Who says you can’t enjoy the pleasures of gardening in an apartment? Some might say the only real limiting factors are your imagination and ambition, but of course with limited space you do need to choose plants that are happy growing indoors and will do well in containers.

Don’t be deterred by the lack of space; instead think of your indoor growing areas as living oases that are a lot less work than acres of garden, easier to control and tend. Nor do you need to go outside in all weathers to nurture it. And there are no lawns to mow!

So how best to begin?

Start with what all plants need to grow – with sunlight.

Plants need as much as they can get, so choose your growing areas accordingly. To really thrive, fruiting and flowering plants want sunshine all day, which is fine if you have a balcony or outdoor area. If not, grow your plants on sunny windowsills and surfaces that get natural light. 

Best plant choices for apartments.  

Succulents and cacti need minimal maintenance and infrequent watering. If you want to grow more tropical style plants – monsteras, snake plants, spider plants and anthuriums – these will tolerate shady spots. Even better, they help to remove toxins from the air whilst releasing oxygen so you can breathe easier.

Think about soil.

When using containers, you’ll need a well-drained potting soil, which is specially made for potted plants. A good potting soil will retain water, drain well, and have added nutrients to help nourish your plants. With a peat-based bagged potting mix you should flush it through under the sink, and repot every year.

Water well.  

This job should be top of your list because plants in pots always need a lot of water, and the soil in containers soon dries out. Check an inch under the surface regularly with your finger and add water if dry. Make sure there’s a ready water supply that can be accessed to keep your plants in shape.

How best to feed them.  

Naturally your indoor plants will need to be fed regularly, but what you feed them depends on their individual requirements. The easiest and most convenient way is with a water-soluble fertiliser, done at the same time as you water them. That said, the eco-friendly way is to use household kitchen wastes like eggshells, rice water, coffee, potato water, and banana peels!  

Growing herbs.

Compact varieties of fragrant herbs like basil and rosemary grow well in small containers, but it’s only in outdoor situations that they’ll spread out in lovely aromatic bushes. So, if your intention is to add lots of them to your cooking, you’ll need to keep renewing your plants.

That also goes for mint, chives, parsley, lavender and thyme, which can also do well indoors.

.

Each apartment in Finch House is completely unique. Each home is beautifully stylish, with period features combined with a modern finish. With a choice of one or two bedrooms and various internal layouts, you’re sure to find one that’s the perfect match for you that’s ready for you to fill with beautiful greenery.