Container Gardening for Condo Dwellers

The sun is out, temperatures are rising, and you might be getting the itch to try your hand at gardening. But what if you live in a condo or townhouse with limited outdoor space? Just because your outdoor space is small doesn’t mean you have to miss out on growing food or flowers. Container gardening is a great way to try growing your own food or beautify your deck or patio. Here’s how to get started:

1. Find the right containers. The main challenge of container gardening is keeping up with watering. Smaller pots of soil dry out faster, so think big when setting up your container garden. Larger pots mean larger quantities of soil, which means they won’t dry out as fast. With a little research about which plants are compatible, placing multiple plants in the same pot is no problem. Make sure any containers you buy have holes in the bottom for drainage.
   
   
2. Choose the right plants. If you’re a novice, herbs are a great place to start, especially if you use transplants instead of starting from seed. Herbs don’t take up too much space and can add a lot of flavor to your cooking. Lettuce and spinach are also easy to grow from seed in pots. Looking for something more out of the ordinary? There are some surprising plants that do well in pots: berries, celery, and ornamental grasses are all options if you’re looking to add variety.Looking for places to buy starter plants? Shopping at farms and garden centers for your transplants can make sure you get your garden off to a good start, plus their staff are usually knowledgeable and can help with your questions. Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford, Lull Farm in Hollis, and Moulton Farm in Meredith are just a few options in New Hampshire.
   
   
3. Stay on top of watering. We said it earlier, but it bears repeating – potted plants will dry out faster than plants in the ground, so stay on top of watering! You can find “self-watering” planters, which help, but make sure to keep their reservoirs topped off. Spreading mulch over the soil in your pots can also help retain moisture.
   
   
4. Get creative! Think beyond rows of terracotta pots or window boxes. From up-cycling shoe organizers and spice racks to nesting pots for a tiered effect, HGTV lists multiple methods you can use to create visually interesting gardens while also saving room so you can sit out on your deck and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Even if you have limited space, you can still enjoy the sight of fresh flowers, the crunch of homegrown lettuce, and the flavor of freshly cut herbs this summer. With some research and creativity, you can turn your porch, balcony, or patio into a thriving garden – no raised beds or large plots needed.

Looking for a condo? Search properties on Verani.com to find a space to call your own.