Container Gardens this Spring
Have you found yourself wishing you had direct access to fresh herbs and vegetables? Now that the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, it might be the perfect time to start thinking of a container garden in your apartment.
You don’t need a balcony or a whole backyard to enjoy freshly grown produce so now is your time to take advantage of the warm weather in the forecast and start your garden! Here are a few tips on how to successfully start an indoor garden this spring:
Choose the right vegetables and herbs.
The first step in your kitchen garden is to pick items that will not only thrive in containers but that you will also enjoy! Just because you can grow it indoors doesn’t mean that you need to grow it. There are many varieties of plants that you can grow and enjoy and you might want to start with a few options and then expand each year.
Herbs: Most herbs do pretty good in containers and will be able to survive on your window sill but a good list to go off of:
Basil
Chives
Mint
Greek Oregano
Rosemary
Thyme
Vegetables: Veggies can require a little more research when choosing a good fit for your containers. Make sure you choose options that will fit in your space (some root veggies need large containers, some veggies need to vine and can be too large for indoors) and if you pair them with any other veggies or herbs make sure they will benefit each other’s growth.
Lettuce
Kale
Onion
Garlic
Choose the right container.
With online shopping and megastores, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the options you have for your containers. Realistically, you will be able to grow a lot of your plants in ANY container (we are talking about a milk jug would be great) but if you were looking for a pretty planter that will add to the aesthetic of your apartment check out a vertical window garden! These options allow you to have the best use of space as well as most sunlight available.
If you have multiple windows and want to use floor pots, you can get a stacking garden pot to give you options to continue to add to your garden or start as small as you would like.
If you are looking just to start with herbs and only dedicate a windowsill, check out this small planter option:
The most important thing to remember when purchasing your containers is the drainage of the plants and the size of the roots. Make sure you get a planter that the roots can grow deep if needed.
Use your local resources
If you have a lot of questions and are unsure how to start your container garden, pop into a local nursery and ask for help! These skilled growers will be able to get you started on the right foot and ensure you’ll be able to spend your summer with fresh veggies and herbs!
