{"id":9137,"date":"2023-03-13T15:39:44","date_gmt":"2023-03-13T15:39:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surveys.gobranded.com\/blog\/?p=9137"},"modified":"2023-03-16T16:10:27","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T16:10:27","slug":"food-you-can-grow-in-an-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surveys.gobranded.com\/blog\/food-you-can-grow-in-an-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"Food You Can Grow in an Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Harvesting our own food is great for many reasons. A big one is eating organically. Sure, the grocery star may have an \u201corganic\u201d section, but that label often means nothing but higher prices. You have complete control over soil, chemicals, and care when you grow your own fruits and vegetables. This means the food you grow is usually more healthy, and it also means it is truly organic. Another benefit to growing your own food is the money you will save. Inflation isn\u2019t ending anytime soon, so maybe it’s time to become more self-sufficient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not everyone lives in a house with a big backyard, and many people have no yard at all. Data from <\/span>nmhc.org<\/span> shows that almost 16% of Americans live in apartments. That doesn\u2019t include condos, townhomes, and houses in the city. However, just because you don’t have available garden space doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t grow food. Let\u2019s look at the basics of growing your own food and check out some foods you can grow in an apartment or house without a yard. You might also be interested in checking out our article on <\/span>Cheap Gardening Ideas When You\u2019re Trying to Budget<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Kind of Planter Should I Use?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The size of your planter depends on what you are growing. Tomatoes, for example, need five-gallon buckets or pots, while herbs do fine in smaller planters. The size of the fruit or vegetable is a good determinant of what size planter you will need. Always make sure to put holes in the bottom of your planter if they aren\u2019t already there. This allows for excess water drainage so that your plants don’t drown. Simply place a plate or tray under the bucket to collect extra water and save your carpet or table.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Kind of Soil Should I Use?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Perlite and vermiculite are essential nutrients for indoor plant growth. They provide critical aeration to the roots. Choose an indoor potting soil that includes these and other nutrients, such as calcium. If you live in a fertile region, you can mix potting soil with dirt from the outside. There are also dozens of natural additives and fertilizers you can buy. Make sure to research what type of soil and nutrients your specific plant needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where Should I Place My Plants?<\/span><\/h2>\n

You will want to place your plants near a window for sunlight. How much direct sun they need depends on the plant. All plants require light, although the amount varies greatly. While some need plenty of light, others can die from too much of it. Generally, most edible plants want moderate sunlight, but always be sure to check the specifics of what you are growing. Placing your plants near an east-facing window is a great way to ensure they get a good amount of light but not too much.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip<\/strong> – air movement is critical for both flooding the plant with carbon dioxide and pollinating any blooms. Make sure you have a ceiling or floor fan on at all times for your plants. Keeping a window open can also help air circulation.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Here are five easy-to-grow edible plants that don\u2019t have to be in the ground or outdoors at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tomatoes<\/span><\/h3>\n

Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many recipes. From Italian to Mexican to French cuisine, there aren\u2019t many dishes that don\u2019t ask for them. Growing your own tomatoes in your apartment can be very rewarding. No more store-bought tomatoes low in flavor and nutrients. Instead, you can make <\/span>cheap and healthy food<\/span><\/a> with your very own flavorful tomatoes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tomatoes are also excellent for your health. They contain essential vitamins A, K, and C and the antioxidant lycopene. They are also a great source of folate, fiber, and potassium. Sun-drying your tomatoes makes them very high in magnesium too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n