Whether you want more immediate access to fresh herbs, need some kitchen inspiration, or are committed to a whole food diet, an apartment garden delivers. Here’s everything you need to know to start your own. Arugula excels in north-facing windows—a rare trait for a house plant. The cooler temps keep arugula from bolting or going to seed. As with all apartment garden plants, keep arugula planters away from heat sources, which will dry out the soil and stress the plant. Choose a narrow pot that is at least 6 inches deep and plant in a row, leaving 1 inch between seeds. Scallions can be planted nearly all year long but do better in direct sunlight, so opt for a south-facing window if you have one. Microgreens need very little attention and can be grown right in a baking dish on your windowsill. Try arugula, basil, beets, celery, or cilantro. Sprouts are essentially the very first growth a seed puts out before it develops true leaves. Seeds store all the energy and food needed to produce healthy plants. By eating them at a very early stage of growth, we reap the rewards of all that good energy. They add a fresh and crispy texture to dishes. No soil or windowsill is required for these! From start to finish, they only take anywhere from three to five days to grow at home. Try to plant in a pot that’s a bit bigger than the plant will actually need. It is better to leave a little wiggle room than to have plant roots mashing up against the container walls. I always go big: If you allow for some growth, you increase the odds of your plant growing to full maturity. The goal is for the plant to produce as much as possible. Your potting soil should also include a mix of compost or bark. These add richness and texture to the soil and will help to retain moisture. Plants confined in containers will need extra attention, as water drains out quickly and pots expose individual plants to more sun, wind, and heat than a traditional garden environment. Water may also evaporate from pots, so plan to water every few days, if not daily. Once you’ve nailed down your sunniest spot, here are some tips on how to set up your garden depending on what you’re growing: In short, homegrown food is the freshest, cleanest food you can eat! With that said, these go-to tips for a successful apartment garden will serve you well, any time of year and regardless of where you live. You do have a green thumb! It’s just waiting for you to find it.
