What you need to know to start a garden in your apartment

Living in an apartment is a great way to place yourself in the center of the activity. It also helps the environment if you can get around without a car, and several units in one building is more Earth-friendly than individual homes. However, there are some distinct disadvantages of apartment living, one of which is the challenges of growing your own food. 

While apartment gardening may not be traditional, it’s far from impossible. In fact, there are many ways you can promote plants in a small housing unit. Of course, you won’t see raised beds or tilled plots inside your home, but you’d be surprised how much you can actually grow within your walls.

Related: Where is the most green and sustainable city in the US?

Lighting 

Indoor gardening requires natural light or artificial light. Nearly all garden plants like light, and a lot of it. It’s the primary issue with indoor gardening of any kind. If your home receives copious light, placing plants near the window may be enough. 

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For homes in warm climates, any room can become a sunroom where plants thrive. If you lack sunlight and heat, you’ll need to invest in growing lights. These are easily found online or in a garden supply shop. There are countless ways to set them up too. You basically just need to ensure each plant receives adequate light. Put your lights on a timer for consistency. 

Water

Of course, your plants will need water too. Put your plants on a drip system with a timer or closely monitor manual watering. 

Choose plants carefully

There’s no need to fight nature with plants that won’t fare well in your environment. Instead, choose vegetables and herbs that are suited to the conditions within your home. Obviously, those conditions aren’t natural, but plants do very well with a bit of convincing. 

Microgreens

Start with a tray of microgreens. They are incredibly nutritious, but cost a premium at the store so grow your own for less. To get them started, place an inch or two of nutrient-rich potting soil in the bottom of old pie tins, plant trays, takeout containers or a shallow wooden box. Gently lay seeds over the soil and sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the top. Keep your soil moist by misting it several times a day until they sprout. Place them near natural or artificial light for several hours each day.

Microgreens grow very fast, so you should see them break the surface in a week to 10 days. Trim your microgreens as you use them. However, you will need to harvest them and replant them since they don’t grow back. 

Commercial garden systems

The easiest way to grow garden plants is by purchasing one of the many prefabricated garden systems on the market. We’ve reported on several on Inhabitat, including some with personal reviews. Check out Harry Herbs,  Kettal and Tectum Garden, the GÜD Plant Box, LetPot, MicroPod and the comprehensive garden system Lettuce Grow. 

These systems range in size and features. Some are specifically for herbs or microgreens. Others allow you to nurture larger plants like green beans and peas. What they all have in common is a system for watering the plants. This can be achieved through a wicking system that draws water into the plants, or it can be powered to water plants on a schedule. 

There are countless options, so you can find a garden system that mounts to the wall, sits on the window sill or grows in a closet. Some require soil and some hydroponic systems don’t. 

Space constraints

If you’re building your own garden or looking to place a system, work around your small space by putting planters on counters, bookshelves, wall shelves, window sills, desks or any other surface where it can receive light. Make sure your plants are easily accessible for watering and other care. Also consider vertical rows of plants mounted to a wall. Vertical gardening has many benefits and works well in confined spaces. 

Outdoor gardening

If you’re blessed with a balcony, your list of options broaden. Calculate the amount of sun your terrace receives and place plants accordingly. If they can soak up six to 10 hours of sunlight you can feature an endless garden. For spaces with less natural light, you’ll need to supplement artificial light. 

Your balcony garden will consist of potted plants, but you can put several in the same planter or separate them out. Line up pots full of hearty herbs like lavender, rosemary, mint, oregano, thyme and seasonal delights like cilantro, parsley and basil. Use a larger planter for tomato plants, green beans, peas, strawberries or cabbage. 

You can also take advantage of spaces where you can hang plants. Strawberries do well with this method. You can also experiment with small peppers, cherry tomatoes and lettuce. Chives are also adaptable to many different growing styles. 

Of course, if you’re on ground level with a small plot in the yard, you can plant in raised beds and grow larger plants to meet your needs. 

Images via Pexels