Container Gardens For Apartment Dwellers

If you live in an apartment or rental property, you probably aren’t allowed to dig up and plant in the ground that surrounds you.  Or perhaps you are an urban resident, and the nearest plot of land is miles away.  With container gardens, you can still stretch your green thumb and enjoy a bit of nature right from the comfort of your balcony, porch or deck.

Survey The Land

Do you have a railing to place a window box? Are there any corners to install a hanging basket hook? Do you have room for a few small plant stands?

Figuring out how much space is available on your patio or porch will help you decide how many containers you should collect.

Also, take note of how much sun and shade your outdoor space gets on a daily basis to determine what plants will thrive in your environment.

Pick Your Planters

You could buy planters in the same color or mix and match for an eclectic look.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money on pots either.  Check the dollar stores and clearance racks for deals.  Pick up some paint and markers at the craft store and design a custom motif.

Consider container alternatives as well. Look around your space for old items like mugs, teapots, or buckets that you don’t use anymore and repurpose as a planter. Just make sure the container has sufficient drainage holes.  If not, you can easily poke a few in the bottom with a hammer and nail.

Flowers And Greenery

A wide variety of flowers will thrive in pots including marigolds, petunias, zinnias and geraniums. Perennials like ivy and ferns love hanging outside in the summer, and you can bring them inside in the winter to enjoy their beauty for years.

Plant bright flowers and green ivy for eye-catching appeal.  Try to plant flowers together that have the same water and sunlight needs.

Most garden shops will be happy to help you select plants that are well suited for containers.

Vegetables And Herbs

Container gardens are an easy way for renters to enjoy some fresh home-grown herbs and vegetables.

Herbs that will grow nicely in container gardens include sage, basil, rosemary, and mint.

Tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, beans and many other vegetables will flourish in pots and containers. With proper watering and fertilization, you’ll be making a salad in no time with your fresh produce.

Ensure that you have a spot that receives plenty of sun; herbs and vegetables need a couple of hours of sunlight a day to thrive.

Maintenance for Container Gardens

Container gardens are easier to maintain than a full-fledged flower bed.  For one thing, you don’t have to worry about weeds.

But outdoor plants need special attention during the hot summer months so make sure they get plenty of water and regular fertilizer feedings.  To keep some flowering plants blooming all season long, put in some time “deadheading” or removing the dying blooms.

And if you are leaving town for an extended period of time, ask a neighbor or friend to pop over while your gone to water your container garden.

Have a question about your rental property? Contact us today!