Indoor gardening has become a popular way to add greenery to your living space year-round. Gardening is also a great hobby, and it's connected to many health benefits. If you have ever thought about starting a garden but didn't because you don't have a yard, an indoor garden is a perfect solution.
Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean you can't reap the benefits of gardening. Liv Multifamily has beautiful, spacious apartments that provide the ideal space to start an apartment-sized indoor garden. And most Liv communities also offer community gardens where you and your neighbors can enjoy an outside gardening experience.
Starting an indoor garden is easy, and the health benefits may surprise you. Gardening can improve your quality of life by:
-
Creating a calm environment that boosts relaxation.
-
Purifying the air in your home.
-
Improving mental and emotional health.
-
Increasing creativity and productivity.
So now you know why you should start an indoor garden, let's look at how to get started.
Make a Plan
The first step toward starting an apartment-sized indoor garden is to create a plan and decide which type of garden is best for you—research indoor gardening ideas first to see what you like and what would work well in your space. If you aren't sure about what type of indoor garden you want, turn to social media like Instagram or Pinterest to get inspired.
As you find inspiration for your indoor garden, you should consider how much space you have to dedicate to your garden. It would also help to think about how much time you can spend watering and planting. Knowing how much space and time you have can also help you decide on the best options. For example, if you don't spend much time at home, you may want to consider easy-to-care-for houseplants that don't require much maintenance.
You can grow just about anything in an indoor garden, from fruits and vegetables to herbs to healing plants and flowers for making essential oils. As you choose the type of garden you want to create, there are a few practical things to consider. For example, parents of small children or fur babies should check that the plants they intend to grow are not harmful to little ones. Some common houseplants are toxic for dogs, cats, and tiny humans who put everything in their mouths. So take time to thoroughly research each plant you intend to bring into your space.
Vegetable Garden
If you want to grow vegetables, some excellent choices for an indoor garden are:
-
Salad greens, such as spinach, arugula, lettuce, and chard
-
Tomatoes, including cherry or Romas
-
Chili peppers, like jalapenos or habaneros
-
Green onions/scallions
-
Root vegetables, like beets, and radishes
Indoor Herb Garden
If you are an avid home chef, you might enjoy growing fresh herbs. Some excellent choices are:
-
Basil
-
Thyme
-
Oregano
-
Mint
-
Parsley
-
Chives
Growing herbs in window boxes is the perfect way to decorate a kitchen window. Herbs are easy to grow and add a special touch to signature dishes.
Vertical Garden
To maximize space, consider a vertical garden. A vertical garden stacks plants to efficiently use that otherwise wasted vertical space. There are ready-made pots for vertical gardening, or you can get creative and DIY a vertical garden.
Hanging Garden
Hanging planters are another way to maximize space and are an excellent option if you have small children or pets at home that like to get into plants.
What Is a Smart Garden?
Smart indoor gardens are an excellent choice for apartment-sized gardens. They use technology to assist in the growing process, including automating the light and watering systems. They also allow growers to find the right type and amount of fertilization, plant food, and properly adjust the heat levels for maximum growth.
These hydroponic gardens—meaning gardens that grow plants in nutrient solutions instead of dirt—connect to an app to help you maintain a healthy growing environment and troubleshoot any issues. Smart gardens take the guesswork out and let you grow the garden of your dreams. And hydroponic gardens are a great space saver, as dirt can take up a lot of room.
If you are using a smart garden, you will want to research the best option for your needs. A few examples of hydroponic smart garden systems are:
Indoor gardening in small spaces requires efficiency, and a smart garden is a great option—especially for beginners—as you embark on your gardening journey.
Get Supplies
Once you've decided if you will use a smart hydroponic garden or go the traditional route, you need to get your supplies and start setting up.
All smart hydroponic gardens start plants from seeds. Since growing from seeds takes time, planning ahead is key. Seeds are readily available at gardening stores or online.
For gardeners going the traditional route who may be too impatient to wait for seeds, planting starts—or baby plants—is a great option. Starts are available in gardening stores, usually in the spring or, in warmer climates, year-round.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, remember that most Liv communities have a community garden for residents. Community gardens let you share an outdoor plot and manage your garden with your friends and neighbors. Whichever type of gardening you choose, you will want to look for the right pots, potting mix, and plant food.
Get Growing
Once you have your garden set up, you will need to maintain it. Caring for a garden takes some trial and error for beginners. Some plants are tricky and need the exact amount of moisture in the air and sunlight. Using a humidifier in drier climates can help plants that prefer more humidity.
If you have plants that need more light, investing in grow lights is a good option. Grow lights can ensure your plants get enough light despite the weather outside or how close they are to a window.
The best way to begin is to start small with a few plants, and once they are doing well, you can add on. Many beginner gardeners get frustrated and overwhelmed if they start too big. An indoor garden should be a pleasure to care for and provide your home with positive energy and appealing greenery.
