Optimizing Backyard Space - Patio Area

I’ve been struggling with optimizing my backyard. I’m trying to maximize the kids/dog play area, as well as the garden space, all the while maintaining a certain backyard aesthetic (that suburban chic!). I’m determined to increase growing space this year, but want to ensure the backyard can be utilized for more than just a garden.

The patio area is the first project I want to tackle. There is plenty of square footage being wasted surrounding the patio that can transform into a productive garden space. However, I need to be mindful of the recreational area used as a lounge, bbq space, and our outdoor spa.

Adding four raised garden beds to the left of the patio.

To perform this transformation, I realized the left side area of the patio that wasn’t being utilized for anything. In fact, nobody even walks on this side - perhaps only Sam, our trusty GoldenDoodle. It's been a wasted space for the past five years and will fit a few raised beds without an issue.

Next, to determine the size and layout of the raised garden beds, I needed to find the ideal amount of space needed in between the beds. In the current garden, two feet works really well within a group of beds. This allows for three 5’x3’ raised beds, and a 14’x2’ longer bed. The larger bed will be thin but will serve as a nice wall for the left side of the patio forming a nice enclosure.

Two additional 6’x2’ raised garden beds adding growing space and an enclosure to the patio.

For the top of the patio, I’ll leave around 12 ft of open to access the yard. I’ll add two more 6’x2’ raised beds - which will generate another 24 sq ft of growing space.

I’ll try something brand new on the right side of the patio, which is the entrance to the backyard from the front of the house. Instead of raised beds, I’ll build a cattle panel trellis for a container garden. I’ve haven’t grown much with containers, but have used grow bags with a lot of success. I plan on growing peas in five gallon containers starting in late winter/early spring. The containers will be reused and replanted for the spring, summer, and fall. Ideally, three rotations during 2021. Hopefully, this will work, and be a good investment.

Tunnel trellis using five gallon containers.

Soon as the weather cooperates, no rain or wind, and just slightly warmer, I’ll start this build. Building the soil and the plants is a whole other project…