Many of my friends have a strong interest in gardening, but they are often limited by time and space. However, I have found that you don’t need perfect conditions to start growing something. Through my own experience with Lazy-Girl Gardening, I have discovered that low-stakes experiments focused on the food I love yield the best results. I have successfully grown tomatoes, peppers, lettuce greens, and herbs in my apartment. I now have lemon-balm and mint plants that I started from seeds adorning my kitchen windowsill. Additionally, I have grown sungold tomatoes in containers on my small “terrace.” One of my proudest accomplishments is growing a three-foot-tall plant from a grocery-store avocado pit, even though it won’t bear fruit for another five years.
Growing vegetables on a small scale has allowed me to reduce the carbon emissions associated with my diet. I have been able to avoid trips to the grocery store to buy food that has been shipped in from far away. It has also helped me reconnect with the concept of seasonality. Gardening, regardless of the scale, is incredibly relaxing.
Even if you don’t have a large permanent space for gardening, there are three principles you can follow to start your own practical apartment garden. It’s all about living better now instead of waiting for the perfect circumstances. With the rapidly changing climate, the best conditions for gardening may be whenever you start. By paying attention to plants and how they grow, you will become more in touch with these shifts.
Embracing small plants means embracing container gardening. When I wanted to compete with other plant parents and grow larger plants, I realized that they were not suitable for my limited space. I transitioned to growing herbs because they are familiar to most people and thrive in small spaces. I started with lavender and mint, which grow well indoors in separate pots. As I became more experienced, I expanded into cilantro and rosemary. Growing smaller plants made me more mindful of their needs and how they align with my own seasonal preferences.
If you are determined to grow vegetables, containers can still be used. However, there are trade-offs to consider. Larger planters allow for a wider range of plants, but fabric grow bags can dry out quickly and require more frequent watering. You can also repurpose containers like takeout containers, margarine or yogurt containers, and milk cartons for planting seedlings or propagating plants.
Container gardening requires more thought than simply planting in the ground if you want to reduce your carbon emissions. I use organic, peat-free potting soil in all of my containers. This is because peat moss, commonly found in commercial potting soil, is sourced from bogs in Canada, which are important carbon sinks. Harvesting peat has the potential to impact the climate. Additionally, plants that produce fruit or flowers require a lot of energy from sunlight, so investing in LED grow lights may be necessary for indoor gardening.
In addition to starting from seeds, you can also grow new plants from old ones. Instead of throwing away the tips or ends of root vegetables, you can encourage root formation by placing them in water and then transfer them to small pots. This is a simple way to reduce food waste and extend the life of your groceries.
By gardening in this way, you are making a positive impact on the climate. Most produce in the U.S. travels about 1,500 miles before it reaches consumers, contributing to carbon emissions. Additionally, the packaging waste associated with fruits and vegetables can be reduced by growing your own. Gardening is not only about avoiding emissions, but it also allows you to develop a deeper connection with the natural world and the shifting climate.
Lastly, if you have the opportunity to garden in a community garden or larger space, take advantage of it. However, be mindful of planting in the appropriate zones and consider the specific needs of your plants.
Overall, practical apartment gardening is a creative way to live a greener life without waiting for the perfect conditions. Embracing small plants, being scrappy with resources, and staying in touch with your local climate are key to successful urban gardening.
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