Ever find yourself green with envy at other people’s gardens? No matter how small the space, growing your own is easy when you use containers. Even the smallest of apartments can grow herbs, fruits, veggies and flowers with a little know-how. Read on to find out how you can turn your apartment space into an urban oasis.
What’s going to grow best?
Whether you’re considering diving into full-on farmer mode with a bumper crop of vegetables or taking the flowers and foliage route, knowing what grows best in your area can save you both time and hassle. For example, apartment balconies in Georgia may experience longer exposure to sunlight and heat, whereas apartments in Washington may have cooler temperatures and rain.
Top Tip: Do a quick search online to find out the best plants to grow in your area.
How much space do you have?
Though you may have visions of harvesting endless tomatoes, the space you have is going to have a lot to do with what you can achieve. With container gardening, you can get creative with your space using hanging planters and shelves as well as available ground space. Additionally, plants such as fresh herbs and succulents can take up minimal room, and can even be grown in a windowsill.
Top Tip: Think vertical when planning your apartment garden, including hanging planters, shelves and larger windows.
What can you spend?
Buying all the gear you need to start a garden can get expensive quickly, so thinking outside of the planting box can save you money. At the most basic, you’ll need a trowel, potting soil, containers and plants. However, you don’t need to make it expensive. Look to using buckets, discarded desk drawers or other pieces to create funky, inexpensive containers (make sure to create drainage holes though). Your apartment community may have gardening tools you can borrow or check out. Like a particular plant but can’t afford it yet? Ask the owner for a cutting, then place in water to sprout and replant.
Top Tip: Creativity is key with your garden. Look for ways to repurpose pieces for planters, sales on plants, or borrowing equipment.
What else do you need to know?
It’s possible to have a great garden in almost any space as long as you’re willing to get innovative. Here are a few more tips that will help you to get the most out of your new space:
- Most plants like to get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Check the label when you buy, or ask for advice from your garden center for suggestions based on how much light you get.
- Some of the best vegetables for container gardening in a small apartment space are chard, lettuce, cherry and bush tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, green onions, Asian greens and herbs.
- Not every plant needs its own separate container. Try pairing a climbing plant with a plant that’s lower to the ground, or create an herb garden by planting a variety of herbs in one large pot.
- Be sure to water your plants regularly. Additionally, plant food can be extremely helpful to container garden plants.
Are you an experienced green thumb? What plants have worked out best in your apartment garden?