Apartment Gardening: Yes, It’s a Thing, and Yes, You Can Do It

If you have your heart set on edibles, you’re going to need to head outside. Unfortunately, most vegetables—especially heat lovers such as tomatoes and beans—don’t do well indoors. But they will thrive on a balcony, deck or windowsill in containers. Watch your outdoor space for a few days to determine how many hours of direct sunlight it gets. Plants that flower or fruit typically require 6 or more hours of sun, which is considered full sun. The rooftop is another option but ask your landlord if it’s OK to put containers there first.

“Right plant, right place” is a saying you’ll hear frequently among gardeners. It means read the plant labels or descriptions before buying so you’ll know what conditions each plant prefers. For example, sun lovers will not flourish in shade, and shade lovers will sizzle in sun. Some things are simply non-negotiable with Mother Nature! Remember that full sun is 6+ hours, and part sun is about half that.

If you’re a newbie, choose plants that don’t require a lot of coddling. For houseplants, English ivy, sanseveria and peace lily are plants that grow in most light conditions and are hard to kill. For flowers, sun lovers such as marigolds, sweet alyssum and calibrachoa are great choices. Shade lovers—such as begonia, torenia and sweet potato vine—are super easy to care for.

While herbs and greens, such as lettuce and mesclun, are the least-fussy edibles to raise, more and more vegetables (think: tomatoes and beans) are being bred to grow well in containers. Look for the words “patio” or “bush” or “container” on the label or tags.

Choose a container that has several drain holes (or drill them yourself); no plant likes soggy roots. Stick with ones that are at least 16 inches deep for most veggies, though window boxes are fine for plants that don’t have deep roots, such as lettuce, arugula or spinach. Fill with potting soil, not garden soil, which isn’t the same thing. Oh, and make sure you secure the window boxes so they won’t topple over.

One way to make the most of what you have is to go vertical. Flowering vines such as mandevilla, morning glory and sweetpeas are absolutely stunning clambering up a trellis, though you could also go the veggie route, planting peas, cucumbers or pole beans. Secure the plants to the trellis with stretchy garden ties, which give as the plant grows. Hanging pots are another possibility, especially for strawberries and patio-type tomatoes.

Pots tend to dry out faster than garden beds so check daily, especially during hot weather. Stick your finger in to your second knuckle; if it’s moist, it’s fine to wait. If dry, go ahead and give it a drink. Soil pulling away from the sides of the container is another sign it’s time to water. Also, pots that are dark-colored or made of more porous materials, such as clay or ceramic, generally need water more often than plastic or metal because moisture evaporates more quickly from them.

The necessity of frequently watering containers causes soil nutrients to leach out more quickly, so you’ll need to feed them regularly so they will continue to bloom or produce. Add a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer to your watering can, according to package instructions. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labors!