If there is one positive thing that has come about as a result of the pandemic, it is the increasing number of households that are getting more involved in their gardens. We all spend so much more time in our homes, so why not make the most of our gardens. It’s a trend that is sweeping across the world, as more and more households get the ‘green thumb’. Get started gardening by covering these small apartment garden tips.

This trend seems to even affect those who live in apartments and don’t have a garden. Whether it is part of a focus to be more sustainable, a need to bring more greenery indoors, increase the CO2 in your home, or grow your own vegetables or herbs, there are plenty of benefits to having an indoor garden. It’s quite different from growing plants outside, as the conditions are somewhat unique. I bet you didn’t think you’d need to wash your plants? Well, if you have an indoor garden, it is something you have to consider.

In this guide, we share a number of tips on how you can make the most out of your indoor garden.

The setup and tools

When planning your indoor garden, you’ll first have to have a set of tools ready. Let’s run through a few of them.

Hand trowel

This is one of your main gardening tools. This handy tool is used for moving small amounts of soil, fertilizer, and even plants. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Try to find one with a comfortable handle as you’ll use this tool quite a lot.

Soil knife

A soil knife, also known as a hori-hori, is another important indoor gardening tool. It is very similar to a trowel, but it is used for even finer tasks. It has a thin long blade that’s flexible and sharp enough to thin out small plants or cut off dead or excess branches from your plants without bruising the plant itself. Make sure you choose one that is rust-proof, which most of them are.

Indoor pots

There are plenty of indoor pots to choose from, in a variety of sizes and colors. If you are looking for an affordable option, choose plastic. We recommend a ceramic pot though as they look far better and are more porous. With plastic pots, you run the risk of your plants getting root rot. If you are on a budget though, you will find a variety of plastic options. Try to find those that are designed to look like their more impressive ceramic friends.

Hand fork

You’ll need a hand fork to remove weeds and for pulling out the odd root here and there when you need to. You’ll often find this in a set, alongside the hand trowel and the soil knife. If you have the budget, choose a more premium set as they will outlast the cheaper ones.

Soil probe

This is another key gardening tool. It helps you to determine when the soil in your pots is too dry or too wet. It takes all the guesswork out of deciding if you need to add water or not.

Watering can

Make sure you invest in a good watering can. Make sure it has a good spout so the water goes out in a gentle and even stream instead of all at once. It’s worth spending more on this tool as you will be using it often!

Okay, so now you have the tools for the job and you’re ready to start making your indoor Garden of Eden. What next? If you’d like to create an indoor garden that will impress your friends or family, or avoid having to dash to the shop to get your vegetables for dinner, keep reading.

Indoor gardening tips

When it comes to your indoor garden, there are a few simple things you should be doing to allow your greenery to flourish. Let’s run through small apartment garden tips.

1: Choosing the right soil

This is one of the most important parts of growing your plants indoors. It’s important you don’t take a shortcut and simply use soil from your garden or from someone else’s! You’ll risk bringing microscopic pests and diseases into your indoor garden. Choose a sterile potting mix instead that is full of nutrients.

2: Light it up!

Another important decision to make. When it comes to where to position your indoor garden or pots, make sure you place them in an area of good light. Make sure your plants get at least six hours of sunshine each day. If you cannot provide the proper amount of natural sunlight, try using grow lights. A few desk lamps with CFL bulbs will help supplement the lighting of your indoor garden. Before you do though, just check what the recommended sunlight is for whatever plants you are looking to grow – some need far less light than others. If you have a balcony, that’s a great place for a garden.

3: Make sure that you water them enough (but not too much)

When it comes to watering, this one is all about balance. As these plants don’t grow in the ground with natural water around them, you’ll need to water once a day. Water your plants well, but make sure that they are not soggy as this may lead to root rot. It’s also important you have good drainage so that the water doesn’t sit in the bottom of the pot. This is another reason why we suggest using ceramic pots versus plastic ones, as they are more porous. Use a soil probe to keep a close eye on the moisture levels. It’ll tell you when it’s time for a top-up.

4: Use the right-sized pots

Make sure you use the right size of pot. A pot that is too large will take up unnecessary space, and a small pot won’t allow the plant to grow. When choosing which plants or vegetables to grow in your home, take a look at how much space they need and choose the appropriate pot to go with them.

5: Increase humidity to help your plants grow

Most plants love humidity, and we mean L-O-V-E it. Dry indoor air is never a good thing for a plant, so if you live in a dry area consider getting a humidifier or vaporizer.

6: Select the right type of indoor plants for your apartment

There is a range of plants that do better indoors than others. To help you decide on the type of indoor garden you should create, here are just some of the best ones to plant in your apartment:

• Aloe Vera: This one is perfect for apartment dwellers because it’s low-maintenance. It doesn’t require much water and thrives in dry conditions.
• Dracaena: Another great plant to grow indoors. They look great and can help purify the air in your apartment.
• Pot Mum: One of the easiest plants to grow indoors – just don’t overwater it!
• Snake Plant/Mother-In-Law’s Tongue: This plant is very low maintenance, but you have to be careful not to overwater this one either.
• Jade plant: This one is quite easy to care for and tolerates dry conditions.
• Spider plant: This is a great one to grow indoors and they are quite unique. They are also relatively easy to look after.
• Croton: This plant has beautiful leaves in a range of colors, and is a great option for an indoor plant

There are plenty of other options out there.

7: Consider going vertical

If your space is limited in your home, consider using the walls to create a vertical garden. If you decide on this option, make sure to pick the right nails or hooks so that they are strong enough for the weight of your plants. A plant wall can add a great focus area to your home and of course, is great if you don’t have much space.

8: Consider using a trellis

If you are looking to grow vining plants, a trellis is a great option. We suggest you use a trellis for plants such as peas and beans because they help support them as they grow. It also means that the plants don’t take up as much space.

9: Pest control

When it comes to looking after your indoor garden, pest control is vitally important. Some of the common pests that can affect your indoor garden are spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. You might also occasionally see aphids, thrips, or scale insects. Find the right treatment for pests. Better yet, prevention is far better than a cure so choose organic options, neem oil for example, to keep pests at bay.

10: Keep them clean

There is no rain inside your home to wash the dirt and dust off your indoor plants. Dust stops light from reaching your plants so you’ll need to add them to your cleaning routine. To clean your plants, use a damp cloth or a small brush and some water. Be gentle!

Smart Gardening Techniques to Make the Most of Your Small Space

When it comes to growing plants indoors, the above simple tips will help you to create the indoor garden of your dreams. Whether you are looking to grow flowers or vegetables, by getting the basics right you’ll have a thriving garden in your home in no time.