Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden!
For someone like myself, living in an apartment can be frustrating because I love gardening! This year, with the weather being so beautiful, I once again was aching to have a garden of my own and cursing my lack of yard space. Then, it came to me: why not put some plants in my windowsill?
Anyone can grow beautiful plants or even fresh veggies if they’re willing to put in the effort! Here are a few basic steps to get you started:
Step One – Pots and Containers
A good windowsill garden starts with a good windowsill pot or container. The important thing about any container, whether it’s a fancy store-bought kind or one you make yourself from a bucket or soda bottle, is proper drainage. The water has to drain from the bottom, otherwise it will pool up and cause all sorts of problems for your plants. I bought some long plastic pots, drilled holes in the bottoms, and put some plastic covers on the bottom to catch the water as it drains. I also found some wonderful round plastic pots at Target that have a bottom water collection tray that’s removable. So far, my plants are loving them!
Step Two – Add Potting Soil
The key here is to use actual potting soil. Do not use soil that’s intended for regular outdoor garden use, as it may contain insects or other creepy-crawlies that you’d probably rather not bring into your home! It doesn’t need to be a super fancy or expensive soil, just make sure the bag says ” potting soil” !
Step Three – Add Plants
At this point in the season, I recommend buying small plants that are already started as opposed to seeds. Any store that sells garden supplies will probably have some sort of garden center set up during the spring and summer months, and most of them sell a wide variety of flowers, fruits, and veggies. If you’d rather plant seeds, follow the instructions on the package as each plant has its own unique needs.
For vegetables, leafy greens and herbs do best, especially if you don’t have a particularly sunny window to put them in. If you are adventurous, you could try tomatoes or cucumbers, but those will require some supplemental lighting. As for flowers, choose a variety that does well in partial shade. If you have pets, especially cats, make sure your plant isn’t poisonous! Tomato leaves are poisonous to cats, so I have mine in a hanging planter they can’t reach.
Step Four – Add Food or Fertilizer
Be sure not to use too much! You can overfeed your plants, so use only what’s necessary. Right now, I’m experimenting with guinea pig manure. I know it sounds strange, but I have four guinea pigs and I’d really like to find some use for their poo since there is so much of it!
Step Five – Place in Window
If you have a south or east facing window, place your plants there. If you’re like me and your only choice is a north facing window, you may need to supplement the little sunlight you do get with a grow light of some sort. Keep your windows open for ventilation, or to ensure your plants get proper airflow, use an oscillating fan set on low or medium.
Step Six – Add Water and Watch Them Grow!
This is the fun part, of course! Be patient, and adjust how much you water your plants as necessary. Some plants are thirstier than others! An easy, albeit inaccurate, test is to stick your finger an inch or two down in the soil. If the soil is moist, you’re good. If it’s dry, then it’s time to break out the watering can. A spray bottle can be good for misting the leaves, too, to ensure they’re getting enough humidity.
These are just the basics, of course. You’ll want to research the different kinds of plants and their ideal conditions first so you can adjust their environment accordingly. Planting indoors is well worth the effort, if you ask me. It’s not only a fun hobby, but it alleviates the jealousy I feel every time I walk past a house with a luscious garden!
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