Perfect Patio Plants

Diversity in a small space is difficult to accomplish; but not impossible.   These plants are diverse, have a high yield, and can be grown in small spaces.  I use Baker Creek Heirloom, Burpee, and Gurney for most of my seed needs.  I made the mistake of using ebay once; which I regretted, but that is a different article.  To keep it simple all of the below plants can be found at Baker Creek Heirloom, just click on the pictures to be redirected to their site.

It is important to understand that a plant's nutrient will be effected by: soil, fertilizer, pesticides, water, sun exposure and atmosphere.  Just like people their diet and environment will effect them.  Space is not the only thing that needs to be taken into consideration.  Keep in the minding the temperature, lighting, growing days, the growing method, and your own gardening abilities.  With those factors in mind here is the list:

Mulberry, Dwarf Everbearing

Mulberry

While this plant can turn into a tree, with proper pruning it can be kept at 2 feet.  This a large space for micro gardening; however, it is maintained in one pot, and has a high yield.  There are several health benefits include: aids digestion, circulation , and vision health.

Their high calcium coupled with containing carotenoids makes mulberry unique for a berry.  They boost metabolism and increase vitality.  Mulberries prevent macular degeneration, osteoporosis, and cataracts.(1)   A note of caution when dealing with mulberries; if, you have a tendency pollen allergies; mulberries may not be the right plant for you.  They have a large amount of pollen.

Ginger

The amount of ginger grown in one small container is actually substantial.  You can watch Pinos Jaya, ‘Growing Ginger” to see her results from growing ginger in a container.

Ginger is an aphrodisiac, and a carminative.  It is the pepto bismo of herbs.  It can sooth your stomach, and cure loose bowel movements.(2)

Parisienne Carrot

Parisienne Carrot

These carrots were grown in Paris, France in window boxes starting in the 1900’s.(3)   Parisienne are not as long as traditional carrots, however; they are full of flavor.

These carrots also have the health benefits of a traditional carrot.  Carrots are great for people with diabetes because the regulate sugar levels.  Other health benefits include immune boosting, and decreasing blood pressure.(4)

Wonderberry

The wonderberry is a black currant.  It is classified as a elderberry.  Wonderberries are an extremely, high source in fiber.  Fiber is extremely important for digestion, and maintaining a healthy weight.  There are several more health benefits; a few more are; diabetes aid, anti inflammatory, and has anti-infectious properties.(5)

Wonderberry

Wonderberries are generally not eaten fresh, but rather cooked into: jams, syrups, tarts, and even cooked into a paste thrown into smoothies.  Wonderberries are also used in cosmetics; as the are high in Vitamin C.

Wonderberries do grow up to 2 feet tall.  They are a high yield plant and are relatively easy to grow.  They are from the nightshade family like tomatoes; their nutritional needs are similar.  However; unlike tomatoes, wonderberries are not, as bothered by temperatures.(6)

Naranjilla aka Lulo

A Naranjilla can be eaten fresh.  “A really unique fruit from the Andes; delicious sweet and sour taste, orange flavor; 2" fruit are round and yellow-orange in color,” according to Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.(7)

Naranijilla

While this plant will eat up more space, as it should be grown in a pot at least two feet wide and can reach up to 6 feet tall (most potted versions grow between 2-3 feet); it can be grown in partial sun, or not.  Unless, you have a hot humid environment that never frosts; I suggest growing the Lulo inside.  Naranjilla are not plants that are to be grown by novices.(8)  To learn their requirements click here.  These plants also have prickles.

The health benefits. far outweigh the challenges of growing these plants.  Lulo has a multitude of health benefits: bone strengthening, can neutralize free radicals, detoxifies, has pepsin fiber, can relieve stress and insomnia, and boosts white blood cell production.  Also, “It can help eliminate constipation, cramping, bloating, and more serious conditions like gastric ulcers,” according to Organic Facts.  There are more health benefits; some can be substantiated and there are several studies that are moving forward, with studies on the citrus wonder; to substantiate other health claims.(9)

Tzimbalo Melon Pear

A Tzimbalo Melon is similar to a Pepino.  This “pear”, grows in clumps and are a little larger than grapes.

Tzimbalo Melon Pear

“Flavor is similar to Pepino but is often described as tangier and more complex, and tart, with subtle overtones of cucumber, melon and other fruit flavors.”  Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

This unique plant only grows to a foot tall.  It is considered an easy shrub to grow.  The plant needs to be kept around 60 F°.(10)  Treat this plant like a tomato; as it is also part of the nightshade family.  For more information on how to grow, click here.

There is little information on this plant, health benefits, and none I felt comfortable referencing.

Pepino

These plants may have originated from the Andes(11); but they have become extremely popular as a garden staple in Australia.(12)  Pepinos are reported to taste similar to honeydew melons or cantaloupe.(13)

Pepino

The Pepino plant can grow up to three feet or be pruned to make it smaller and stimulate fruit bearing.  You can trellis Pepinos or grow them in container.  They are part of the eggplant family and will take the same nutrients.  Click here or here; for information on growing Pepinos.

There is this very informative, easy to read article “Exotic Pepino: A Shrub for Prophylactic Consequence & Nutritional Regime”.  This article breaks down the benefits of a Pepino.  A pepion; aids with diabetes, helps digestion, contains the vitamin your eye needs to reproduce cells, is an anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties.

Tom Thumb Garden Pea

Tom Thumb Garden Pea

This is a unique varieties of pea that does not require staking; they only reach up to 9 inches.  It grows in a small bush, that is perfect for container growing.(14)

Peas have several benefits according to the University of Florida.  Peas are an aid to those with celiacs disease, and cancer.  They are a significant source of antioxidants and phytochemicals which is directly linked to reducing chances of cancer.(15)

He Shi Ko Bunching (onions)

These are one of the easiest onions grow.  He shi ko bunching have a mild flavor and are considered, “part of Chinese Cuisine’s trinity,”  according, to food expert Alton Brown.

He Shi Ko Bunching

He shi ko can be separated to grow more; or started from seed.  They can grow a up to a maximum of one foot.  For more information on growing them click here.

Humans have been eating onions for seven thousand years; and with good cause, onions have numerous health benefits.  A few include: blood thinning, insect repellent, anti fungal, and antibacterial properties.  The home remedy applications are numerous.  You can check out a few home remedies and more nutritional value for the onion here.

Miniature Bell Pepper

Bell peppers are part of the food trinity for most cuisines.  Growing what you eat only makes sense.  The minis have the same taste profile as their larger counterparts; perhaps, sweeter.(16)

Miniature Bell Pepper

Miniature Bell Peppers have a high yield.  They can grow up to 2 feet, however; you can top them to keep them shorter, and speed fruiting.(17)  Miniature Bell Peppers do need wider pots than one might think; here is a video showing the size of an appropriately sized pot with a miniature.  You can use the same nutrients as tomatoes without calcium supplements.

The biggest health benefits to peppers is their anti inflammatory properties and the amount of micro nutrients they provide to a diet.(18)  Bell peppers prevent eye diseases, with one of those micronutrient, zeaxanthin.(19)

Minibel Tomato

Mini, mini tomatoes grow foliage between 6”-12”.  These plants burst with tomatoes in 65 days.  Cherry tomatoes, currently cost four dollars a small cart.

MiniBel Tomato

This are determinate tomato plants so they will need to be replanted.(20)  For more information on planting them click here.

 Tomatoes contain several minerals and micro nutrients.  Copper, phosphorus, folate, magnesium, vitamin K, and several other more common nutrients and minerals.

Tomatoes also have coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid; which counter act some of the effects of carcinogens found in cigarettes.

There are several more benefits for tomatoes, click here, for more nutritional information.

If you have any unusual, or specific plants that are great for small gardens; please, tell us in the comments below.

Sources:

1 "Health Benefits of Mulberries | Organic Facts." 2014. 21 Dec. 2015
<https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/mulberries.html>
2 "Health Benefits of Ginger | Organic Facts." 2014. 21 Dec. 2015
<https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/ginger.html>
3 "No-peel carrots a la Parisienne - Telegraph - The Telegraph." 2008. 21 Dec. 2015
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1565653/No-peel-carrots-a-la-Parisienne.html>
4 "Health Benefits of Carrots | Organic Facts." 2014. 21 Dec. 2015
<https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/carrots.html>
5  "Health Benefits of Elderberries | Organic Facts." 2014. 21 Dec. 2015
<https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/elderberries.html>
6  "Wonderberry - Solanum burbankii - Seeds - Trade Winds Fruit." 2013. 21 Dec. 2015
<http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/content/wonderberry.htm>
7 "~NARANJILLA~ Nectar of the Gods SOLANUM ... - eBay." 2015. 21 Dec. 2015
<http://www.ebay.com/itm/NARANJILLA-Nectar-of-the-Gods-SOLANUM-QUITOENSE-Andes-Cherry-Tomato-100-Seeds-/361448945423?hash=item542809370f:g:mx8AAOSw-W5Uutre>
8  "Struggles growing Lulo/Naranjilla (solanum quitoense) - GardenWeb." 2015. 21 Dec. 2015
<http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1636879/struggles-growing-lulo-naranjilla-solanum-quitoense>
9 "Health Benefits of Lulo | Organic Facts." 2014. 21 Dec. 2015
<https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/lulo.html>
10  "Tzimbalo 5 Seeds Melon Pear Solanum Caripense." 2015. 21 Dec. 2015
<http://www.growyoursecretgarden.com/tzimbalo-5-seeds-melon-pear-solanum-caripense-2199-p.asp>
11  "Pepino Melon | Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co." 22 Dec. 2015
<http://www.rareseeds.com/pepino-melon/>
12  "Pepino – a Perennial Fruiting Shrub - Sustainable ..." 2015. 22 Dec. 2015
<http://www.sgaonline.org.au/pepino-a-perennial-fruiting-shrub/>
13  "How to grow Pepino fruit from Seeds & from ... - YouTube." 2012. 22 Dec. 2015
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVDoytZ1UyQ>
14 "Tom Thumb Garden Pea | Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co." 2014. 22 Dec. 2015
<http://www.rareseeds.com/tom-thumb-garden-pea/>
15  "FSHN13-06/FS229: Beans, Peas, and Lentils: Health ... - EDIS." 2015. 22 Dec. 2015
<https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs229>
16  "Miniature Yellow Bell Pepper | Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co." 2013. 22 Dec. 2015
<http://www.rareseeds.com/miniature-yellow-bell-pepper/>
17 "Yum Yums Hybrid Mixed Mini Bells Sweet Pepper - Gurneys ..." 2013. 22 Dec. 2015
<http://www.gurneys.com/product/yum_yums_hybrid_mixed_mini_bells_sweet_pepper/peppers>
18  "What Do Red Bell Peppers Do for Your Body? - Healthy Eating." 2012. 22 Dec. 2015
<http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/red-bell-peppers-body-4827.html>
19  "What Are the Benefits of Eating Green Bell Peppers ..." 2012. 22 Dec. 2015
<http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-green-bell-peppers-4245.html>
20  "Tomato 'Minibel' Plant Care & Growing Information | Folia." 2015. 22 Dec. 2015
<https://myfolia.com/plants/10-tomato-solanum-lycopersicum/varieties/4240-minibel>