Perennials in Small Urban Growing Spaces

Benefits of Growing Perennials

1. Adding perennial berries and herb plants bring great benefits to small garden spaces.
2. The raspberries, blackberries and other fruit plants produce flowers that attract many beneficial pollinators that help other plants grow.
3. Some perennial vegetables can provide excellent ground cover. Examples are: artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb and Egyptian walking onions.
4. Fruit bushes can act as windbreaks, preventing soil erosion.
5. Perennials assist with improving soil health

Some Considerations for Using Perennials in Small Spaces

1. Use varieties of plants and fruits that can be grown in compact spaces such as raised beds, or containers.
2. Consider planting fruit trees that will not shade smaller growing areas, such as vegetable gardens. Dwarf trees can fit nicely in garden spaces.
3. To maintain or improve soil organic matter, select plants that will produce high volumes of organic material.