Apartment gardening is relatively new. Some would dispute this. Apartments, units, villas have been around for a long time. My guess is if you are reading this, you probably live in an apartment - or something similar, realize its limiations for gardening, yet still desire to produce wonderful plants. You can do it. We'll show you how.

Gardening is based around both fashion and lifestyle. And then there are the plants! Many apartment dwellers take the boring way out. They throw in a pot plant here and there to add a bit of colour, and that's it. I know, I've done the same. But now, hopefully, I've moved beyond that. But before I continue further, a little bit about myself.

My role is that of Horticulturist and, even more important, I am a lover of plants. It's the love part that provides the edge! I'm qualified, have about twenty years practical experience, and am now a full time Apartment Gardening consultant! So, hopefully these pages will guide you in the right direction.

Below are simple steps to assist you.  Here, we provide the theory. It's  up to you to take the necessary action. Because of this, I've called this section the Apartment Gardener’s " Action Guide."

ACTION GUIDE - Research Stage

1. Pick a theme or a style and build on it. Then stick with the scheme.

2. Choose the correct plants for your theme/style.

You'll find a great range easy indoor plants to grow here http://www.apartment-gardening-homes.com/easyindoorplants.html

3. Are any of these plants poisonous to people or animals?

4. Put together the plants for your theme. Check if they're suitable for your planting environment. .

5. Describe in writing what your garden space is like: Environment: e.g. Is it shady? Is it hot? Does it receive strong winds? Will it be indoors or out? Or a bit of both? From your written description, continue with your research. Keep your picture in mind as you do your mental work.

6. After you have your list of correct plants, choose the container types that’ll suit your both your environment and your theme/style.

7. Details now: What size containers will I need for my apartment garden? What colour contrasts?

8. Check for soil-type mediums for your containers. Will I need a range of potting mixes or can I use a broad-range premium mix?

9. Will I need compost?

10. Will I need mulch?

11. Will I need fertiliser? If so, what type? Organic or slow-release?

12. How often will my plants need to be watered?

13. Will I need to have saucers/ trays beneath my container plants?

14. Which of my plants need more water than others?

15. What are the specific needs for each plant? Should I group these plants together?

16. What heights will these plants finally grow to?

17. Should I place larger plants at the back so all plants receive their share of light?

18. Will these containers, when full of potting mix and water, be too heavy on my veranda or porch?

19. If so, will I reconsider. Do I have a Plan B?

20. Which plants will have to be pruned? When? How often?

21. Will I need a mini greenhouse? A good idea, if I want to propagate my own plants and bring sickly plants back to health..

Do you want to grow food? How about using your windowsill? If you have enough light and warmth you can can, you know. Create a Window Planter Box? No good? There is another option. If light is low and your apartment is relatively cold, artificial light and hydroponics may be the answer. There's an awful lot of information now available on hydroponics.

Okay, so you have a veranda which gets some sunlight. What about growing tomatoes? It's just a matter of knowing what is feasible in your circumstances. There are likely to be options upon options that you just haven't thought of...maybe we can provide them here, eh?

We've touched very briefly on what we have on our Apartment Gardening Homes website; enough to wet your appetite, hopefully. The site is very dynamic, with new material being added all the time. Also, we're linked to a lot of useful sites. So if you've found this interesting enough...just come back to us.

Happy Gardening, I hope you create a wonderful apartment garden

Marty

Please use the reference link provided below for more apartment gardening ideas.