garden

vertical garden and furniture in courtyard garden

Vertical gardening is often the first point of call when it comes to maximizing limited outdoor space. By growing plants vertically, you gain ground space to grow even more.

While there are ways to create a DIY vertical garden, I have seen so many innovative products in recent years that do the work for you. From wall-hanging pocket planters (like this from Walmart) to outdoor tiered plant shelves, they all look quite attractive, too. You could even use trellis ideas to grow some of the best fast-growing climbers.

2. Outdoor Storage

If you don't have a shed or garage, it can be really hard to find a place to store all your essential gardening tools. That's why space-saving outdoor storage solutions are so handy.

I always look for storage boxes that not only have a large capacity but also look good. I love this Amazon 2-in-1 seat storage box, for example, which doubles as a garden bench. This tool hanger from Amazon is also useful; you can install it on your wall to hang up tools neatly and out of the way without damaging them.

3. Multipurpose Potting Bench

A potting bench with pelargoniums in pots

If there's just one small garden upgrade to spend a bit more money on, it's a potting bench that not only has a work surface but also storage, a potted plant display shelf, and even a sink area to rinse homegrown vegetables.

The good news is there are so many options on the market in different styles and designs, so you can opt for one that has all the features you need while matching your garden aesthetic.

Even better, in the Labor Day sales, these potting benches are amongst some of the best deals I've seen – this Amazon potting bench with a sink is just $85.98.

4. Portable Greenhouse

Lots of plants sit on top of shelving in a green metal greenhouse

As a renter, my portable greenhouse is one of the best things I've purchased for my yard. They can easily be moved and are generally much smaller and cheaper than a more permanent greenhouse (though you can find large ones, like this walk-in portable greenhouse on Amazon).

A portable greenhouse offers you somewhere to shelter plants from frost in winter, extends the growing season, and makes it possible to grow your own food even in a limited space.

There are also portable cold frames (like this from Walmart) that are even more compact solutions.

5. Raised Planters

There are so many benefits to raised bed gardening, as it improves drainage for plants and means you don't have to rely on your yard's soil quality.

When it comes to small-space gardening, the other bonus is that it doesn't take up much space, usually comes with extra storage, and you don't even need ground soil to work with – perfect for patios and balconies.

I particularly like this wooden raised planter on Amazon, which divides the planter into planting pockets, similar to how square foot gardening works.

Whatever you choose, there are a few raised gardening mistakes to be aware of if you want to ensure your efforts are successful.

As well as investing in some new garden upgrades this Labor Day, you can start planning for next year's garden. There are several plants that work particularly well in small gardens and tricks to make a small patio feel more expensive.

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Tenielle is a Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. She holds a qualification in MA Magazine Journalism and has over six years of journalistic experience. Before coming to Homes & Gardens, Tenielle was in the editorial department at the Royal Horticultural Society and worked on The Garden magazine. As our in-house houseplant expert, Tenielle writes on a range of solutions to houseplant problems, as well as other 'how to' guides, inspiring garden projects, and the latest gardening news. When she isn't writing, Tenielle can be found propagating her ever-growing collection of indoor plants, helping others overcome common houseplant pests and diseases, volunteering at a local gardening club, and attending gardening workshops, like a composting masterclass.