How to Grow a Garden in your Apartment
May 7, 2020 6:20 pm Leave your thoughtsPlants have shown to improve air quality, boost immune health, improve mental health, and overall increase productivity, according to ecowatch.com. No wonder they have become popular for decorating an apartment!
Plants help a space to feel alive and healthy. So, why not cover your apartment in them? Whether you’re adding a succulent to a desk or turning your balcony into a garden bar, learning to garden in your apartment has major benefits and the results are “unbe-leaf-able”.
Envision Where in Your Apartment to Build your Garden
Plants need three main things to grow; Sunlight, water and oxygen. Sometimes, your ideal spot to put your garden isn’t the most beneficial in helping the little guys thrive. Window sills, balconies, tables, and sometimes on the floor are great places to put plants if the sunlight can hit them directly. Most houseplants need about 2-3 hours of direct sunlight a day. Wherever they go, ensure they can take their sunbath and soak up some rays.
Solving Space Issues for Your Garden in Your Apartment
It can be tricky in an apartment to find the right space for your plants, especially when you’re considering their needs for sunlight or shade. Apartments often have unique layouts, little lighting, or very limited space. You might have to get creative, but adding a little green to your apartment is still possible.
A balcony is a great option for herbs, edibles, and larger plants. For indoor plants, consider window sills and counters or install shelves where the light hits just right. Hanging plants from the ceiling with macrame or hanging planters is a great way to get them near a window without taking up floor or wall space.
Add plants to every surface! Desks, tables, nightstands, and bookcases can all help you solve space issues because they are already there in your apartment. We promise with a little effort you can garden in your apartment no matter the space you have.
Utilizing Vertical Space for Apartment Gardening
Still struggling to figure out where to put your plants? Think upwards! Vertical gardens utilize walls or structures to grow plants vertically. You can create one using hanging pots, wall-mounted planters, or even repurposed pallets. This not only saves floor space but also adds a decorative touch to your living area.
Try hanging planters! They are a fantastic way to add greenery without sacrificing floor space. You can hang them from ceilings, balconies, or even curtain rods. Consider trailing plants like ivy, heartleaf philodendron, or pothos for a cascading effect.
Install shelves or repurpose a ladder to create tiers for your plants. This adds visual interest and lets you grow multiple plants in a small space. Just make sure that the shelves are sturdy enough to support the weight of the pots, which can get kind of heavy once filled with wet soil.
Tiered plant stands are another great option for using vertical space. These stands come in various styles and sizes, so you can showcase your plant collection while keeping them organized and easily accessible.
Plant pockets or wall planters are perfect for growing herbs, succulents, or small flowering plants. Hang them on walls for a lush, space-saving display.
Get creative with unused spaces like corners, nooks, or even the area above cabinets. Install floating shelves or hanging planters to transform these overlooked areas into thriving mini-gardens. The more creative your use of space, the more fun it is to garden in your apartment!
By thinking vertically and utilizing every available inch of space, you can create a lush and vibrant garden oasis in even the smallest of apartments. So, let your creativity blossom and embark on your vertical gardening journey!
Build your Garden a Home
Depending on the type of plant, some require a more strict environment and regimen. For example, an azalea plant is known for being harder to keep alive than other plants. These plants normally grow in cool, humid climates which is a hard combination to achieve. This is why it can be hard to replicate the ideal climate for these plants. Knowing the background of your plant and where they originate from is key to knowing what climate they thrive in and how you can include them in your apartment garden.
Depending on how many plants you want in a pot or bed, use soil to help them grow their roots. According to gardener’s.com, it is best to find soil that contains peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. This soil does dry out fast because it does not contain nutrients, but it absorbs moisture very well and resists compaction. Make sure to add nutrients such as fertilizers and synthetic nutrients.
For whatever plants you choose or whatever lighting you have, make sure you replicate the conditions that will best suit your plants. Pay careful attention to what they need as you garden in your apartment so they will feel at home in your home.
Creative Plant Display and Decoration Ideas
So often people see apartments as limited, especially when it comes to plants, because of smaller spaces and odd layouts. But, limitations force you to be creative! That means you can make your space even more unique and even more you. Here are some creative ways to display and decorate your plants in apartments:
- Macramé Plant Hangers: Add a bohemian vibe to your space with macramé plant hangers. These handcrafted plant holders not only showoff your plants but also add texture and visual interest to any room.
- Terrariums: Create miniature ecosystems with terrariums. These glass containers are perfect for housing small plants like succulents, air plants, or moss. Customize them with decorative elements like stones, sand, or figurines for a whimsical touch.
- Plant Ladders: Repurpose an old wooden ladder into a charming plant display. Simply lean it against a wall and place potted plants on each rung. You can paint the ladder to match your décor or leave it rustic for a shabby-chic look.
- Vintage Planters: Hunt for unique vintage planters at thrift stores or flea markets. Old teapots, tin cans, or ceramic bowls can be repurposed into charming plant containers that add character to your space.
- Plant Wall Art: Get creative with plant wall art by arranging plants in geometric patterns or letter shapes. Use lightweight containers and secure them to the wall with adhesive hooks or wall-mounted planters for a striking visual display.
- Repurposed Furniture: Give new life to old furniture by turning them into plant stands. Use items like wooden crates, step stools, or vintage drawers to create multi-level displays for your plants.
- Living Walls: Transform an entire wall into a lush vertical garden with a living wall system. These modular panels allow you to grow plants vertically, adding a dramatic focal point to any room.
With a few of these ideas, you can turn your apartment into a green oasis that reflects your personal style and love for plants.
Pick out Your Plants
There are thousands of different kinds of plants you can have inside your apartment that are easy to take care of. You can grow spices and herbs for your kitchen like basil, thyme, and parsley. Want a more colorful garden? Grow some vibrant flowers such as Gerbera daisies, colorful cacti, or overflowing leafy plants such as Elephant’s ear or a fern.
Some people opt for pleasant-smelling plants that have calming and healing aspects such as lavender, eucalyptus and aloe vera. You can even grow catnip and animal-friendly plants if you are a pet owner. Make sure you read the care instructions for each type of plant because they will have unique instructions depending on their species. There is a plant suitable for every apartment no matter your space or budget
Best Potting Mixes for Indoor Plants
Choosing the right potting mix is so important for the health and growth of your indoor plants. Here’s some info about the best potting mixes used for common indoor plants:
- All-Purpose Potting Mix: This is a versatile option suitable for a wide range of indoor plants, including foliage plants, flowering plants, and succulents. All-purpose potting mixes typically contain a blend of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and sometimes added nutrients for optimal plant growth.
- Succulent and Cactus Mix: Succulents and cacti have unique soil requirements due to their low water needs and preference for well-draining soil. A specialized succulent and cactus mix usually consists of a combination of sand, perlite, and gritty material like crushed granite or pumice to ensure excellent drainage and prevent root rot.
- African Violet Mix: African violets thrive in slightly acidic soil that is well-draining yet moisture-retentive. An African violet mix typically contains a blend of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and sometimes added ingredients like lime or coconut coir to maintain proper pH levels and moisture retention.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Mix: Fiddle leaf figs prefer a well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix that is rich in organic matter. A blend of peat moss, perlite, pine bark, and composted materials is commonly used to provide the right balance of nutrients and drainage for these popular indoor trees.
- Citrus Plant Mix: Citrus plants, such as lemon or lime trees, thrive in slightly acidic soil that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. A citrus plant mix typically contains a blend of peat moss, perlite, pine bark, and added nutrients like lime or gypsum to maintain proper pH levels and support healthy growth.
When selecting a potting mix for your indoor plants, think about their specific needs when it comes to water retention, drainage, and nutrient requirements. It’s also a good idea to repot your plants with fresh potting mix every couple of years to replenish nutrients and ensure optimal growth.
Watering Your Apartment Garden
Proper watering is absolutely necessary for the health and vitality of your indoor garden. Over-watering can be just as bad as under-watering. So, here are a couple of tips to help you get it just right.
Different plants have different water requirements based on their species, size, growth stage, and environmental conditions. Before watering, make sure you know the specific needs of each plant in your indoor garden. Some plants prefer consistently moist soil, while others prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. It’s best to avoid watering on a fixed schedule and instead assess each plant’s needs individually.
Before reaching for the watering can, check the moisture level of the soil in your pots. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, hold off on watering for another day or two. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it’s essential to let the soil dry out between waterings for plants that prefer drier conditions.
When you water your indoor plants, water thoroughly until the excess water starts to drain out from the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire root ball gets moistened evenly. However, be sure not to let your plants sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. Always empty the saucers beneath your pots shortly after watering to prevent water from accumulating.
Avoid using cold water straight from the tap, as it can shock the roots of your plants. Instead, fill a watering can and let it sit for a while to allow it to reach room temperature. Room-temperature water is gentler on your plants and helps prevent stress.
Keep in mind that plants may require more frequent watering during the warmer months when evaporation rates are higher, and less frequent watering during the cooler months when they are in a dormant or slower growth phase. So, adjust your watering accordingly. Also, consider factors such as humidity levels, air circulation, and light intensity, as these can affect how quickly your plants’ soil dries out.
Solutions for Low Light Environments
Growing plants in low light conditions can be tricky, but it’s not impossible and some plants love it!
Choose plants that are well-suited to low-light conditions. Some varieties that thrive in low light include snake plants, pothos, peace lilies, ZZ plants, spider plants, and philodendrons. These plants have adapted to survive in shaded areas and can tolerate lower light levels compared to other species.
While low light conditions may not provide the same intensity of sunlight as bright, direct sunlight, placing your plants near windows can still provide them with some natural light. North-facing windows typically receive the least amount of direct sunlight but still offer bright, indirect light that many indoor plants will love.
If you don’t have a lot of natural light, try supplementing with artificial lighting. LED grow lights are a popular option for indoor gardening because they are energy-efficient and provide a spectrum of light that is suitable for plant growth. They work great for all sorts of plants and can even help you grow herbs and plants from seed! Position the lights above your plants and adjust the duration and intensity based on the needs of your plants and the available natural light.
Eco-friendly and Sustainable Gardening Practices
If you killed a plant and want to try again-go for it! One of the great things about plants is they can be recycled. Old soil, bulbs, and seeds can be replanted in your garden. Dead plants can actually be spread out on the grass or buried in old fertilizer to make it healthier and grow new plants. If you do it right, you can always be continuously growing new plants and having a beautiful garden in your apartment.
Having a green thumb is mostly making a habit of keeping up with your plants and giving them what they need. If you do this, they will in return give you all the things you need for a healthy living space. For more eco-friendly tips for your apartment, check out this post.
Avoid Pests as You Garden in Your Apartment
Just like humans, plants get annoyed when pests won’t leave them alone. Earthworms, ladybugs, bees, and mosquitos are all bugs that generally like to feed off of plants or feed on other bugs that are found on plants. When plants are outdoors, there are sometimes benefits to having bugs in your garden, but not indoors. Keep an eye on your plants and make sure nothing except sunlight oxygen and water are getting to your plants. Also, keep an eye on pets especially cats who like to chew on leaves, which can be toxic.
DIY Fertilizers for Indoor Plants
DIY fertilizers can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to provide essential nutrients to your indoor plants. Most of them can be made from things you already have in your house! Here are some simple DIY fertilizer options that you can easily make at home:
- Banana Peel Fertilizer: Banana peels are rich in potassium, which promotes healthy root development and flowering in plants. To make banana peel fertilizer, simply chop up banana peels and bury them in the soil around your plants. You can also soak chopped banana peels in water for a few days to create a nutrient-rich banana peel tea, which can be used to water your plants.
- Eggshell Fertilizer: Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which helps prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers and promotes overall plant health. Crush clean, dried eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them directly onto the soil around your plants. As the eggshells break down, they release calcium into the soil.
- Coffee Grounds Fertilizer: Used coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which promotes healthy leafy growth in plants. Simply sprinkle used coffee grounds onto the soil around your plants or mix them into the soil when repotting. Coffee grounds can also help improve soil drainage and aeration.
- Epsom Salt Fertilizer: Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a natural source of magnesium, which is essential for chlorophyll production and overall plant health. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water and use it to water your plants once a month. Be careful not to overuse Epsom salt. Too much magnesium can be harmful to plants.
- Green Tea Fertilizer: Green tea contains nutrients like nitrogen, which can benefit plants when used as a fertilizer. Steep used green tea leaves in water for a few hours or overnight, then use the cooled tea to water your plants. You can also sprinkle the used tea leaves directly onto the soil as a natural mulch.
When using DIY fertilizers, you need to monitor your plants’ response and adjust how much or how often you fertilize them based on how they do. While homemade fertilizers are great and can provide valuable nutrients to your plants, it can be difficult to get the balanced right. We’d recommend using them along with other fertilizers to make sure all your plants’ needs are met.
Propagating Plants in Your Apartment Garden
Propagating plants in apartments is not only possible but also a fun and rewarding way to expand your indoor garden! You can take stem or leaf cuttings of plants, propagate them in water, and watch them grow.
Some plants like spider plants create little offsets or pups that can be separated from the parent plant and potted up individually. Once the offset has developed its own roots, you can remove it from the parent plant and pot it in fresh soil.
Snake plants and peace lilies are fun to propagate because you can simply remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections to divide the plant. Make sure each section has its own roots and leaves and then pot up the divisions in separate containers with fresh soil.
Make A Habit of Gardening in your Apartment
Plants are living organisms that are very helpful for your health-so keep them alive! If you feel like you’re doing everything you can to keep them alive and they are still dying, you might be over-doing it. Such as over-watering or letting too much sunlight shine on them. The right balance to growing a garden in your apartment is essential. You should be checking on them at least once a day and making sure they have the ideal environment. Also, using a cool vapor humidifier will ensure that your plants have humid and moist air around them 24/7.
The biggest thing is to consistently check and care for each of your plants. Make sure their conditions are right and your plants should thrive!
Conclusion
Cultivating plants in small, indoor environments can seem impossible, but it’s really not. With a little effort, you can engage in gardening as a hobby to enhance not only your living space but your well-being. Creating green space in an apartment is well worth the effort, offering many mental health benefits and the fun of caring for living things. Simply choose suitable plants, care for them daily, and watch them grow!
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Categorised in: Apartment Living
This post was written by Isabella Housel
Isabella Housel is a passionate and versatile professional writer with a deep love for words and a commitment to crafting compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires. With many years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills across various genres, from creative storytelling to informative articles and technical documentation.