How To: Grow Your Own Veggies in an Apartment

Gardening has become one of the most popular pastimes. Watching something you’ve nurtured come to life is a truly rewarding experience plus, if you grow an edible garden, there’s something about it always tasting better than store bought.

When it comes to garden ideas for your apartment balcony or courtyard, the possibilities are endless. You can grow your own mini-jungle or keep it simple and minimalist, depending on your preference. You can choose to keep it low-maintenance or even plant edible crops. 

If you're wondering how to turn your CORNUS apartment balcony or courtyard into a garden, there are several factors to consider in terms of design and complexity. The good news is that there's a plant for every space! Once you've evaluated the conditions of your balcony and courtyard, you can start planning and bringing your garden vision to life!

How much space is needed for a balcony garden?

Start by measuring your space, this will play a vital role in determining the size of plants you can grow and how you can arrange them. A larger balcony will provide ample space to spread out your pots, while a smaller space will require a vertical gardening approach.

In essence, the size of your balcony will dictate the layout and size of your plants. So, take the time to evaluate your balcony space and decide how you want to design your garden.

How to water your garden

Overwatering can lead to drowning your hard work, while not watering enough can lead to them drying out. But don't worry, there are several ways to water plants in a balcony garden, including manual watering, drip irrigation systems, and self-watering pots.

Choosing the right watering system will largely depend on the plants you select for your garden. Some plants, such as lavender, lemongrass and ferns, are drought-tolerant and can withstand less frequent watering. However, others require moist soil to thrive. Therefore, it's important to determine what type of watering system you can set up on your balcony before selecting your plants.

In the end the best test is to pop your finger in the soil and see how dry or wet the soil is.

Apartment appropriate plants

Herbs and spices:

If you're looking for plants that are simple to care for and can be used for cooking, herbs and spices are the way to go. They're a great option for smaller balconies since they can be grown in small pots or even in a planter on your balcony railing.

Some specific herbs and spices that are excellent choices for a gardener with limited space include basil, rosemary, lavender, mint, parsley, native citrus, lemon myrtle, and mustard. Not only do they add flavour to your dishes, but they also look and smell great on your balcony or courtyard.

Vegetable garden:

There are many fruits and veggies that thrive in pots and small spaces, whilst they may require a bit more attention than in a regular garden, the rewards are well worth it once it's time for harvest. There are plenty of options for edible plants that can thrive on your balcony, including:

• Fruits like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and even lemons (check for dwarf varieties to save space).
• Salad vegetables such as baby cos, rocket, bok choy, silver beet, kale, spinach, spring onions, and celery.
• Food crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, capsicums, and even chillies if you like them spicy.

One great advantage of having a vegetable garden on your balcony or courtyard is that you can save money. Instead of running to the store for some fresh rocket, you can simply pick some from your own garden.

Wildlife:

When growing edible plants, it's important to be mindful of any unwanted visitors they might attract. Birds and insects are common culprits that can wreak havoc on your fruits and vegetables. To keep them at bay, consider covering your plants with mesh or a similar material. This way, you can protect your plants without blocking out essential sunlight and airflow.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a new apartment, we currently have a range of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom homes in Carnegie, Oakleigh and Glen Iris, which are all selling off-the-plan so you can save on stamp duty. For more information call our sales team on 1800 267 687.