5 Garden and Yard Trends to Look Forward to in 2023

Container Gardening

“For many people, rows and rows of abundant crops sown in beautifully cultivated soil simply is not an option anymore,” Clark says. “However, the rise of container gardening solves this issue and it’s a trend which I predict will continue to grow.”

Container gardening can be done in most gardens, no matter the size. You just have to be selective about what you want to grow. Thankfully there are so plenty of options to choose from for your garden.

“Most crops will happily grow in containers, from onions to potatoes, pumpkins, and even sweetcorn,” Clark says. “The key is picking the biggest container possible and keeping up with your watering.” Get a bit creative and upcycle some things you may be looking to get rid of—you can use an old sink, bathtub, or even old pallets of wood. 

Organic Movement

“Organic growing is nothing new; there have been growers championing the organic movement since the 1970s,” Clark says. “However, for years organic growers were the minority and I believe we have turned the corner where they have become the majority. The nuclear bunker of chemicals which used to be found in most gardeners' sheds are nearly all but gone."

People are allowing nature to take over instead of using synthetic products to force growth or get rid of pests. “I have been an organic gardener for 10 years now and it is just fabulous watching nature work,” Clark adds. “For any pest, there is a natural solution: if you have slugs, encourage frogs, toads, and hedgehogs; if you have aphids destroying your plants then ladybugs are what you need. By using this method of thinking you will build a thriving ecosystem that works within a natural food chain to control one another naturally protecting your crops.”

It’s exciting to know that you’re encouraging ecosystems in your own backyard. Why not even attract some bees to encourage the natural pollination of your plants?

Unusual Varieties

“If you have ever looked through a seed catalog, the range of seeds to choose from is mind-blowing,” observes Clark. “Different colors, unusual flavors, strange shape—you can now find it all.” In 2023, you can experiment with what you’re growing and think beyond the straight species of fruits, flowers, veggies, and herbs. People are taking more risks when it comes to growing their own food at home, going for varieties like Cherokee purple tomato over a more typical cherry tomato.

Clark does note however that it’s important to be thoughtful about what you're planting. Don't just buy the new varietals, get some of the heirloom varieties too. (Go half and half if you’d like! A variety of good, tasty food is never a bad thing!) Choose plants that are native to your area and can thrive in your hardiness zone. Avoid invasive species.

Going Peat Free

“The use of peat in the garden has been a hot topic for a while now. However, we are starting to move in the right direction,” Clark says. But what’s so bad about peat? 

Peat moss stores carbon dioxide, and harvesting it releases CO2 into the environment. In 2019 the United Nations estimated that drained and burned peatlands accounted for about 10 percent of annual fossil fuel.

“Gardeners are more educated than ever on this topic which will help sway their purchasing decisions," explains Clark. 

You can find peat-free compost at garden centers and even in grocery stores as it’s becoming more accessible and less expensive. It's simply a more sustainable solution when it comes to gardening.

Composting

Another trend we’re likely to see in 2023 is even more people composting at home. There are so many amazing composters on the market that can easily be used in your backyard. The less waste we produce and the more we can reuse, the better for the environment. The compost you make can be used to fertilize your garden and houseplants and will release important nutrients back into the soil.