Apartment Gardening Demystified

Who says you can’t have a garden just because you live in an apartment? Probably a lot of people, but they’re not exactly right!

Thankfully, you don’t have to have a large backyard or a farm to start gardening; you can do it from your apartment in the city.

Naturally, gardening in an apartment isn’t at all like gardening in an open space under the skies. That’s why we’re here today to help you make the best of what you have at home!

How to Set up a Garden in Your Apartment

You’ll need to be extra careful starting your little garden as you’ll find many restrictions in your apartment.

The light doesn’t flow in as much, there isn’t natural rainfall, and the plants don’t sway to the wind as they normally would.

So, here’s how you can build an apartment garden so it’s not missing anything vital:

1 – Choose the Right Plants

Some plants prefer being under clear skies while others wouldn’t mind growing inside an apartment.

For instance, you can grow basil, mint, and thyme right by your windowsill.

These would make excellent choices for apartments as they don’t need too much direct light to flourish and they add a fresh aroma to your place.

You can also grow radish and cherry tomatoes indoors since they’re beginner-friendly and don’t require much space.

To pick the right plants for your apartment, start by assessing how much natural light you’re getting!

The differences between north, south, east, or west-facing windows can make a huge difference!

2 – Pick the Right Containers

A general rule of thumb is to pick your containers only after you know what you’ll plant.

Small plants like herbs or succulents fare well with four to six-inch diameter containers since they don’t take up much space.

Bigger plants naturally require bigger pots, around six to ten inches in diameter. The larger the plant, the larger your container will have to be.

The most vital part is to purchase ones with drainage holes at the bottom to help excess water escape and avoid water logging the plants.

You should also purchase some drainage saucers to protect your floors and surfaces.

3 – Use High-Quality Soil

Unlike garden soil, potting soil is specifically formulated to provide an ideal balance of aeration, drainage, and moisture retention. What does that mean?

It means you can’t simply pick any soil and you certainly can’t use garden soil in your containers.

A good potting mix is lightweight and allows water to drain efficiently while retaining enough moisture for plant roots to absorb.

High-quality potting mix often comes pre-mixed with organic matter, such as compost, peat moss, or coconut coir, which also provides essential nutrients for the soil.

4 – Manage Light

Light is one of the most important elements in growing plants, and, in an apartment, it can be a limiting factor.

However, you don’t have to let it restrict you, rather use it to your best advantage. If you have a south-facing window, leave the sun-loving plants there so they can get the most light.

For east- and west-facing windows that catch the gentle morning light, consider plants such as light pothos, snake plants, and mint—the plants that wouldn’t mind six hours instead of eight of sunlight!

For north-facing windows, low-light plants like ZZs, ferns, and philodendrons are best.

If you feel that natural light isn’t sufficient, boost it with reflective surfaces like mirrors or white walls near your plants to bounce more light.

You can also use grow lights if you don’t have enough natural light in your apartment.

5 – Handle Watering Correctly

It’s best to observe and assess your plant to learn its needs instead of following a strict watering schedule.

A general trick to follow when watering is to stick your finger about an inch or so into the soil before adding water. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, wait a day and check again.

This simple test can help prevent overwatering, one of the most common mistakes in indoor gardening.

For certain plants, especially those prone to rot, consider watering from the bottom.

Set the container in a shallow bowl of water and let the soil absorb the water through the drainage holes.

This can take up to an hour. Once the soil feels evenly moist, remove the pot from the dish and let any excess water drain away.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let living in an apartment keep you from growing a beautiful garden! Gardening in an apartment isn’t an impossible task but it’s not easy either.

You’ll need to pick the right plants for your apartment and place them strategically, where they can get enough sunlight and air.

Choosing the right container and potting mix is also vital, as they can determine how your plants grow.

Once everything is in place, maintain your plants by observing their needs and how the soil feels under your fingers.

Eventually, you’ll have a beautiful mini-garden thriving in your apartment!