Growing in Small Spaces: Tips for Apartment and Urban Gardeners 

  

Living in an apartment or urban setting can make gardening seem impossible due to limited space. However, plenty of ways exist to enjoy gardening in small spaces. Here we share some innovative ideas for growing plants in small garden spaces, such as balcony gardens, hanging planters, window boxes and vertical gardening. Whether you're looking to grow your own food, for a therapeutic hobby or just want to add some greenery to your living space, we have some small garden ideas that will help you achieve your goals no matter the size. With the help of our range of seeds at Kings Seeds, there are many plants you can grow including vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, lettuce and dwarf beans, herbs like coriander, basil and parsley and flowers like petunia, alyssum and dwarf snap dragons, all in your small garden. Let's explore the wonderful world of small-space gardening together, and don't hesitate to contact us for more gardening tips and advice. 

    

Vertical Gardens: Maximise Apartment Space  

Vertical gardening is an excellent option for apartment dwellers with limited space and is a fun and exciting way to maximise the available space in your apartment or urban garden. It involves using walls, fences and trellis to grow a variety of plants. When beginning vertical gardening, it's crucial to choose the right structures and planters and to ensure that they are installed correctly, with appropriate support structures. When choosing a structure for vertical gardening, it's essential to consider the weight of the plants you plan to grow and the space available. Some essential tips to keep in mind include: 

  

1. Choose a sturdy structure: Make sure the structure you choose is strong enough to hold the weight of your plants and the soil they will be planted in.

  

2. Consider the amount of sunlight: Consider the amount of sunlight your plants will need and choose a location that receives enough light for them to thrive.

  

3. Choose a suitable planter: There are many types of planters available for vertical gardening, including pots, hanging baskets, and wall-mounted planters. Choose one that fits your space and style.

  

4. Ensure proper drainage: Make sure your planter has adequate drainage to avoid waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot.

  

5. Anchor your structure: To avoid damage from wind or other weather conditions, ensure your structure is anchored securely to a wall or other support.

  

Following these tips can help you choose the right structure for your vertical garden and create a beautiful and thriving green space in your apartment or urban setting. We offer a variety of plants for small spaces, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, climbing beans, peas, dwarf pumpkin, nasturtium, morning glory, and sweet pea. 

    

Window Boxes: A Splash of Greenery to Your Flat 

Window boxes are a great way to add a touch of greenery to your apartment garden. They're not only decorative but also an opportunity to grow herbs, flowers and small vegetables in urban spaces. Select the correct window box for your space and style to get started and ensure it is installed correctly. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind: 

  

1. Choose the right plants for the amount of sunlight they'll receive. Some plants require full sun, while others prefer shade or partial shade. Make sure to read the plant labels and choose accordingly.

  

2. Use high-quality potting mix. This will give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive, good drainage and water retention.

  

3. Make sure the box has proper drainage holes. Without adequate drainage, your plants may become waterlogged and drown.

  

4. Consider the size of the box and the proportions of the plants you choose. To ensure a balanced and visually appealing arrangement, choose plants that complement each other in terms of size, shape and colour.

  

With these small garden ideas and tips, you can create beautiful, healthy window boxes that will brighten your home and neighbourhood. We offer a range of seeds suitable for window boxes, such as chillies, spinach, lettuce, sage, oregano, thyme, petunia, gaillardia, marigolds, or low growing wildflowers. 

  

Balcony Garden Ideas: Optimising Urban Spaces 

Balcony gardens are a creative option to optimise space for apartment dwellers and urban gardeners. In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way people approach gardening. More and more individuals are considering balcony and container gardening as an alternative to traditional in-ground gardens. This trend has been particularly popular among those who rent or lease their homes and do not have access to ample outdoor space. 

  

Balcony and container gardening involves growing plants in pots or other types of containers on balconies, patios, or other small outdoor spaces. This method provides many benefits, including the ability to grow a wide variety of plants in a small garden area, move the plants around as needed, and more easily control the growing conditions. 

  

Creating a balcony garden is all about the containers that suit your space, style and needs. So match your house style or create a whole new theme in your container garden. Paint the pots, let plants cover them up or get creative with mosaics. Innovations like the Vegepod and other raised container systems can make gardening very easy with a good working height and built in watering systems and pest protection. We offer a range of seeds suitable for container and balcony gardens, such as courgettes, kale, tomatoes, spring onions, capsicums, sprouting broccoli, basil, parsley, coriander, verbena, poppies, dianthus, nemophila and lobelia.

  

Plants for Small Spaces 

When selecting plants for small gardens or spaces, choosing the right ones is essential. Consider the criteria, such as the amount of sunlight, water, and space the plant requires. Plants that climb are great for training up wires or strings for vertical gardens. There are many dwarf options which are suitable for pots like cherry tomatoes, chillies and dwarf sunflowers. Get creative and mix vegetables, herbs and flowers together in planters - this can create benefits for managing pests in your plants as well as looking beautiful. Another great small garden idea is hanging planters, which can be hung anywhere for optimal growth. We offer a range of seeds suitable for hanging gardens, such as mini cucumbers, chilli, tomato, caigua, thyme, oregano, petunia, dichondra, lobelia, rhodochiton, silene, and nasturtium. If the choice is too much be sure to look for our "Urban Garden" range of Seed Collections, these have been curated to make it easy for you to grow plants suitable for small spaces.

 

Embrace Your Small Garden Space! 

Overall, the trend towards vertical gardening, window boxes, balcony and container gardening will likely continue as people look for ways to connect with nature and grow their food, even in small spaces. 

  

So, regardless of your space size, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy gardening. Experiment with the tips provided in this article and explore Kings Seeds' collection of seeds and products that are ideal for small space growing/gardening. Sign up to receive our newsletter and don't hesitate to reach out to us for more gardening tips and advice. 

 

Learn more about growing in small spaces with Kings Seeds: 

Great Tips for Hanging Baskets 

How Much Can You Grow in a Small Space? 

 

Growing is for Everyone! 

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