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Growing your own food can be a fun and rewarding experience, although you might think it’s impossible if you don’t have a garden.
In fact, there are many ways to grow food whether you live in an urban environment, an apartment, or a house without a yard.
When I started growing food, I lived in an apartment with a small patio and could grow a ton of tomatoes and a variety of herbs. Even though I now have a garden, I still use some of my old techniques to grow edible plants in containers and indoors.
Whether you’re trying your hand at growing herbs on your windowsill or green salads that don’t need soil, the opportunities are vast.
Here are 6 great ways to grow your own food without a yard or land.
Think vegetables can only grow in the ground? Think again !
Some vegetables do very well in pots. If you don’t have a garden but have a deck, patio, or porch, container gardening is a great choice.
Start by researching the types of vegetables to grow in containers. My favorite options include herbs, snow peas, lettuce and other greens, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Certain root vegetables, such as beets, potatoes, and radishes, may also work.
Next, get pots – clay or plastic – with one or more holes in the bottom for drainage. Herbs can grow in small pots, but most other vegetables need large, deep pots. Use a vegetable saucer under the pots to collect the drainage.
Grow bags from companies like Smart Pot are another option. They are super practical and lighter than clay or ceramic pots.
Buy grow bags online.
Fill the pots or bags with potting soil that gives the vegetables the nutrients they need, such as potting soil with organic matter.
Then plant the vegetable seeds according to the directions on the package or the pre-grown seedlings you got from a nursery or grocery store. If you are planting vegetables that need support, such as peas or tomatoes, use a trellis, tomato cage, or stakes.
Place the pots in a sunny spot and don’t forget to water them. Depending on the weather in your area, you may need to water the potted vegetables every other day or even every day. When the first inch (2.5cm) of the soil is dry, it’s time to water.
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Many kinds of vegetables grow well in pots or bags on patios, decks or porches. Be sure to research the types of vegetables you can plant in containers, use suitable soil, and provide plenty of water.
If you live in an apartment or townhouse with an accessible roof, you have a great space to grow food.
In fact, roofs are often ideal for vegetables that need a lot of sunlight, as they are usually not shaded by trees or other buildings.
You can grow vegetables on a roof in pots, containers, or bags just like you would on a patio or deck. For more efficient use of space, consider building or purchasing raised or tiered planters. Raised planters often include a large rectangular container for plants.
Before you begin, check with your housing association to make sure rooftop planters are allowed. You may also need to consult an engineer to make sure your roof will support a garden.
Keep in mind that you should primarily plant vegetables that tolerate a lot of sun, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
If you don’t have a lot of space on your roof, don’t plant vegetables that need a lot of growing space like squash or corn.
Since rooftop gardens tend to get plenty of sun, it’s important to water your plants regularly. At the same time, roof top planters easily absorb rainwater. Keep an eye out for rainfall and temperatures in your area when determining when to water your vegetables.
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Growing vegetables on a roof is a great option, especially for varieties that tolerate a lot of sun.
You might think that planters are only for flowers, but they are also useful for food.
I have been very lucky to grow green vegetables, such as arugula and Swiss chard, in boxes tucked under the windows that get good afternoon sun.
Depending on the location of your planters, you can get varying levels of sunlight. Unlike container gardens on a porch or roof, you cannot move the planters. So, it’s important to look for plants that hold up well to the levels of sunlight you have.
When choosing seeds or seedlings, look for those that thrive in your area and climate zone. Ordering seeds online is an option, but purchasing them from a local nursery or seed company may be preferable.
Local garden stores usually sell plants that grow well in your area. Plus, you can ask for help if you need it.
Use planters of any material – hay rack, wood, fiberglass, plastic – as long as they are 8 inches (20cm) or more deep and have good drainage. Add potting soil with organic matter and plant fertilizer, if desired, before planting the seeds and seedlings.
Keep the soil moist. You may need to water garden vegetables more often than other plants, as they can dry out quickly.
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To grow food without garden space, replace the flowers in the planters with vegetables.
Oddly enough, you can grow vegetables without any soil.
Hydroponics gardening involves growing food in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution. You can do this indoors or outdoors, making it a great option if you don’t have a garden.
Depending on what you are growing, a hydroponic system may only need a small amount of space. Plus, it can usually be done year round.
In hydroponic systems, plants essentially “float” in the nutritional solution. They can grow in a type of material other than soil that supports their roots, or their roots can be placed directly into the solution.
Hydroponic gardens generally need a grow light and can also include an air pump for the solution.
Some of the more common plants that you can grow hydroponically include green vegetables, herbs, strawberries, and dwarf varieties of tomatoes and peppers.
There are many tutorials online for making homemade hydroponic systems. Hydroponic kits are also a good option for beginners.
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Hydroponic garden kits offer a way to grow vegetables in nutrient solution instead of soil. They are a great option for growing food in small spaces and can be set up entirely indoors if needed.
A sunny windowsill is another option indoors for growing food. It is also aromatic, helping your place to smell fresh and pleasant.
Herbs are one of the best things to grow on a windowsill because they are low maintenance. It is possible to grow vegetables on window sills, but be sure to seek advice specific to certain vegetables if you plan to give it a try.
Choose a window sill with plenty of sunlight, such as a south-facing window, that won’t be exposed to heat or air from a vent.
Choose pots with drainage holes and use saucers to catch excess water and prevent leaks. Fill your pots with potting soil suitable for herbs, plant your seeds or seedlings and watch them grow.
Remember to regularly water your herb garden on the windowsill. Occasionally spray your plants with a spray bottle if your house is dry.
You may need a grow light in winter due to lack of sunlight.
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Herbs can thrive in pots placed along a sunny windowsill. Remember to keep their soil moist and to sprinkle them with water if your home is dry.
If you want to grow food outside but don’t have a garden, a community garden is a great option.
Community gardens are usually divided into several plots intended for use by individuals or groups. They can be managed by non-profit organizations or local governments.
There is usually a membership fee to reserve a plot – and there may even be a waiting list depending on the popularity of the garden. Some gardens may require you to participate in general maintenance and gardening work as part of the membership.
To find a community garden in your area, start by searching online. Social media and websites like the American Community Gardening Association, Meetup, and Local Harvest can be helpful. Many schools and churches also have community gardens.
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Join a community garden to grow your own food alongside neighbors and friends. Check websites, social media, and local schools or churches to find one.
While you can often think of gardening as big yards, it’s entirely possible to garden in small spaces – and without any land.
Hydroponics kits, window sill pots, planters, and container gardens on decks or rooftops are just a few of the options for growing your own food with limited space. You can also join a community garden.
Choose one of the options from this article to get started.