Gardening in Small Spaces: An Interview with Candace Chesnut

As city-dwellers, we understand the pain of living in small spaces and the limitations it puts on our ability to do the things we love, like gardening. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the (literal) fruit of your labor when your very first baby tomato grows in or a big batch of basil is ready to use. The stereotypical city life would assume that this isn’t something you could accomplish in apartment living but we know it is possible after catching up with Candace Chesnut on the garden she’s created right here in LA. Check out our interview with her on how she has created a garden in a small space and some advice for city gardener hopefuls.

1) How long have you lived in the city and where did you move from?

I have lived in the city since 2012 and I moved from the high desert - Victorville, CA.

2) What made you move to the city?

I moved to Los Angeles to get a change of scenery. I was lucky enough to be able to get a job transfer, so it made it that much easier.

3) What inspired you to want to start a garden?

I have always wanted a garden for as long as I can remember. I am also big on trying to repurpose food scraps to regrow.

4) Did you hit any problems while dreaming up your garden and if so, what were they and how did you fix them?

Because I live in a small apartment with one window, it makes it hard to get enough sunlight for all of my plants. I've just learned how to position them accordingly around my apartment so that everything can thrive!

5) What did you purchase for your garden and where did you get them? i.e. planters, window seal, soil, etc.

Because I am mostly a window seal grower it was super important to find the proper sized planters. I had to search from store to store, and just my luck, I was able to find the perfect size planters at 99¢ store. It made it ultra difficult to find the right size especially because my window seal is very narrow. My soil is from my neighborhood plant store and my plants love it.

6) What have been some of the biggest challenges you've found while starting your garden?

My biggest challenge has been gnat!!!!! Oh my goodness, those little pests will make a home wherever they can! I have tried different solutions like neem oil, Cayenne water and dish soap, but unfortunately those didn't work for me. In the end though, I was able to find what worked best for my garden.

7) What has been your favorite part of the gardening?

The best part of gardening is watching how fast your plants grow over time!

8) What are you currently growing?

I currently am growing green onions, oregano and I have lots of lovely house plants

9) Any words of advice for future gardeners in a small space?

To all my small space growers out there, don't give up! Keep finding ways to make your space work for your gardening needs! Also know you don't have to spend a pretty penny to find gardening supplies.