If you are thinking about doing some gardening in your condo then there are a few things you need to consider to ensure that your garden thrives. There are so many different ways you can grow some amazing things without a full garden space but you need to make sure you do it the right way or you’ll end up wasting time and money on a literal pile of dirt. Keep reading if you want to find out the do’s and don’ts of gardening in your condo so you can make sure you have a bountiful harvest.
Do: Move it on up
Gardening in a small space means you have to use as many different areas as you can while keeping your lighting in mind. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a vertical garden that is hung so you can keep the plants off the ground. There are so many different ways you can do this yourself if you’re handy but you can also buy a premade vertical garden on many different websites and hardware stores and they’re incredibly easy to install and maintain.
Don’t: Keep them in the dark
Your condo will more than likely have one side of windows so you need to make sure that your plants get the sunlight they need. This might mean taking them outside onto your balcony for a few hours a day to make sure they get the proper amount of unfiltered sunlight. This is important for most plants but some plants can thrive on a windowsill with no issues so make sure you check out the sunlight requirements for your plants or garden before you get them into your condo.
Do: Use your balcony as much as possible
If you are one of the lucky people to have a balcony on your condo then this is going to be the prime spot for your plants for most of the year. You want to simulate nature as much as possible to let your garden grow at the best pace possible so keeping your garden outside is ideal. A garden will usually grow well outdoors but you need to make sure to check out how much sun your balcony actually gets and plan your planting accordingly.
Don’t: Let pests get into your plants
Whether you have an indoor garden or an outdoor garden, you need to consider all of the animals that might be nearby. If you have a fruit or flower garden growing outside then you might end up with some hungry birds or squirrels that see your plants as fresh food sources so keep them covered if you notice any animal activity. You also need to make sure you don’t have any bug issues so check your plant leaves regularly for bite marks or mites.
If your plants are mostly indoor then make sure you keep your pets away from your plants as much as you can. Some plants can be very dangerous and some are also very temperamental so keep them up high or out of the way. There are plenty of amazing and unique hanging planters that you can find online that allow you to keep your plants high above any curious four-legged friends.
Do: Watch your weather
A bad wind storm or blizzard can hurt any plants outdoors that aren’t used to the harsh weather so have a plan to take your plants indoors or cover them up if you know bad weather is approaching. Your balcony plants will be gone with the wind if they aren’t secured properly and an unexpected drop in temperature can kill your plants completely. One of the benefits of having a balcony garden is that it’s likely going to be pretty portable so you can move your plants away from any worrying weather and back out when it’s safe
Don’t: Forget about the rules
While your condo unit is yours to live in, you have to be mindful of the people around you if you have a balcony garden. Before you start planning your green paradise, check out the rules and regulations that your building has for plants in case you run into any issues. Some buildings allow for limited to no plants due to safety issues or allergy issues so look into what is allowed before you start planning.
Do: Use some technology
If you are stuck in a spot with no light or high winds and you want o to be able to grow yourself something to eat then consider looking for an indoor garden system. These come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and expertise levels so you can grow a small herb garden or even a moderate-sized vegetable garden in the comfort of your condo.
Make sure to check the size and power supply needed for your indoor garden before you make your purchase. Some are outfitted for larger warehouses and they might end up causing some damage to your electrical system or cost you a few hundred dollars extra per month on your electric bill. If you have any questions, try talking to someone at your local garden center and they will be able to help you figure out something that works with the indoor space you have.
Don’t: Get plants that need extra attention
Unless you’re willing to make sure that all of your plants get the extra care and attention they need in the space you’re growing them in, there’s no point in trying to grow them in your condo. Some plants need certain lighting conditions or even wind conditions to grow properly. There are ways you can simulate these things with fans, special lighting, or nutrient-specific food but some plants aren’t meant to be grown in smaller spaces so you will need to start doing your research on the requirements each plant has before you buy them.
Living in a condo doesn’t mean that you have to part with nature and there are so many great ways you can utilize the space for growing. Having plants around you has so many health and wellness benefits and you don’t need to have a huge garden to feel closer to nature. You can do anything from a small tabletop garden in your kitchen to a luscious jungle on your balcony and as long as you know the needs and wants of each plant, you’re sure to have success.