As the New Year gets underway, I find myself dreaming of sunshine, soil, and sprouting seeds. Gardening has always been my little oasis—a place where I can slow down, get my hands dirty, and watch something thrive under my care. In 2025, with a little creativity, a tight budget, and a lot of enthusiasm, I am determined to take my small garden to the next level. Let me share what I’m planning!
I have set three big goals for the year:
Goal #1: Make More Compost
If you’ve been gardening for any amount of time, you’ll know that compost is basically black gold. It’s the magic ingredient that keeps plants happy and thriving without breaking the bank on fertilizers. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had decent success with my two compost bins, but the truth is, I still never have enough.
So, this year, I’m adding a third compost bin to the mix. With three bins, I can keep one for fresh scraps, another for “cooking” compost, and the last one for finished, ready-to-use compost. The plan is to build it myself using recycled pallets or other inexpensive materials—I love the challenge of turning scrap into something useful.
Goal #2: Grow More Food
There’s something so satisfying about harvesting a salad straight from your garden or picking fruit off a tree you planted. In 2025, I want to expand the edible section of my garden and really maximize what I can grow in my small space.
First up, I will be planting a plum tree. I’ve been eyeing dwarf varieties perfect for small gardens, and I love the idea of having fresh, juicy plums just a few steps away from my kitchen. Next, I’m making room for a grapevine. Grapes can be a bit finicky, but I’m excited to give it a shot, especially since they’ll add both food and beauty to my garden. I can see it in my minds eye climbing along a trellis, with clusters of grapes hanging like jewels in the late summer sun.
To keep the veggies going strong, I’ll be adding an extra vegetable bed. My little patch of lawn has already made way for a new no-dig bed, where I plan to grow a mix of easy-care crops and colourful flowers. And as usual, I will be growing a range of sun-loving vegetables in containers on my patio.
Goal #3: Make My Garden More Wildlife Friendly
A garden isn’t just for people—it’s also a little haven for the birds, bees, and other critters that share our space. This year, I want to make my garden more inviting to wildlife. It’s not just good for the planet; it also adds a magical quality to the garden when you see butterflies flitting around or hear birds chirping. I added a little pond in 2024, and have enjoyed watching all the little creatures that come to it to drink. This year I will be planting some more pollinator friendly perennial flowers like coneflowers and anemones, as well adding in a few native wildflowers.
Gardening on a Budget
One of the biggest challenges for me is balancing my gardening ambitions with my budget. Gardening can get expensive fast, especially when I go to the garden center and see all those tools, pots, and plants. But I’ve learned that you can create something beautiful and productive without spending a fortune. DIY and upcycling are my go-to strategies. From building my compost bin to creating planters out of old containers, I’m always on the lookout for ways to save money while reducing waste. Last year I propagated quite a few plants from cuttings, and this year I’m also committing to growing more of my plants from seed. While I love the convenience of nursery seedlings, starting from seed is so much cheaper and gives me a much broader range of options. Plus, there’s a special joy in watching a tiny seed sprout into a full-grown plant!
Why These Goals Matter
At the heart of it, my 2025 gardening goals are about more than just growing plants. They’re about creating a space that feels alive and connected to the world around it. Whether it’s through composting, growing my own food, or welcoming wildlife, I’m striving to build a garden that’s sustainable, vibrant, and meaningful.
Gardening on a budget and in a small space comes with its challenges, but it also pushes me to be creative and resourceful. I love the process of transforming this little patch of earth into something beautiful and productive—one compost bin, vegetable bed, or flower at a time.
I hope you enjoyed this post—now, I’m off to start sketching plans for that third compost bin. Here’s to 2025: a year of dreaming big, digging deep, and watching the garden grow. What are your gardening goals for the year? I’d love to hear how you’re planning to make your garden thrive! Happy gardening!