Herb Gardening For Homes And Small-Scale Apartments

Fast and delicious, right from your window sill.

It’s a great idea if you don’t have yard space. But how do I make room for it in my small apartment?

I’m happy to report that I found out the most effective method to have an herb garden in your flat or dwelling when you believe you don’t have any space.

Light Is Required

The very first thing to evaluate is where you get the right quantity of sunshine for the herbs you are growing.

Typically east or south facing windows are a great option. I also have a skylight that I take advantage of in my family room.

If all else fails, getting grow lights can always help out a lot where you don’t have enough sun. Try out this grow light from Amazon—it’s excellent for herb gardeners on a budget!

Space It Out

The 2nd most important idea in all of this (and the main reason you’re probably reading this post) is space. Obviously you need to minimize space at home or apartment, so take advantage of any perpendicular space.

You can utilize that space to grow your green lovelies should you’ve got a fire escape, porch, or patio. I am aware there are distinct laws and legalities with fire escapes. They should obviously be clear enough if there is an emergency, you can still get through, and small enough individuals from the road don’t call you out on it.

But my friend’s fire escapes have been beautified by a large amount of my friends with blossoms and some herbs —it works great for them!

Take as much or as little space as you need when it comes to your fire escape. Just keep in mind other uses, for example, space for sitting and enjoying the scenery, then build your plants around it.

Try this refined, small plant stand out to arrange your space, in or outside. It has a modern and airy feel, which I think helps out small spaces.

Seriously, there are lots of amazing ways to arrange your herbs vertically. It all is dependent upon the energy of your room and also your fashion. But here are a couple of of my favorites!

Gutter Herb Garden

(Credit: GoodHomesDesign)

This gutter herb garden is a terrific example of utilizing everyday items to beautify your house. It’s an endeavor that is easy, it may be hung outside or indoors, and it’s really pretty.

Find complete instructions at goodshomedesign.com.

Simple And Modern Wall Garden

(Credit: TenJuneBlog)

I chose to do this elegant choice in my living room. I love its modern border. Credit goes to tenjuneblog.com.

The Easy-Peasy

Don’t actually wish to make this into a project? Perfect, go for all these superb simple herb garden strategies!

(Credit: Left – ArchitectureDesigns Center – Gawker  Right – HGTV)

Whether you convert cabinet shoe hangers or absolutely DIY with egg cartons, you can surely make indoor herb gardens work for you.

I completely started out with the egg carton version, and it was a lot of fun! Find what works for you and your space and do it!

You can also use one big, round pot you fill with soil, to plant a couple of herbs together like a small garden.

Not only is this easy, it’s pretty adorable. My buddy decorated his to make it resemble a little fairy garden. So have fun with it.

The Filthy Details

Here’s what you’re going to need to maintain your little green lovelies.

Of course any good herb garden is definitely going to be built on great soil. Soil is not just dirt. Locate some nourishing ground at your local department store.

It’s nice to have a watering canister. You may also only utilize a mason jar or a good old pitcher.

Your plants need drainage. The water you give them needs an outside or plant roots will rot. Ensure your pots can drain and ensure there’s something that can capture the water. Plastic or ceramic trays can be used under your pots to capture the drain. In the event you have hanging plants then you definitely should line them with plastic before adding your ground and seedling. Most hanging pots you purchase should come with plastic linings.

The Interesting Part

Whether you’re planning on beginning with seedlings (recommended for folks like me who struggle) or seeds, I think the funnest part is picking out what you’re going to plant.

You’ll need to research each plant thoroughly before potting it. This can help you determine just how much care and which kind of surroundings each plant needs as well as the best way to trim them without hurting them.

Remember that most plants have bigger leaves that act as solar panels. They need these leaves to live!

Here are some of my favorite herbs to grow:

Basil is a great herb to begin with. It is pretty hardy as long as it is in average-warm temperatures (great for indoor).

Scallions and chives are great for indoor herb gardens. They are easy to grow and great to sprinkle on things. Chives have pretty blooms and are easy. Scallions operate well in small containers. It’s possible for you to pick their green tops in the summer and leave bulbs through winter to keep producing.

Mint is incredibly industrious and quite entertaining. It goes through mega growth spurts and likes to try and find new areas to live by itself. Mint requires lots of trimming and its own pot so it doesn’t strangle and conquer the other plants. Mint makes an excellent tea and is a seasoning that is great.

Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family and also makes a great cup of tea. It is often used with poultry and fish dishes as a seasoning. I really like it.

Oregano, a chill plant—easy to work with— a great seasoning for many foods and also a favorite in Italian cuisine.