How to garden when you rent
Should renting rather than owning your home be a barrier to gardening? Matthew Pottage, curator of RHS Garden Wisley doesn't think so
At the ripe old age of 35 I find myself in my fourth rented home since leaving my parents home over 15 years ago. I remember thinking, like I have heard many say, there is little point doing anything with a rental garden – I’ll save my energy, time and money and await getting a garden I actually own.
It didn’t take me long to work out that the only person losing out here was me, looking at a neglected garden, starved of the mental and physical wellbeing that gardening brings. And of course, the more gardening you do, the more you hone your skills and learn.
This lush scene is growing entirely in pots. Sheltered city gardens can allow gardeners to easily grow tender plants.
Container growing allows you to have fun and break the rules by growing all sorts of different plants alongside each other.
We all need plants more than ever, for both us and the planet. If it means starting your gardening journey while being a renter – so be it!
Wildlife doesn't care who owns your garden, as long as you provide food and habitats
When we finally do move, I won’t resent leaving plants in the ground which I have planted – and I hope others enjoy them too. We all need plants, more than ever in my opinion, for both us and the planet. If it means starting your gardening journey while being a renter – so be it – it’s a lot of fun!
I think what being a rental gardener has reminded me of most is gardening always gives you back more than you put in, so no matter how small, or awkwardly-shaped your outdoor space is, put it to gardening use.
Repeating forms and textures between houseplants and outdoor plants you can make your space flow beautifully.
See also
How to make a wildlife container pond
Pots and container habitats
Trees in containers
Creating a budget-friendly garden
