If a well-meaning friend or family member told you to stop thinking about having a garden because you live in an apartment, don’t pay them any mind. They are mistaken. The truth is plain and simple. It is more than possible to grow your own garden in an apartment style setting. It is true that you might have a larger amount of limitations than you would if you were planting outdoors in a wide open space, but if you are creative, you can overcome this challenge and grow a garden that is beautiful and healthy. Read the tips below and you will be able to begin planning, and growing, a thriving garden in your small living quarters.

Are you presently looking for an apartment? If so, try to find one that has a balcony or patio. If you can find an apartment where the balcony faces the sun, that would be even better. Perhaps you intend to grow mainly plants that do well in shady, cool areas; however, your plants will grow better if they can be in direct sunshine a little while each day. In any case, don’t worry about it to much if this isn’t realistic. If you take the time to learn about artificial sunlight, you will discover quickly that you have a lot of options. If at all possible though, direct and actual sunlight-even if it is only for a portion of the day-is best.

You have to choose your containers wisely, also, and be sure they are roomy enough for your plant’s growth. It might seem like choosing small containers is the best way to go when your apartment is small and you don’t have a lot of room to spare. However, this is not always the best decision. A slightly larger container is the better option. The plants will “settle in” to their new environment better and start growing. When the container is too small, the root systems don’t usually stay healthy and the plant has a smaller chance of surviving.

Do some research on square foot gardening. Square foot gardening is an organic gardening procedure that uses composting to be successful. There are a couple of good reasons to try this method. The opportunity to have an organic garden in a small space is greater. Another benefit is that, by composting your kitchen waste, you can use your own compost for your garden instead of buying it. You can use the smallest compost system you can find because you won’t need to produce very much compost. This also cuts down on the amount of things you throw away which helps reduce your carbon footprint.

It doesn’t make any difference, even if you live in the smallest apartment, you can find a way to have your own garden.

With your imagination and creativity, and advice from local experts, you can overcome any obstacle a small apartment can give you. A little bit of research can help you learn a lot, but so can asking the experts at your local plant nursery or gardening shop. You may become overwhelmed with all of the helpful advice coming your way! Before too long, your apartment will be beautiful with your unique garden.