Apartment Gardening Made Simple
When you think about gardening, you typically think of needing a lot of space like a backyard to be able to garden. While that definitely helps, it isn’t always necessary.
If you look up the definition of gardening it typically doesn’t state anything about the amount of space required to be considered a gardener. If you’re one of the many that live in an apartment setting, but love plants, you can still make something happen.
Assess What you Have
The first thing you’ll want to do is assess the space you have to work with. Can you utilize window sills or do you have an overhang for hanging containers? It’s time to think about any potential spot that gets consistent sunlight.
A lot of apartments have a patio or possibly a front entrance space that can be utilized. If not, then it’s time to think about what can grow well indoors and what parts of your apartment receives the most indoor light.
All is not Lost
If you’re living in a space that just doesn’t seem to work whether its lack or light or too cramped, there are some other things to consider. If you still desire to grow something or do something gardening related, then grow some seeds.
Many people, including myself, like to purchase starter plants to transplant in the garden. You can use a counter space and a heat pad for fast germination. As these plants begin to require additional light and other needs, sell them on Etsy, Ebay, or to others around you.
Develop Skills for Later on
An apartment or patio garden can be great to help you learn the basic skills needed for gardening so when you do have more space to work with, you’ll be prepared. Think about the skills you’ll utilize as an apartment gardener.
Just trying to maximize the limited amount of space helps with developing creative thinking or becomes a microcosm for high density planting. Learning about proper watering, container growing, plants that grow in limited spaces, and how to feed plants will all help when you have that yard space.
What Can you Grow with Limited Space or Indoors
There are many edibles that can be grown with limited light or in tight spaces. Here is a quick list of things to try. Keep in mind that any of your root veggies will require a deeper container.
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Chives
- Beets
- Carrots
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Arugula
- Chard
- Mushrooms
- Herbs
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Microgreens
- Hot Peppers
Identify Something to Plant in
If you’re living in an apartment or other small space the assumption is that you don’t have access to in-ground planting so you’ll need to identify a container to plant in. There are many different types of containers that will meet your needs. Some can be as simple as things you may find around the house like a jar or unused bucket.
I’ve even used totes and seen others utilize jeans. You can also purchase high end terra cotta or ceramic type pots. Whatever pot or container you decide to utilize, you’ll need to make sure that they have holes for drainage. If you have nowhere for the water to go it will rot the roots causing eventual death for the plant.
Shelves or stands like the picture above work great on patios. It allows for several small potted plants to be placed where they can get adequate air flow and light. Click here to check out pricing on my favorite bamboo option pictured above.
Here is another great option to consider which is more like mini raised beds. Just click the image below:
Garden towers work great for putting in a corner space. These are super simple to set-up and are easy to use. They can work well in the kitchen or anywhere else indoors. Click the image above for purchasing options.
Hanging gardens can fit on a wall using virtually no additional space. Their are many other forms of hanging planters that can hang from ceilings or window sills. The image above is a great option if you have a balcony wall in your apartment. Check out pricing by clicking here or the image above.
If you just aren’t able to utilize indoor space then it’s time to plant indoors. Using small pots for window sill planting is great. These high powered indoor gardens can help you produce more edibles indoors. Click here or the image above to check it out.
Artificial Light
If you don’t have any access to an outdoor space or it’s mostly in the shade, you may want to think about trying some artificial light. Artificial light can mimic the sunlight need for plants to photosynthesize which is critical for plant health. You can go big with these or keep it small and simple.
There are many options that are energy efficient and even set-up to a timer. I prefer LED since they last longer, save more on energy, and aren’t as hot. Lean towards the bluish color lights for faster plant growth. Here are some great options from Amazon to check out.
Soil
Any high quality potting soil will do. Stay away from garden soil. Also, it’s not a good idea to scoop up soil from outside as it can be too dense. You want something that is going to be well draining and provide aeration for the roots. Adding some worm castings, compost or manure can help provide a steady stream of nutrients.
Feeding your plants on a regular basis will help produce better quality produce and a healthier plant. I prefer to use organic products. Try this all-purpose granular feed by EB Stone by clicking here.
Watering and Humidity
If you’re growing your plants solely indoors, your plants will stay moist for longer periods of time. Stick your finger in the soil, if the top few inches are dry then water. Another easy test is to gently lift the container. When it’s dry it will feel a lot lighter and it’s time to water.
One of the problems with growing indoors is lack of humidity. You may want to use a humidifier nearby. Other options can be to periodically mist your plants, place them on pebble trays, or keep water dishes around the plants.
Patio Fruit Trees
Many fruit trees can do very well for long periods of time in a container, so if you’re fortunate enough to live in an apartment with a sunny outdoor space try growing a fruit tree. You’ll want a larger container and good draining soil medium for fruit trees.
I have a complete guide to growing fruit trees in containers that you can check out here: Growing Fruit Trees in Containers in Hot Climates. Depending on your climate, consider apples, figs, citrus, cherries, peaches, guavas, or mangoes.
Final Thoughts
Apartment dwellers have no fear, you can still have some fun gardening and enjoying some fresh edibles. Even though you may be tight on space, there are creative ways to maximize the space you have to garden. It’s even possible to grow food indoors if that’s all you can do.
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