Sincerely, Simpson

You might think you can’t have a garden because you don’t have any land – but that’s not true! There are many herbs, fruits and vegetables that can grow indoors and in smaller places. All you need to do is make sure to give your plants the right amount of sunlight, proper drainage, appropriate amount of water and fertilizer. With the right amount of sun, water, etc. you can produce a thriving garden on your balcony/patio or fire escape or even plant year-round indoors.

 

Here’s how:

DETERMINE WHAT TO GROW

Here are a few examples of herbs, fruits and vegetables you can grow in your apartment:

1. Herbs – basil, rosemary, mint, ginger, cilantro and parsley
2. Greens – romaine lettuce, kale and spinach
3. Avocados
4. Garlic Greens
5. Scallions
6. Tomatoes
7. Bell Peppers
8. Carrots
9. Radishes
10. Mushrooms
11. Strawberries
12. Oranges
13. Lemons
14. Rhubarb – please note the leaves on Rhubarb plants are poisonous to pets!
15. Winter Squash
16. Watermelon
17. Asparagus
18. Peas
19. Beans
20. Artichokes

 

RESEARCH

Research the amount of nutrients (sunlight, fertilizer, water, etc.) the specific plants you want to plant need. This will help in strategically placing your garden in the right spot in your apartment as well as improve your chances of successful gardening. Each plant is different and knowing what they need to grow is an important step of gardening.

 

DETERMINE WHERE TO GROW

Depending on what you’re planning on growing, you will need to determine the best place to setup the garden. Options include outdoor spaces such as the fire escape and balcony/patio (make sure to plant in early spring if located in a cold climate) and indoor spaces such as hanging planters from hand rails, vertical planters on walls or windowsill boxes for shallow rooted herbs and vegetables.

Also make sure to check-in with your leasing office to make sure there aren’t any policies against growing plants on patios/balconies, fire escapes or windowsill boxes – this may make your decision a little easier!

 

DETERMINE HOW TO GROW

Once you have decided where to grow your plants, you will need to figure out the best way to grow them. Planters are probably the best choice for planting on a patio/balcony or fire escape just as vertical planters are probably best for planting on your wall. Once you have the location picked out, make sure to pick the right kind of planter that will work best in the surroundings.