How to Start a Garden in Your Apartment
Hey, urban gardeners! Did you know that creating a garden in your Forest Properties apartment is easier than ever? That’s right – from fresh herbs to crunchy vegetables and blooming flowers, having an apartment garden is a great way to grow your own ingredients or add a touch of greenery to your living space. Whether you’d like a few potted plants or are striving to create a blooming oasis, follow along as we explain how to start a garden in your apartment. You’ll discover your green thumb in no time!
Analyze Your Apartment
The first step to planting herbs, vegetables, and various indoor plants is to analyze your apartment’s environment. From sunlight exposure to average temperatures, the following pre-planting pointers will help you determine which types of plants will flourish in your chosen gardening space.
- How much sun does my apartment receive, and for how many hours?
- Does my outdoor balcony tend to be windy?
- Is there open space in front of windows for pots and small containers?
- Can my pets access the potted plants? (Remember certain plants are toxic to animals!)
Wyndham Park is located within minutes of the University of Connecticut. Enjoy the open floor plan of our two bedroom townhomes and the private patio. Learn more on Wyndham Park now.
The Townhouses of Wyndham Park in Connecticut
Setting Up Your Garden
Once you understand your apartment environment and decide what you’d like to grow, it’s time to choose where your pots or planter box will exist. While the type of plants you’re growing will influence where the pots will be placed, here are a few spots to set up shop and get digging:
The balcony. Many Forest Properties apartments boast spacious balconies, patios, or decks that are perfect for potted greens. Check out the floor plans of Wyndham Park, Lake Lucerne Towers, and Four Seasons for ideas.
Windowsills. While small in size, windowsills are prime real estate for hosting indoor plants. Place your shallow-rooted herbs (such as basil, mint, and thyme) in small containers on windowsills for maximum light exposure.
Think vertical. Who said apartment gardens can’t grow vertically? All you need is a bare wall, plenty of sunlight, and a bit of inspiration from Pinterest!
These ideas are great for rental apartments because they don’t require permanent installations, but be sure to check with your apartment manager on what is/isn’t allowed on your balcony space.
Decide What to Grow
Choosing what to grow in your apartment garden is a personal decision. From first-timers to seasoned gardeners, here are a few questions to ask yourself before grabbing your shovel and gardening gloves:
Do you like to cook at home?
Growing fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint is a great way to enhance recipes (and save money!). Small pots will contain these plants and avoid overgrowing.
Looking to add a bit of life to your living room?
A full-bodied potted plant may do the trick. Fiddle leaf figs, peace lilies, jade plants, and sword ferns are some popular, easy-to-care-for options. Choose a decorated pot to compliment your Sagamore Court decor.
Want to add some color to your private balcony?
Flowering plants such as marigolds, fuchsia, hydrangeas, and ivy geraniums will brighten up the space with seasonal pops of color. Plant these in a beautifully decorated pot to add character to your Audubon Cove balcony.
Enjoy scenic lake views of Fort Myers from your private balcony or patio at Audubon Cove. Explore the community's available floor plans today!
Views from Audubon Cove in Florida
Essential Indoor Garden Supplies
Once you’ve decided what you’d like to plant and where, it’s time to get your hands dirty with essential gardening supplies. Rest assured that your indoor gardening supply list won’t be as demanding as an outdoor garden, but you’ll still need to account for the following items:
- Potting soil (organic if you’re growing veggies and herbs)
- Decorated pots, hanging baskets, and holders
- Seeds or rooted plants
- Watering can, soil thermometer, and gardening gloves
- A transplanting trowel, hand rake, and pruning shears
- Small broom and dust pan
Once you’ve chosen where to create your garden and understand how to maintain it, you’re ready to enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of your plants. Share your seasonal apartment gardening tips with us on Facebook!
Posted in Apartment Living, Boston Metro, Florida, New England, New Hampshire | Tagged apartment design tips • growing vegetables • indoor garden
