6 ways to grow plants in an apartment

[Akanksha]

You don’t need a backyard or a large plot of land to grow your own plants.

As our creative Bunnings Workshop community members have shown, there are many ways to grow plants in an apartment, regardless of its size. 

Below are some examples for inspiration. Let us know if you have any questions. 

1. Make a terrarium

Terrariums are low-maintenance indoor gardens that don't take up too much space and can make impressive gifts or table features. Check out these easy-care terrariums shared by Workshop member Michelle (@mich1972).

The Bunnings guide How to make a terrarium is useful for anyone keen to make their own.

2. Hang plants from a basket

Plants in hanging baskets and pots can be a delightful feature for your home. They can add colourful flowers, relaxing greenery, privacy and even fresh herbs and vegetables to eat. Check out Michelle’s colourful hanging basket for inspiration.

Horticulturalist and Workshop member Noelle's guide How to choose plants for hanging baskets contains more handy tips.

3. Make your own indoor plant stand

Using plant stands to grow indoor plants is a great way to maximise limited space in an apartment. Timber plant stands by @joineryjo are easy to make and can add a striking design element to indoor and outdoor spaces.

Inspired by Jo's plant stands, experienced member @JoeAzza has shared a full step-by-step guide How to build a planter stand.

4. Create a vertical garden

Vertical gardens on balconies can provide more space for growing herbs, flowers and vegetables. Community member @Darren turned a plain brick wall into an attractive feature with five rows of terracotta pots ready for planting. Remember to always check with your local building authority before placing pots or planters in your balcony to avoid any safety risks.

Check out 5 ways to create a vertical garden for more creative ideas.

5. Grow hydroponic plants

Depending on your space, you could set up a hydroponic garden in your apartment. Hydroponic gardening involves growing plants in water instead of soil. Nurhadi (@Prof) is growing hydroponic plants like tomatoes and lettuce and has shared his experiences.

If you want to know more about hydroponics, check out the Bunnings article growing hydroponic plants.

6. Use planter boxes

Planters are portable, so they can be moved over seasons and taken with you if you move homes. Community member @Kaz1971 built a timber planter box to fit the end of their apartment balcony. 

Check out the step-by-step guide to building a portable garden bed by the Bunnings team. Experienced Workshop member Rob (@Peggers) has also put together a simple guide to making a very simple planter box for beginners.

Need more help with growing a garden in an apartment?

The Bunnings Workshop community can assist with more inspiration and advice for adding greenery to your apartment. Don’t hesitate to start a discussion and ask for help.

[Jason]

Lots of great ideas here from our clever and creative Workshop members. 

My tip is to consider succulents as they don't require much water or maintenance, yet there are so many different wonderful varieties of plants. 

You might also find these Best Advice articles seful - What indoor plants are easy to grow? and How do you care for indoor plants?

Jason

[robchin]

Great article here with lots of inspiration. Well done @Akanksha. My wife and I are avid growers of indoor plants and are always promoting that people should try it. It's not as hard as it is made out to be and most plants are very forgiving and resilient. My greatest success though are promoting gardening with younger people, kids and tweeenies. If you can help them enjoy gardening at that age you have them hooked on gardening for life teaching them great life skills and about the environment - a win win. Indoor gardening is great for this.