A house remains an unknown four-walled area if there are no green plants to make it home. When I first moved into an apartment, it was so bland I would often leave the place to avoid facing the emptiness. Then I came across this little nursery and bought a small plant with a pot.
The rest is history, for the place is nothing like it was before – touches of green with colorful flowers here and there. Besides, the tiny balcony I once thought a useless space killer is now my herb/vegetable garden.
Whether you live in the suburbs or a rented apartment, this article will help you grow the dream garden you always wish. Read on to know further!
What Is Your Pick?
You have got to pick. It is the only way not to overwhelm yourself when trying to plant something specific. You could give your instinct a try here; that is what I did.
1. Vegetables
When deciding on harvesting vegetables, it is important to check the space availability. The best option is in the yard or a sunny balcony.
Next, you have to consider the type of vegetables you wish to grow. Start with the easy ones like lettuce, spring onions, tomatoes, etc. Then head for the complex ones after the success.
Think about what freshly contributions you would like to have on your dinner table and work according to that.
2. Herbs
We buy plenty of herbs in the market without realizing how effortlessly they can be grown at home. Some herbs enhance the meal to a worldly essence, while others keep the bugs/insects out of the house.
You can grow these plants indoor and outdoor as long as the sun shines on them.
3. Flower
Who does not love flowers! My personal collection includes some houseplants by the window sill and others hanging here and there. Both methods will require varieties of pots.
If you already own a lawn, it is wise to make the soil ready for planting before adding the seeds/seedlings.
Now, there are millions of ways one can decorate the exterior and interior with colorful, fragrant, eye-catching flowers. Some bloom seasonally, whereas others present you flowers all year round.
Many flowers require particular climatic habitat, while others do not mind the mild change. Whatever you choose, my suggestion is to go slow.
First, understand your capability, then select a couple of flower plants that complement the environment, season, and place.
4. Mixed
There is nothing wrong with feeling confused! If you go through the uncertain phase like I once did, get one of each.
However, dedicate yourself to care the plants based on the seasons and soil input. Systematic understanding will form habitually once you begin to look after the vegetable, flower, and herb plants.
Choose the Spot
Take my example; I have kept the herb plants by the kitchen, where thankfully sunlight blesses the oreganos, basils, and lavenders.
I use the balcony railings to grow flowers in pots and utilized some old furniture/crates to work as large pots for vegetables.
Thankfully, both my kitchen and balcony faces East, Allowing enough natural light to grow my precious plants.
Similarly, make sure the area you choose provides sufficient sunlight for the plants to grow. It can be window sills, backyard, front porch, balcony, rooftop, or even the railings/walls to hang the pots.
Decorate the yard edge with an exceptional flower collection or bring a country vibe to a little apartment. Anything is possible so long the plants are healthy. Also, make sure these areas are close to the watering hose for your convenience.
Ready the Soil
The easiest way to make a garden at home is to get the potting soil. You will find them in the market at a reasonable price. This soil often comes with essential elements and nutrients.
You will not have to gather them separately, which is quite hectic for a beginner or someone with a busy life. I highly recommend them for potted plants.
However, you will have to clear the yard section from sods, grass, weeds. Create the beds more fertile with the help of additional composts, manure, decayed leaves, etc.
Next, work on the soil by digging. Do not do this when the ground is too dry or too wet. It can damage the soil structure and disturb the microorganisms. So dig gently and slowly with a spading fork.
Pots vs. Beds
You cannot let one lose to win another. Both are equally expedient and beneficial for the house you live in. So what if you cannot make garden beds due to the lack of space?
Gradually fill the empty areas with various pots, containers, or even tin buckets. It is the best way to invest those plastic bottles and such to become a part of saving the Earth.
If you think you can handle maintaining garden beds and have a vast ground to implement them, I encourage you wholeheartedly. Try choosing the area that you can admire and view from the kitchen or porch.
Begin Planting
Here comes the most significant step of your life when growing plants. Once you ready the soil and pick the seeds, always follow the package instructions.
Some plants require a precise season to plant, while others do not. So prepare everything based on the timing. Over the years, I have realized that working with young plants or transplants rates higher success than seeds.
This advice is for the rookies, of course. But if you wish to start from scratch, make sure the soil contains all the necessary amendments for the seeds to grow well.
Furthermore, water at a specific time such as early morning before going to work; or late evening when you take a break with some refreshments. Sometimes, the dry climate might require you to water the plants twice.
It is all about observation and commitment – let us not forget the adaptable weather, soil, and light too!
My golden advice to any beginner is to start with something easy to grow. Cucumbers, peppers, pansies, daylilies, cosmos, sunflowers, etc., are some examples.
Mulching for Large Gardens
Before you decide on this step, ask yourself whether you know what mulching is. Mulches are organic residues that often fall from decaying, scraps, or clippings.
Now there are various kinds of mulching materials to use, depending on the type of plant. These residues are huge treats to the soil for enriching it.
Mulches include hay, decayed barks, leaves, wood chips, manure, grass clippings, straw, kitchen scraps, and many more. Whichever you find available near you can be used for mulching.
You simply have to spread it around the plants or on the garden beds to retain the moisture from evaporating. The reason I love mulch is that they prevent weed germination.
Each material serves differently in terms of duration, so choose something that takes several months to decompose.
Maintenance
Just because your garden begins to flourish with colors and harvests, the responsibility does not stop. You have to maintain this chain of accomplishment by following the garden chores.
Mere watering the plants is not enough. Stay alert for stunted growth or disease. Check for annoying bugs/insects, especially mealy that destroys everything in its path.
Use the right amount of fertilizers and insecticides at the precise season of the year. Also, allow a support system to the tall plants with stake or tepee.
Harvesting the readied vegetables immediately is a sound choice. Lastly, stop and admire the triumph you have made possible – maybe take in the fragrance with your eyes closed too!
Final Words
We all wish to live a little closer to nature, the best way to achieve it is by learning how to make garden at home.
It does feel nice to sit by the green, vibrant little creations you work on and read a favorite novel. Do not forget the coffee/tea to accompany you!