A Quick Guide to Starting an Apartment Garden

The secret of apartment gardening is to pick plants that will thrive in the environment. From beautiful flowers to tasty vegetables, find out how to cultivate a patch of nature in a small space.

Find the Right Space for Your Apartment Garden

The first step in apartment gardening is to decide what fits into the available space. A multi-level planter or containers are good choices for a balcony, while small pots of herbs fit on a window ledge. Place houseplants and succulents on tables and shelves, and arrange floor plants, such as umbrella trees, in a corner. Trailing plants look beautiful hanging from the ceiling or set on a tall shelf.

Match the Plants to the Environment

For best results, consider the amount of sunlight the space gets, and choose well-suited plants. Balconies or south-facing windows with plenty of direct sun and warmth are ideal for peppers, lemons, tomatoes, basil, dill, and rosemary, as well as flowering plants like geraniums. For areas with partial shade or indirect light, try carrots, radishes, parsley, chives, and tarragon. Houseplants that tolerate north-facing windows or low light include African violets, peace lilies, philodendrons, and snake plants.

What You Need to Start a Garden

Plants purchased from nurseries can be transferred into pretty pots for instant beauty. Use well-draining indoor potting soil, containers with drainage holes, and saucers to catch excess water. It's also rewarding to begin with seeds and tend the plants as they grow. Sow seeds in small seed-starting trays, and transplant seedlings into larger pots once they're about four inches tall.

Caring for an Apartment Garden

The key to a successful garden is knowing how much water and light the plants need to thrive. Each one is different, so it's helpful to make notes. Don't forget to water the plants, but check the soil first, as overwatering can cause the roots to rot.  Plants also give out signals. A leaning plant may be looking for more light, while one that's drooping may have too much or too little water.

Get Creative

The possibilities are endless with apartment gardening, so have some fun with it. Experiment with growing avocados from a pit or green onions from the scrap ends. Choose plants in a variety of colors, textures, and heights for visual interest. Make a home smell amazing with fragrant blossoms, or try growing an air plant — it doesn't need soil; just an occasional bath in the sink.