If you’re a senior living in an apartment, you may feel like there’s little you can do to add some extra green to your space. You might not be able to go out and plant a garden, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on the idea of growing your food! Indoor gardening in senior living apartments in Ruskin, FL, is a great way to get your hands dirty without worrying about pesky pests or inclement weather getting in the way. Plus, it’s easier thanks to modern technology like LED light bulbs and hydroponic systems. We’ve rounded up top tips for starting an indoor garden with these challenges in mind:
Soil
Soil is one of the most important components of container gardening. It should be light and well-drained, with a neutral pH level (6.5 to 7.0). Soil for indoor gardens should also be loose, not compacted, rich in organic matter, and possess adequate nutrient content for plant growth. Avoid using soil that has been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Containers
You can use many different containers for your indoor garden, including plastic, metal or wood. You’ll need to consider how big the container should be and whether it will hold a single plant or multiple plants. We recommend using 3–5-gallon containers if you want to grow vegetables (6-12″ deep) and 2–3-gallon containers if you want to grow herbs and flowers (12″ deep). Once you’ve selected the container size, determine how many pots are needed and where they will be located in your apartment. This will help determine how much soil and nutrients each pot needs so that they have adequate space for proper growth.
Plant seeds or seedlings into each individual pot using good quality soil mixed with compost or organic fertilizer. Keep in mind that some plants require more water while others do not; therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on each plant’s needs throughout its life cycle. Try not to overfertilize as this may cause unwanted growth on certain plants like tomatoes which prefer more acidic conditions than other fruits such as strawberries which thrive when there is plenty of nitrogen available within their environment.
Seeds
Always buy from a reputable seed company when purchasing seeds for your first garden. Ideally, you want to buy organic or heirloom varieties resistant to pests and diseases.
Additionally, consider the climate of your area when selecting seed varieties. If it is wintertime and you live in an area with cold winters, it might be best to plant warm-weather plants like tomatoes instead of cucumbers. Also, think about what season you will be growing in—if it is springtime where you live, then you should choose seeds that germinate quickly so your garden can get off its feet before the temperatures start getting colder and cooler over time.
Finally, think about how big your indoor garden is going to be relative to these factors: how much space there will be between rows; whether or not there will be paths between rows; if there will be any extra space left around each plant once they grow up enough so people can walk around them comfortably; etcetera.
Light
The most important factor in indoor gardening is light. Plants need adequate lighting to grow and thrive. The amount of light your plants will need depends on the plant you choose and how large it will get. If you do not have enough light for your plants, they may not flower or grow properly.
Watering
Watering is probably the most important aspect of growing healthy plants. It’s also the part that new gardeners can most easily overlook since they tend to forget to water their plants or don’t know how much water they need.
The best way to ensure your plants get enough water is to use a timer or app on your phone, reminding you when it’s time to add more moisture. If you’re too busy or forgetful, try sprinkling them with water first thing in the morning and then again before bedtime; this way, they’ll have all day long to soak up the moisture through their roots.
