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 it’s 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, the most ideal spot to have put your garden isn’t the most beneficial to helping the little guys thrive. Window seals, 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.
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 such as 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
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.
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.
Avoid Pests
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.
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.
Recycle and Reuse
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.
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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.