Most people (especially renters) no longer have the luxury of living in homes with a large garden. Nowadays, a lot of young renters live in apartments but this does not mean that they cannot grow a garden for their own plants and vegetables. However, you must consider a few things first in order to get started.
Following are some tips that will help you grow a garden in an apartment:
- Determine the Size and Scope of Your Garden
Your first course of action should be to determine the garden’s size and scope based on the size of your apartment. If you have a patio of some sort, great! Because they are perfect for growing traditional plants as well as advanced climbers such as tomatoes. On the other hand, if you don’t have an outdoor area, then you will need to put a reasonably-sized table in a place where there is sufficient natural window light.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It is very important to be aware of your surroundings and make your choice accordingly regarding what you want to plant. Furthermore, most plants have a season-based cycle even in the most desirable of climates, so be sure to read up and learn as much as you can about the plants you want to grow.
- Good Starter Plants
Following are some plants that work very well for beginners who are just learning the basics of apartment gardening:
- Herbs such as mint, cilantro, oregano, parsley, and basil
- Greens such as kale, spinach, and lettuce
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Hot Peppers
- Lighting
Apartment gardens are usually indoors where there isn’t access to sufficient sunlight all day long. Most plants require at least six hours of sunlight every day, some require even more. That’s why, it is recommended that you buy the necessary light fixtures, especially if your apartment lacks the amount of sunlight that plants require.
- Room Conditions
Growing a garden in the right conditions is very important. Key elements include air circulation, CO2 levels, temperature, and humidity. Ideal temperatures are between 20-21 degrees C. The ideal humidity for an apartment garden is from 40-60% relative humidity.
- Nutrients
Many fertilizers/nutrients are available that are designed for apartment gardening. You will have good results if you use the nutrients according to packaging directions. One important thing to keep in mind is that you should not use standard garden nutrients in an apartment garden, as their formulas are designed for use in garden soil, not apartment gardens which are usually hydroponic systems.
- Additional Equipment
It is a good idea to invest in additional equipment. You will need meters to test the pH and PPM of the water as well as relative humidity and temperature of the room. Depending on your climate, you may need a humidifier/dehumidifier in order to adjust the relative humidity to an optimal level. Having some kind of fan or air circulation equipment is also important as it will help improve the airflow in the room.
In conclusion, the key to easy plant growing for apartment living is making sure that you start small. You are bound to be successful if you take the things mentioned above into consideration.
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