FREE GUIDE

The 28 Proven Varieties That Earn Their Space in Any Small Garden

This guide gives you the 28 proven, high-value crops that truly earn their space in small gardens — with clear Northern/Southern recommendations so you can plan your 2026 garden with confidence. After 13 years of gardening near the mountains in Upstate South Carolina, a major downsize, and real-life time constraints as a single mother of three, I’ve learned which varieties deliver the best flavor, reliability, and yield.

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WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

This guide is a practical tool for anyone who wants to grow smarter — not bigger. It’s built around varieties that truly earn their space by producing a lot of food in a small footprint, storing well, thriving in real weather (not perfect conditions), and saving you money at the grocery store.

Whether you’re new to gardening or rebuilding a simpler, more manageable garden, this guide helps you eliminate guesswork and choose varieties that give you the biggest return on your effort, space, and budget.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

✔️ A carefully curated list of 28 proven, high-value varieties — the exact crops that have earned a permanent place in my small-space garden year after year.

✔️ Clear “Earns Its Space” criteria — the simple framework I use to decide what’s worth planting in a small space.

✔️ Northern vs. Southern zone guidance — plus a few bonus recommendations for colder regions, so you can confidently choose what works for your climate.

✔️Simple descriptions for each variety — highlighting the essentials without overwhelm.

✔️A simple framework for small-space success — helping you focus on crops that give you the most value for the effort you put in.

LET'S GROW TOGETHER

I'm so glad you're here!

I'm Cortney—an organic gardener and single mom of three.

Two years ago, I wanted to walk away from the one thing I’ve been passionate about for years. After nearly two decades of growing my own food, I was completely overwhelmed and ready to quit. The joy I once felt in my garden had faded, replaced by frustration and burnout. As a single, homeschooling mom of three, I realized I needed a garden that supported my life—not one that added more stress. So, I downsized, simplified, and created a system for growing high-value food efficiently in a smaller space. Now, I help others do the same—so they can grow nutritious food year-round without overwhelm, improve their health, and feel more in control of their grocery budget. If you're ready to grow your own food in a way that actually works for your life, you're in the right place.

Does this actually work?

Absolutely—but only if you take action. My strategies are built on real-life, hands-on experience from over 20 years of growing food in all kinds of spaces and seasons. It’s the exact approach I use to grow a high-yield, nutritious garden that fits into my busy life as a single, working mom.

Will it work for you? That depends on your willingness to start small, stay consistent, and make it your own. There's no one-size-fits-all garden—but my free guide gives you the solid foundation you need to build one that does work for you.

The strategies I share are based on my personal experience and are meant to provide educational support and inspiration. Results will vary depending on your time, space, effort, and climate. Growing your own food is a journey—and I’m here to help you make it a successful one. I’m learning and growing every day, too—because that’s the beauty of gardening, both figuratively and literally.