Apartment Gardening Tips for Small Spaces

Many apartment dwellers dream of growing fresh fruits and vegetables in their own home. But, it doesn’t have to be a dream. Farm fresh fare is easier to attain than you think – even if space is limited. All it takes is a little know-how, a little creativity, and a green thumb.

Pick the Best Plants For Small Spaces

The most important trick to growing a successful apartment farm is to pick the right plants. Small citrus trees – such as lemons and mandarins – do quite well in patio containers. Tomatoes and peppers are easy to grow in pots (as long as there is enough sunlight!). Greens, microgreens, herbs, radishes, carrots and scallions are all great space-savers with minimal maintenance. Avocado trees are easy to sprout from leftover seeds, and can live in pots for years. However, some plants are best left to the bigger growing operations. For instance, okra, corn and squash varieties require lots of space and sunlight.

Plant Companions Together

Use companion planting to squeeze a variety of food producers into a single container. Tomatoes and basil love each other, and some say that the basil actually makes tomatoes taste better. Peppers like to grow with cilantro, which also deters pests from the pepper plants. Carrots, chives, leeks, lettuce, and onions are all good friends as well. While all these companions like to grow together, they will still need a sufficient amount of soil and space to thrive.

Get Creative With Your Garden Plan

Apartment farms require creativity, especially when space is limited. Use tiered shelving to stack more potted plants around your windows and patios. An old fashioned window box is a great place for small carrots to grow, and hanging baskets will allow you to grow vertically all the way up to the ceiling. For the best inspiration, visit your local garden center – the place where people are pros at squeezing as many plants into a single space as possible.

Use Super Soil for Super Foods

The best way to create a high-yield garden in your apartment is with fluffy, fertile, organically-rich soil that will give your plants plenty of nutrients. When the root systems have access to an abundance of plant food, the growth above the soil will produce more fruit for your harvest. This is especially important for container gardens, where tight plant spacing and extensive root systems need the extra love. To ensure adequate soil nutrition throughout the season, replenish often with compost from your own apartment compost bin.