Being a student and having a green thumb can pose serious challenges. Growing your own plants and vegetables within the confines of a dorm room is a difficult task. Gardening requires a lot of time, attention, and space – all of which is difficult for a student to commit to, and obtain. However, just because gardening can be difficult does not mean it is impossible. In fact, taking on the task can provide you with a wonderful hobby that has the potential to produce some great tasting food, as well as nice looking foliage to liven up your space. As long as you have a window, some form of a container, and soil, you can plant a variety of fruits and vegetables. Consider some of the below tips and tricks on how to adapt gardening to your urban lifestyle!
Consider the amount of sunlight you have exposure to. This is crucial when determining what to plant – especially if it’s a fruit or vegetable. Leafy greens, as well as vegetables like broccoli, are more shade-loving and will therefore require less sunlight. On the other hand, fruits such as tomatoes, strawberries, and kiwi, require much larger amounts of sunlight.
Container size is determined by root depth. Plants with shallow roots can be planted in pots that are smaller than 10 inches in diameter, while plants with deeper roots will require containers that are three to five gallons. Make sure that all containers are raised as to allow your plants air circulation and extra space for drainage. While this plant container is super crafty, it may not be the most practical.
Don’t over water your plants. You want to make sure that you have watered the entire container, but get rid of any excess water that fills the saucer below the container. Allowing your plant to sit in this excess water can lead to root rot. As mentioned previously, it can be difficult as a student to make sure that you are always there to attend to your plant. To make sure that your plants are still getting the nutrients they require, you can purchase water crystals that soak up and gradually release water when you are unable to give them your undivided attention.
Urban gardening is a great way to grow your own fruits and vegetables within a setting that isn’t conducive to traditional gardening methods. Although you won’t necessarily be able to grow a vast amount of any one thing, it’s a great way to test out different plants, and to spruce up your place in a functional yet aesthetically appealing way. For fun ideas in regard to displaying your own urban garden check out pinterest.com.
Have you ever tried urban gardening? What advice can you offer?
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