The Great Indoors: Thriving Tiny Gardens in Wild Alaska
Alaska is vast—wide open spaces, big skies, and wild beauty,but not all of us have acres to spare. And the truth is, you don’t need them. Living in a small space shouldn’t stop you from growing your own food. In fact, it’s often where the most creative gardens begin. Whether you're in an apartment, a cabin, or just working with a tiny porch, or maybe even just a windowsill there’s always a way to grow something good. In this post, I’ll walk you through three small-space gardening setups that work right here in Alaska, no matter how limited your space might be.
Urban/Apartment(South-facing porch or Balcony)
Why South facing: South-facing spaces get the most consistent sunlight, and in Alaska’s short growing this is crucial.
What to Grow
These plants thrive in containers and benefit from full to partial sunlight:
Air-flow Tips
Use vertical shelves or railing planters to avoid overcrowding
Rotate pots weekly to ensure even light and airflow
Elevate pots to slightly allow air underneath
Sun & Lighting Tips
Aim for 6+ hours of sun, south-facing balconies usually qualify
Use reflective materials like white walls or foil reflectors to maximize sunlight
If shaded by building or not south facing supplement with clip on grow lights
Duplex/Condo Life-Small Back Yard
Many Alaskan’s have small outdoor spaces or share yards with families or tenants. A 4x4 or even 2x4 can produce a surprising amount of food, even in just one summer.
What to Grow
These plants thrive in small spaces, produce well and most are cold-tolerant. What we love to see for growing in the Alaskan cold climate and short growing season.
Air-flow Tips
Leave 6-8 inches between plants to reduce mold
Use mulch, straw or bark to keep soil temps stable and prevent rot
Consider low tunnel with roll up sides to protect from wind and sudden cold
Sun & Lighting Tips
Place beds where they get 8+ hours of full sun especially in May-July
If surrounded by trees/buildings raise the beds or use mobile raised bed carts to move them
Indoor Shelf or Windowsill
Winters are long and not everyone has outdoor access. An indoor garden brings fresh life into cabins, apartments or homes during the dark months and helps grow herbs year-round.
What to Grow
All of these plants do not have deep root systems making them perfect for your indoor herb oasis.
Air-flow Tips
Use small oscillating fan on low to prevent mole and promote sturdier growth
Open windows on warmer days for fresh air
Avoid overcrowding make sure to space pots apart for circulation
Sun & Light Tips
Place near south-facing windows or use grow lights 12-16hrs per day
Use mirrors or light colored walls to bounce light
LED full-spectrum grow lights work great in Alaska’s dark seasons
Additional Tips
Start seeds indoors early as early as March or May (I’ve read in a few places that locals say wait until May 31st to plant outside no matter what the forecast says)
Choose Alaska-adapted or short season varieties
Pay attention to microclimates balcony, corners, sun pockets etc.
Protect plants from sudden temp drops with row covers or fleece
Health is something I continue to grow more passionate and curious about, and I truly believe that everyone should have access to fresh, organic, locally grown food. In Alaska, where we rely heavily on imported goods, even the smallest effort to grow our own or support local growers can make a lasting impact. If I can play even a small role, whether by sharing knowledge or sharing a local business, I’ll know I’m doing exactly what I came here to do.
Growing your own food and supporting your local economy is possible, even in Alaska’s harsh soils. I hope this post sparked something in you—maybe the first seed of a garden, or simply the intention to connect with someone growing nearby. Let’s all keep growing together wildly & locally.
