When you think of apartment gardening for a one-year-old, it is tempting to think of easy gardening chores that can be done in an apartment with limited outdoor space. The thought of tilling the garden, weeding and watering seems pointless, but it is an opportunity to start apartment gardening for a one-year-old. One-year-old children become curious about the world and begin to ask more questions than they would at an adult planting class. This curiosity can turn into a lifetime of learning and understanding if proper preparation and planning are taken.
Most apartment gardening starts with an analysis of what kind of plants will thrive in the apartment and the location of each area. Since an apartment is usually divided by walls rather than floors, there are no setbacks when it comes to growing plants. This is good news, as any poor drainage or pipe work will be an issue in an apartment. If this is the case, the soil may need to be dug up and replanted, using potting soil or a similar medium. This will require some research, as there are specific kinds of plants that should not be planted next to other, stronger plants.
When planning the vegetables for your apartment garden, consider what will grow well together and which vegetables should be planted where. For example, lettuce needs full sun to thrive, so planting it near tall flower bushes or trees will be a bad idea. Most apartment dwellers have roofs that provide partial shade during the day and sun at night.
Most apartment gardening involves a fruit and vegetable garden. When choosing plants, remember that most apartment plants are short lived. So when you are considering what vegetable to grow, consider the mature size of each plant and how hard it will grow. Also keep in mind that certain types of vegetables require more water, like onions.
One popular vegetable for apartment gardening is lettuce. This hearty green is easy to grow, even for an apartment plant. Beginners can start with red lettuce, which is very versatile. The curly type is great for salads and side dishes, while the curly type can be used more as a decorative accent piece in a flower bed. Lettuce also pairs nicely with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Peas are another favorite vegetable for apartment gardening. These hearty vegetables come in a number of shapes, such as rounds and square. They can be eaten raw or sauteed, and are a great addition to soups, stews and chili. A downside of peas is that they do not do well in dry soil, so most apartment dwellers have to supplement their vegetarian diet with sprouts. Sprouted peas add much needed protein to a vegetarian’s diet.
Broccoli is another favored vegetable among apartment dwellers. Cucumbers are also good choices if you are apartment gardening for a young child. Both of these vegetables are easy to grow in small spaces, but when planted together in a salad mix, they can taste a bit overpowering. Keep the proportions varied and keep the sizes of your vegetable plants small.
Choosing the right vegetables to plant in an apartment garden can be a challenge. However, with a little planning, you will be able to provide your apartment plant with the nutrients they need and have a healthy, attractive yard to boot. Be sure to choose firm vegetables so that they don’t turn brown quickly. Also, remember that your plants will enjoy plenty of water, so make sure to provide proper drainage.
To keep vegetables looking fresh and vibrant, they should be harvested and rinsed promptly after harvest. Also, make sure to mulch your vegetable garden as soon as it is finished. Mulching will help keep your soil moist and keep pests from destroying your apartment plants. Most people forget about mulching when they are apartment gardening, but it is imperative to the health of your plants. If you find that your vegetables no longer look like they did when you first started, then it is time to reapply the mulch.
For apartment gardening, there are two primary types of plants: herbs and vegetables. One reason people choose to apartment plant their vegetables is because they can easily be moved from apartment to apartment. However, make sure you have enough room to be able to move your apartment plant. Also, be sure you have good access to sunlight so that your new herb garden will grow properly.
Another good reason to grow vegetables in an apartment is because you can cook with the vegetables! Fresh vegetables and herbs are much healthier than store bought grocery purchased veggies that have been sitting on the shelf for most of the time. So whether it is for your own apartment gardening needs or to sell on your local market, fresh and healthy vegetables are in all cases better for you. Plus, if you ever decide to move, you will have a wonderful source of fresh vegetables for your apartment gardening needs.