If you’ve ever read gardening blogs (and I know you’re reading this one, so you’re on the right track!), you’ve probably come across posts about gardening in small spaces. My question to most of them is—are they for real? Sure, they look beautiful, but how many of us actually have a garden that looks that good?

I believe in real-life gardens, so today, I’m sharing not one, but two gardens that are 1/10 acre or less. These gardens are managed by regular people—not professionals—and they have full-time jobs (well, one happens to be a garden writer!). Their gardens may not always be pristine, but they produce real food and are true examples of what small-space gardening can look like in real life.

The Micro-Farm

Michael and Jeremy manage their 1/10-acre garden in Pennsylvania. They’ve made the most of existing plantings, engaged with curious neighbors, and overcome the limitations of their space. The back part of the lot is home to chickens, ducks, and rabbits (they’ve joked about adding a donkey, but think it might be a bit much).

The perimeter is lined with perennial fruits, herbs, and ornamental plants, all surrounding a small lawn area shared by three big dogs and a cat. Their ultimate goal is to incorporate more edibles, including vines and possibly espalier fruit trees.

As you approach the house, a compact vegetable garden, surrounded by picket fencing, is home to annual veggies. The plants are spaced close together to maximize space and help with weed control. Tomatoes, however, didn’t thrive in the limited space, and with the owners’ love for variety, they sought out a solution.

Enter the neighbor’s unused patch of grass. Despite the neighbor’s concerns about kids sneaking down the alley to steal tomatoes, it turned out to be the perfect spot. What it has brought instead are visitors—around six people stopped by during my brief visit. Once you get past the "guard" dogs, the place feels inviting and full of life.

Paradise Lot

Eric Toensmeier and Jonathan Bates, along with their families, manage a 1/10-acre lot in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Technically, their garden could be called a food forest, but I simply call it fun. Their goal is to be able to step into the garden at any time of year and find something to eat.

Using permaculture principles, their garden features a blend of edible trees, shrubs, and perennials, as well as the usual annual vegetables. Every plant has a role—some are edible, some enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, while others attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

A four-season greenhouse shelters winter vegetables, while a small pond provides a haven for water-loving plants.

One of their goals was to show neighbors that a small backyard can be so much more than just grass. While their neighbors haven’t yet embraced the idea, the garden continues to draw interest.

Today, it’s become a teaching garden, with visitors from around the world stopping by to learn what’s possible in such a small space. If you’re looking for a great winter read, I’d highly recommend picking up Paradise Lot.

So, how’s that for small-space gardening?

With so many seeds to choose from, where do you even begin? The first step is understanding the terminology. Let’s break it down:

Heirloom

You’ve probably seen this term in articles, blog posts, and seed catalogs—but why is it important? Heirloom seeds are cherished by gardeners and growers alike. This category includes trusted, open-pollinated varieties, some of which have been lovingly passed down through generations. Many people are drawn to heirlooms because of their rich history, unique flavors, and resilience. These seeds often produce plants with fewer pest or disease issues and yield delicious fruits, roots, or leaves.

Hybrid (F1)

Hybrids are modern marvels, created by cross-pollinating two carefully selected parent plants. While these seeds produce vigorous plants with desirable traits, the resulting seeds are often unreliable or unviable for saving, which can be a drawback for home gardeners. Some view hybrids with skepticism because they’re man-made rather than naturally occurring, but they remain a popular choice for their consistent performance.

Organic

The USDA National Organic Program regulates this label, ensuring that seeds are grown with reduced or no chemical inputs. For many gardeners, choosing organic seeds aligns with their values for sustainability and eco-friendliness. However, others focus more on ensuring their gardening methods are organic, regardless of the seed source.

GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms)

GMO seeds are lab-engineered, often incorporating genes from other organisms to achieve specific traits, such as pest resistance or drought tolerance. While the term “GMO” can include lab-created hybrids, it typically refers to seeds altered at the genetic level—something to consider when selecting seeds for your garden.