I am a diehard plant lover. I always have been, despite my lack of a green thumb. So when I moved into my apartment, my plants were coming with me, it was non-negotiable. Sadly, apartments aren’t exactly conducive to gardening. I had to get creative with my horticulture but was successfully able to turn my apartment into an urban garden oasis. And you can too!
LOOK TO YOUR LAYOUT
The layout of your apartment is everything when it comes to choosing plants. Plants won’t thrive without light, even if it only requires an hour or two each day. Think about how much sunlight your apartment receives before choosing any plants. Not receiving any rays for at least six hours a day isn’t a deal-breaker, but it will limit your plant selection.
If you only get minimal sun, consider plants that are suited to low-light conditions. Most can still provide a perfect pop of color in your space. ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, and Peace Lilies are ideal indoor apartment plants.
Use a Balcony or Windowsill
If you hope to grow a flowering plant or one that bears fruit, know that they need around eight hours of sunlight. Most renters will need to use a balcony or outdoor space to satisfy these types of plants. You will also need to wait until it is warm enough outside depending on your climate.
Gardeners.com – Gardener’s Best® Tomato Grow Bag Set Crate & Barrel – Herb Planter with Scissors
Thankfully, you can grow almost any type of plant in a container. Vegetables are perfect for balconies, and can be started from seeds or seedlings in a hanging planter or grow bag. Herbs are another group of plants that won’t occupy more than one square foot of your outdoor space. Alternatively, they also do very well in window sills. Choose a variety of plants that you enjoy using in the kitchen and you will be a regular urban farmer in no time!
Consider Your Schedule
Plants, like us humans, usually do better with a routine. That means they will need regular care in terms of watering, feeding, and pruning. If you have a chaotic schedule, it may be best to stick to low maintenance varieties. This way you won’t feel like a plant-murderer every time you forget to water them for two weeks.
Some great low-key options are succulents. These little guys require virtually no care, just a little water every two weeks or so, and a once a month feeding. Snake Plants are another type perfect for those with a hectic schedule. They prefer their soil a little dry and aren’t picky about light conditions.
Get Creative
Today, apartment dwellers have so many options when it comes to choosing, caring for, and displaying plants. Many of these products can help greenery overcome even the most anti-plant conditions.
Grow lights can give your green beauties hours of necessary sunlight so you can say no-windows, no-problem! Terrariums and mini-greenhouses provide optimal humidity, even if your apartment is located in New York during the dead of winter.
Wayfair – Gorton Brass Terrarium Crate&Barrel – Large Slant Terrarium with Wood Base
Planters come in a myriad of different styles, allowing you to place your plants almost anywhere. Hanging macrame planters are ideal for long plants such as ivy, while tall and narrow pot pedestals can spice up any corner.
Urban Outfitters – Natural Plant Hanger west elm – Turned Wood Leg Standing Planter
Tips for Apartment Garden Growers
Establishing and maintaining an apartment garden doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few tips to get you and your seedlings off to a great start!
- A good foundation is key, and for plants that means healthy soil and roots. Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage can be a real problem. Keep soggy roots at bay by placing a layer of small stones in the bottom of your pot then adding the soil. Also, make sure each of your planters has a drainage hole on the base.
- Stick to a watering regimen. Most plants don’t require regular fertilization, but they do require a watering schedule. Cacti require much less water than say a Baby’s Tears plant. This means you can’t water all of your plants at the same time. Look up each of their needs and create a watering regimen to keep everyone happy, healthy, and green.
- Not ready to commit to a plant care schedule? Try out a Smart Garden. These are so cool and perfect for people who like to set-it-and-forget-it but still reap all the benefits of a home garden. Click & Grow is one the most popular and easiest to use. All you have to do is add pods and water to their smart grow station, then it does the rest of the work for you! You have your choice from 45 different fruits, herbs, and leafy greens.
