The Tiny house Blog

A-Frame House Gardening Tips

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
December 12, 2023
tiny house a-frame gardening

Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash

With the fast-paced development of gardening, we've discovered the joy of creating an A-Frame House garden in small spaces—it's like having your own little oasis. We've been there and have some tips to make your tiny house gardening journey a breeze. Let's turn your space into a green haven together!

1. Selecting the Optimal Location

When you dive into the exciting world of house gardening, one valuable lesson we learned is the importance of picking the right spot for your little haven. Our advice? Find a spot that basks in the sunlight but is also shielded from those gusty winds that can be a bit too much for both your tiny home and your precious plants. 

Also, as per Almanac, “A location near your house will make it easier for you to tend your plot regularly…”, while The Gardening Dad gave advice that “If you want your experience to be as successful as possible then research the location of your garden.” 

And, speaking from our own journey, consider the size of your garden – it's like finding the perfect dance partner. A smaller garden might sway gracefully with just one snug tiny house, while a larger space can embrace the rhythm with multiple structures.

2. Picking the Right Climbing Plants

Now, let's talk about the heartbeat of your house garden – those climbing plants that'll gracefully ascend, turning your space into a lush, natural retreat. Our experience whispers a crucial tip: choose plants that vibe well with your local weather and the kind of sunlight your garden soaks in. We've got a few favorites in our playbook:

Morning Glory (Ipomoea)

These rapidly-growing vines yield trumpet-shaped flowers in a spectrum of colors, making them a favored selection for gardens.

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

Renowned for their delightful fragrance and delicate, vibrant blossoms, sweet peas add an enchanting element to any teepee structure.

Clematis

Possessing an extensive array of varieties, clematis vines offer a rich tapestry of beautiful flowers and are ideally suited for climbing purposes.

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Not only valuable for brewing, hops also fashion a lush, green covering for your teepee, especially in regions with cooler climates.

Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)

Wisteria's drooping, purple or white blooms can construct a picturesque and romantic ambiance.

Select plants that resonate with your garden's aesthetics and align with your personal preferences, while ensuring that they are compatible with your area's environmental conditions.

3. Constructing a Sturdy A-Frame

The success of your A-Frame house garden rests on the strength and resilience of its frame. From our experience, we've found that materials like bamboo, wooden stakes, or PVC pipes can play key roles in crafting a sturdy structure for our tiny house garden. Here's our guide on assembling a robust teepee frame:

  • Procure six to eight lengthy, sturdy poles, each measuring approximately 7-10 feet in height, depending on your intended elevation.
  • Secure the upper sections of the poles together firmly with twine, rope, or zip ties, ensuring the structure is symmetrical.
  • Embed the poles into the ground, arranging them in a circular formation with the fastened tops converging at the center. Assure that the tiny houseis level and firmly anchored to withstand wind and rain.
  • Space the poles at intervals of about 1 to 1.5 feet, creating an entranceway.
  • For added fortification, bolster the poles with supplementary stakes or connect the structure to a fence or wall if available.

tiny house gardening
Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash

4. Preparing the Soil

In our gardening escapades, we've learned that for your climbing plants to truly thrive, you've got to give them a solid foundation. Start by clearing out any unwanted greenery or debris around the area. Then, show your soil some love – enrich it with organic goodness like compost or well-rotted manure. This not only boosts fertility but also ensures top-notch drainage. And here's the golden rule we've picked up: each climbing plant has its own soil preferences, so a bit of research goes a long way in catering to their unique needs. 

5. Planting Your Climbing Vines

Once the framework and soil are in order, the next step is to plant your climbing vines. Adhere to these measures for a successful planting process:

  • Space your chosen climbing plants around the base, ensuring they have sufficient room to grow and flourish.
  • Prior to planting, water your plants thoroughly, then carefully transfer them into the prepared soil, gently patting the soil around the root ball.
  •  Apply a layer of mulch surrounding the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  • Regularly water your newly planted vines to maintain consistently moist soil during the establishment phase.
  • Consider using a slow-release fertilizer or a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to nourish your plants throughout the growing season.

6. Promoting Climbing

To manifest the captivating natural canopy of your teepee house garden, it is imperative to encourage your climbing plants to ascend the structure. Here's how to go about it:

  • As your plants develop, gently guide their vines onto the frame. Use soft twine or plant ties to secure them in place without causing harm.
  •  Regularly trim and remove dead or unruly growth to redirect the plant's energy towards healthy climbing.
  • Be patient, as certain plants may require some time to establish themselves and commence climbing. Maintain support and guidance as needed.

7. Furnishing Adequate Support for your A-Frame

Climbing plants can become weighty, and their growth can strain the structure. To avert damage and ensure it remains steady, contemplate these support approaches:

  • Periodically inspect and reinforce the frame, especially before the growing season commences.
  • Utilize additional stakes or anchors to secure the structure to the ground.
  • For extra steadiness, attach your teepee to a nearby fence, wall, or tree.
  • Regularly scrutinize the ties that hold your plants in place and adjust or replace them as necessary.

8. Routine Maintenance

Maintaining the vibrancy of your tiny house garden, much like any other garden, is an ongoing affair. Our journey in the green realm has taught us the importance of these upkeep guidelines:

  • Maintain consistent watering of your climbing plants, ensuring that the soil remains sufficiently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Prune your plants as required to eliminate dead or unruly growth, shaping them to conform to the structure.
  • Be vigilant about pest and disease issues, addressing them promptly to safeguard your plants.
  • Adhere to the specific fertilizer requirements of your climbers as well as recommendations corresponding to your local climate.
tiny house gardening watering
Photo by Filip Urban on Unsplash

9. Augmenting the Aesthetic

To transform your house garden into a truly enchanting space, contemplate these supplementary tips for enhancing its visual allure:

  • Integrate outdoor seating or a bench under the teepee, creating a cozy corner where you can unwind and relish the beauty of your garden.
  • Embellish it with string lights, wind chimes, or hanging baskets of flowers to infuse it with character and charm.
  • Select complementary garden embellishments, such as colorful planters, garden sculptures, or garden art, to heighten the visual appeal of your space.
  • Experiment with a variety of colors and species of climbing plants to construct a visually diverse and breathtaking garden.

10. Reaping the Rewards

Beyond the enchanting aesthetics, house gardening unfolds a tapestry of additional benefits. Here are some delightful perks to savor:

Shade and Privacy 

As your climbing plants mature, they provide natural shade and enhance privacy, rendering your garden an ideal spot for relaxation and escape.

Wildlife Attraction

Climbing plants can draw various wildlife, such as butterflies and hummingbirds, to your garden, introducing an extra touch of nature's charm.

Meditation and Yoga Space

Your garden can double as a serene environment for meditation, yoga, or merely as a place to relax and escape the daily pressures of life.

Conclusion

Starting on your A-Frame house gardening journey is like stepping into a realm beyond just creating a pretty space. It's about personally crafting a haven, a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We've found that when you blend these suggestions and principles into your journey, you're not just putting together a teepee house garden for show; you're actually shaping a tiny house sanctuary for tranquility and building a genuine connection with the natural world.

Through our own experiences, we've seen how, with genuine dedication and tender care, your garden transforms into a personal oasis—a living, breathing escape that stands as a tribute to the wonders of the natural world. It's not merely a garden; it becomes a retreat, urging you to unwind and discover solace in the sheer beauty of nature.

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