Now I know that I am a completely fake flowers kind of person, but ever since I got Eliza (my spider plant – see the cute DIY face planter I made for her here), I am coming around to the thought of starting a vegetable garden at home.
Of course, I have not been dreaming about growing my own fresh herbs and veggies before, and I also remember that I don’t have a backyard. Or the time. Or even the faintest idea where to start but I do have a friend who has done one before and I figured I would share some tips to help you out if you want to start your own vegetable garden at home —yes, even if you’re living in a high-rise apartment in the middle of the city.
Today, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to make vegetable gardening doable, fun, and completely apartment-friendly. Let’s dig in (pun fully intended!).
Apartment-Friendly Vegetable Gardens
One thing we both know for sure is that apartments lack space. We are all working with smaller kitchens, shared balconies, or not much more than a windowsill. However, you don’t necessarily need a ton of space to get started. Choose 2–3 veggies or herbs you actually use regularly in your cooking, and then decide how you would like to start without a backyard:
- Container Gardening: Think pots, window boxes, hanging planters, and stackable vertical containers. These are perfect for growing herbs like basil, parsley, or even cherry tomatoes. Choose containers with good drainage and use high-quality soil.
- Hydroponics: If you’re the tech-loving type, you might enjoy a small hydroponic garden system like AeroGarden or Gardyn. These use water and nutrients (no soil!) and fit right on your countertop, so you don’t need to even worry about using your balcony.
- Grow Bags: Don’t sleep on these flexible, breathable fabric bags! These grow bags are ideal for growing root vegetables like carrots, radishes, or even my favourite – potatoes! You can place them on your balcony or in a sunny corner of your living room.
- Mason Jars or Recycled Containers: Got an old pasta jar? Clean it out and use it for herbs like cilantro or chives. Upcycling makes gardening even more budget-friendly.
Frost-Resistant Herbs for Cold Canadian Mornings
If you live in colder areas like I do (hello fellow Canadian mamas!), you know our weather is unpredictable. April may be spring for some, but here it can just mean an extra mouth of winter, spring and summer all on the same day. Therefore, it is best to choose herbs that can handle the chill. For starters, here are some frost-resistant herbs you can grow confidently, such as Thyme, Chives, Mint and Sage.
Sun-Resistant Herbs for Hot Days
On the flip side, we all know summer can come in hot and heavy, especially if your balcony or windows get full sun all afternoon. Some herbs can’t handle the heat, but these sun-loving plants won’t blink an eye, such as Rosemary, Oregano, Basil and Lemongrass. Remember to make sure your pots don’t dry out too quickly. Use pots with drainage trays and check soil moisture often!
Balcony Vegetable Gardens
If you have a balcony—even a tiny one—you have space for a real garden potential! Don’t underestimate what you can do on your balcony. My friend had a smaller balcony than mine, and it was filled perfectly with a variety of herbs and plants, along with seating. Anything is possible, so here’s how to make the most of it:
- Vertical Shelving – Use tiered shelves or wall planters to grow up instead of out.
- Grow Bags & Raised Boxes – Use these to grow greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. You can even try dwarf versions of bell peppers or cucumbers!
- Balcony Rail Planters – Use for herbs or strawberries and hang over your railing. Check out the planters that I got for my balcony makeover, that is perfect for your railing!
TIP: If you’re concerned about mess or weight, use lightweight containers, and line the area with a waterproof mat or outdoor rug to keep things clean and cute.
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, you don’t need acres of land, a fancy greenhouse, or a green thumb to grow your own food. You can have a thriving vegetable garden right at home using the tips shared today. This makes me so excited to start the process, and I hope I was able to inspire you to give it a try instead of waiting for the perfect home to have a garden.
There is something special about planting something—anything! Even if it’s taking care of plants you bought from the store or getting your hands dirty to plant one little seed on your windowsill, you’re creating something nourishing. Something calming and most importantly, something just for you.
Related:
- Beginner’s Guide to Growing Vegetables Indoors
- The Sanctuary Garden: Creating a Place of Refuge in Your Garden
- What To Know About Starting a Wildflower Garden
- Best Valuable Benefits Of Growing a Herb Garden & More
- My Balcony Makeover: How to Create a Relaxing Balcony Retreat
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