So you live in an apartment? Don’t let that limit your gardening potential! Use this guide to help you find the best containers for apartment gardening. Container gardening allows you to grow your own produce, even in the smallest of spaces.
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that offers numerous benefits, including stress relief, improved physical health, and the satisfaction of growing your food. However, for those who live in apartments, gardening can be a challenge due to the limited space available.
There are almost unlimited types, sizes, and variations of containers for apartment gardening. With all the options out there, don’t be overwhelmed like I was when we first started dabbling in container gardening. I’ve laid out the most popular options and some of the pros and cons of each to give you the best information to pick the best container for your apartment garden.
Window Boxes
Window boxes are long, narrow containers that attach to the outside of a window or are placed on your window sill. This makes them extremely space conscious, which lands them high on the list of containers for apartment gardening.
Window boxes typically need to be attached to your windowsill and options range from suction cups to hooks to using fasteners to secure your box.
Consider sunlight before placing your box. This is an important factor to consider before placing, this will dictate what will grow well in each box.
They are perfect for growing small plants such as herbs, lettuce, and flowers. Window boxes come in many different materials, including wood, metal, and plastic, each with its pros and cons. Looking for a complete guide on window boxes? Reference my article on How to Make a Window Box Garden for everything you need to know.
Advantages:
- Window boxes do not take up any floor space and make use of window sills, making them ideal for apartment gardening.
- They can be easily moved from one window to another, if you are using boxes with hooks, allowing you to change the look of your garden whenever you like.
- Window boxes are ideal for growing small plants that do not require a lot of soil.
Disadvantages:
- An advantage that can also be a disadvantage, window boxes tend to be small and shallow, which is not suitable for larger plants
- They can dry out quickly, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight, and therefore require frequent watering.
- Window boxes can be challenging to water and maintain, make sure your window box is assessable
Tips:
- Choose a window box that is the appropriate size for the window and the plants you want to grow. You can reference the appropriate container size for many popular vegetables below.
- Consider using a self-watering system or adding a drip irrigation system to your window box to ensure that your plants receive enough water.
- Choose a location that receives enough sunlight for the plants you want to grow. Typically south and west exposure will give the most sun and warmth, with northern and eastern exposure being cooler with more shade.
Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets is another popular container for apartment gardening, that you should consider. They are ideal for growing small plants such as herbs, flowers, and small vegetables. Hanging baskets come in various materials, including wire, plastic, and woven materials.
Advantages:
- Hanging baskets are easy to install and do not take up any floor space, making them ideal for apartment gardening.
- They can be easily moved from one location to another, allowing you to change the look of your garden whenever you like.
- Hanging baskets are perfect for growing small plants that do not require a lot of soil.
Disadvantages:
- Since they don’t hold a lot of soil, hanging baskets can dry out quickly, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight or wind.
- They may require more frequent watering than other container options.
- Hanging baskets may not be suitable for larger plants or vegetables that require a lot of space and soil.
Tips:
- Choose a hanging basket that is the appropriate size for the plants you want to grow.
- Use a high-quality potting mix that will hold moisture well.
- Water your hanging basket regularly and deeply. Avoid frequent light watering as this will stunt root development and leave the plant more susceptible to drying out.
Hydroponic Gardens
Hydroponic gardening has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially among apartment gardeners. With the limited space available in apartments, hydroponics has become a great way to grow fresh produce in a small area.
Hydroponic containers are self-contained growing systems that use nutrient-rich water instead of soil to grow plants. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, from small countertop herb gardens to larger standalone systems, making them one of the best containers for apartment gardening.
Advantages
- Space-saving: Hydroponic containers can be easily placed on a windowsill or a small corner
- No mess: With hydroponic containers, there is no soil or dirt involved
- Water conservation: Hydroponic containers use up to 90% less water than traditional gardening methods
Tips
- Keep your hydroponic container clean
- Research plants ideal growing conditions such as pH, temperature, nutritional, and light preferences
- Start small and add to your garden as you gain experience
Pots and Planters
Pots and planters provide some of the best containers for apartment gardening. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, including ceramic, plastic, and metal. Pots and planters are ideal for growing a wide range of plants, from small herbs to large vegetables.
Advantages:
- Pots and planters come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making it easy to find the perfect container for your needs. There are many container guides to help pick your container based on the veggie you are going to grow. An extensive list can be found here.
- Though they can be heavy once filled with soil, they are a versatile option for apartment gardening and can be positioned almost anywhere.
- Pots and planters are ideal for growing a wide range of plants, from small herbs to large vegetables.
Disadvantages:
- Pots and planters can be heavy and difficult to move once they are filled with soil and plants.
- Like all containers, water deeply and often. Containers can quickly dry out, so keep an eye on their moisture level or consider an irrigation system.
- A container’s price, material, and durability can vary widely. Research the pros and cons of the containers before buying. The right container goes a long way to setting yourself up for successful growth. Reference this guide to pick the container perfect for your growing needs.
Tips:
- Choose a pot or planter that is the appropriate size for the plants you want to grow.
- Ensure that your pot or planter has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling in the bottom. Make sure you have a basin to collect the excess water that will drain out of the bottom or you will have quite a mess to clean up.
- Use a high-quality potting mix that will hold moisture well and provide adequate nutrients for your plants.
Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds are an excellent choice of containers for apartment gardening, especially if you have a balcony or rooftop space. They are essentially small, elevated gardens that can be built out of wood, stone, or other materials. Raised garden beds are ideal for growing a wide range of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Advantages:
- Raised garden beds provide a lot of space for growing a wide range of plants, making them ideal for apartment gardening.
- They are easy to access and maintain and can be built to your preferred height
- Raised garden beds can be customized to fit your space and style preferences.
Disadvantages:
- Raised garden beds can be heavy and difficult to move once they are built.
- They may require more maintenance than other container options, such as periodic soil replacement and pest management.
- Depending on the size and materials used, raised garden beds can be expensive to purchase or build.
Tips:
- Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight for the plants you want to grow.
- Use a high-quality soil mix that will provide adequate nutrients for your plants.
- Fertilize at the beginning of each planting season will a long-acting fertilizer mixed into the soil, for a slow release of nutrients. Add homemade or liquid fertilizers intermittently through the growing season, following directions on the packaging as applicable.
Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens are a creative and space-saving option/containers for apartment gardening. They involve growing plants vertically, either on a trellis or wall-mounted system. Vertical gardens can be created using a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, and PVC pipes.
Advantages:
- Vertical gardens are an excellent space-saving option for apartment gardening, as they can be grown in a small footprint.
- Highly customizable and allow you to pick the best fit for your space and style preferences.
- Vertical gardens can be used to grow a wide range of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Disadvantages:
- Vertical gardens can be challenging to water and maintain, especially if they are located on a higher floor.
- If buying your garden online, research the model and pay attention to the materials used. You want your garden to be able to hold up to the type of gardening you plan to undertake for many seasons. You want to spend your time gardening and not constantly have to reinforce or repair your garden structure.
- They may require more frequent watering than other container options.
Tips:
- Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight for the plants you want to grow.
- Use a high-quality soil mix that will provide adequate nutrients for your plants.
- Consider using a drip irrigation system or self-watering system to ensure that your plants receive enough water.
Conclusion:
When it comes to containers for apartment gardening, there are many options available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Window boxes, hanging baskets, hydroponic gardens, pots and planters, raised garden beds, and vertical gardens are all excellent options when considering the best containers for apartment gardening.
When choosing your best container for apartment gardening, consider factors such as the space available for your garden, the size of the container, the plants you want to grow, the amount of sunlight available, and your personal preferences. With the right container and a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy the many benefits of gardening, even if you live in an apartment.