If you live in an apartment, you’re probably thinking, why have a garden when I can go to the grocery and get the same stuff? Gardening in such a small space seems like a big hassle. For one, gardening helps you live longer, likely because it reduces stressors and is linked to physical activity. 

Even a few houseplants or simple herbs can make a difference. For many, gardening is a journey, taking them along a simple road that can be simultaneously taxing yet rewarding. 

Tips to Designing Urban Gardens

No matter where you live, gardeners with a limited space will inevitably want to consider container gardening. Gardeners that have a balcony can grow fruits and vegetables in rolling raised beds. Like ordinary raised beds, they reduce the strain on your back, with the added benefit of being able to roll in your plants indoors during harsh weather. Raised beds allow ample space for root growth, which is why gardeners can fit in more plants compared to traditional gardening. 

If you’re one of these looking for ‘light gardening,’ it’s easy to set a few herb planters on the windowsill, countertop, of coffee table with little effort. With a built-in watering system to ensure that your herbs will never be left high and dry, these planters make growing herbs easy – even for the gardening-challenged.  

1. Up, Up, and Away      

In a new age of skyscrapers and chrome, vertical height offers a unique opportunity to reclaim green space in urban environments. Maximize space by implementing hanging baskets or tiered shelves. When it comes to vegetable gardening, tomatoes remain one of the most popular crops. Patio or bush varieties of tomatoes can actually be grown indoors, provided that there is adequate room for the vines to spread. Vego’s planting system comes equipped with breathable internal windows for optimal air circulation, along with a curved, modular trellis that sets up your tomato plant for success. If you’re working with more room, outdoor beds fitted with a trellis can make a real difference. 

2. Let the Light In   

Imagine sipping fancy coffee in a chic condo filled with bright light. Whether this image feels far removed from reality or not, there’s no debating that light plays a crucial role in everyday life, both aesthetically and physiologically. High quality lighting is essential for growing plants, but the truth is, many apartments tend to be dark and gloomy, with less-than-optimal lighting. 

Fortunately, these fears are squashed with new advancements in gardening technology. Take your apartment from ‘caveman dim’ to a sunshine state of mind with beautifully designed grow shelves, perfect for a wide range of endeavors: seedlings, greens, fruit, herbs, houseplants, and microgreen. Gone are the ugly metal racks and tangled grow lights – this modern set-up helps transform your space into a sunlit sanctuary for all your plants while simplifying plant care.  

3. Do Away with the “Garbage” Fruit 

There’s a long-standing joke that denigrates cantaloupe as the “garbage fruit.” When space is extra-tight, prudent selection goes a long way. You should only grow vegetables that you or your family will enjoy eating. So while peppers seem tempting, there’s no use in growing them if they are going to end up in the garbage bin. On the other hand, take the smart route and set up a kitchen composter for your kitchen scraps. The resulting soil, rich in organic material, can be used to enrich soil and boost growth in gardens, lawns, or houseplants. 

4. Choose Tropical Flowers   

It’s always a welcome surprise to find a smattering of exotics among a jungle of concrete. While lush exotics may seem foreign in the big city, the warmth derived from the populous crowds proves conducive to succulents, cordylines, and other exotic plants that would otherwise not survive. Raised beds, which warm up faster, create the ideal environment for tropics to thrive. These with glossy, variegated leaves, and interesting textures like Aeonium Arboreum 'Zwartkop' will make the biggest impact, transforming a dull terraced wall into a tropical oasis with little effort.  

5. Pick Sturdy Yet Attractive Plants     

It’s important to select plants that won’t die on you if the slightest conditions are off. Snake plants may not be much to look at, but they’ll always be there, even if you don’t want them to. Lush, leafy plants such as elephant ears and banana trees can be used to lay the groundwork and create hidden areas. Many traditional cottage garden plants such as foxgloves and hollyhocks bear eye-catching blooms. In other cases, potted plants such as geraniums and Agapanthus can fill out areas lacking in color. 

6. Group Plants Together             

This seems almost like a given, but it’s worth reiterating here. Clustering plants together can give them a more natural, relaxed look. Although they won’t exactly evoke the feel of a jungle environment, they do make the space feel less ‘sterile.’ Groupings of plants also promote humidity, which is helpful during the winter when dryness is pervasive. Place taller potted plants behind couches and next to shelves for a calming backdrop. Many gardeners underestimate the impact of a tall planter, but they work well for corner spaces that are otherwise plain and unadorned. 

7. Plant Air-Purifying Plants  

Whether you believe in the air-purifying merits of houseplants, the benefits of plants are undeniable and help promote a healthier living environment overall. Succulents, peace lilies, and snake plants all absorb pollutants from the air. Experiment with various succulents – some are surprisingly bizarre and colorful, adding a playful dimension to the living space.