In recent years, the idea of growing food at home has become more and more popular. But like myself, many people are limited by small apartments and a lack of a yard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start a gardening project. Starting an in-home garden can be a fun and gratifying way to start putting your own food on the table, so here are a couple of ideas for how to get started growing food in small spaces.
- Assess your space options
Looking around your home, what options do you have for placing plants? Some ideas are windowsills, kitchen counters, porches, or balconies. You can also consider hanging plants or using a tiered plant stand! Get a little creative with your ideas.
- Pick your plants
Many options perform well inside and don’t need a lot of space. You can try growing leafy greens, green onions, mushrooms, peas, and sprouts. Tomatoes and beans grow well on a trellis, meaning if you’ve got the vertical space for them to thrive, they can grow quite well in a small area and are a perfect fit for a narrow balcony.
- Get spicy
Making an herb garden is one of the best ways to start growing food inside. Perfect for tucking onto a windowsill or a corner of your kitchen counter, there are a wide variety of herbs that are easy to grow and thrive in small spaces. Think basil, cilantro, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and mint. But a word of caution, mint will overgrow any other plants it shares soil with, so make sure to use a separate container for this sneaky little herb!
- Enjoy the perks of a controlled environment
Outdoor gardens are subject to a litany of variables including weather, pests, and location. Once you’ve put something in the ground, it’s stuck there! Indoor potted plants can be moved around as you please, optimizing their sunlight intake and the functionality of your space. Indoor plants are also much less susceptible to infections, fungus, and assorted garden pests. While your plants won’t be invincible, you’ll encounter far fewer garden foes when growing inside.
- Start small
Starting your first garden can be an intimidating endeavor. It requires research, good soil, the right lighting, seasonal planning, and a constant awareness of the weather. Starting a small indoor garden can remove some of these factors from the equation, making it a great place to start learning the ins and outs of growing food. While we all pine for a large yard with an overflowing bounty of crops, that big of a project can easily start to feel overwhelming. Getting a few plants going inside can help prepare you for the day that a big outdoor garden becomes a reality.
- Consider hydroponics
One of the most effective ways to garden inside is to invest in a hydroponic system. Hydroponic gardening consists of growing plants in a solution of water and nutrients instead of soil. Plants often have a higher yield and can be grown close together, making it a great choice for smaller spaces. That being said, hydroponic systems are expensive and can require a large upfront investment. But if you are serious about growing food indoors, it can be a great way to develop a thriving and high-producing indoor garden. You can learn more about hydroponic gardening here.
- Lean on your community
Try as you might, it’s possible that in-home gardening isn’t the best fit for you! If that’s the case, look into community gardens in your area. A community garden is a space where you can rent out a plot to plant and grow whatever you desire! Not only is it a great way to get access to a well-cared-for piece of land to grow on, but it is also a perfect opportunity to connect with other gardeners in your area for tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your garden!
While it will take a little creativity and trial and error to make an in-home garden that thrives for you, it is entirely possible to start growing food in almost any space! Start small and be patient, what a garden needs the most is time and care. Take notes on what works and keep working towards the big garden of your dreams!
