An easy way to enhance your living space, boost your mental health, and find a new healthy hobby is to flex your green thumb. Whether you have plans for an extensive outdoor garden or just a few indoor apartment-friendly plants, there are options for every type of living space. Not only will these plants benefit your overall mood and happiness, they will also give you a sense of connection with the world outside and can even improve your indoor air quality. The first thing to understand is what kind of plant, or planting, to tackle based on your living situation.
The Ins and Outs of Growing an Outdoor Garden
If you have ample yard space and are interested in growing your own plants, flowers, vegetables, or fruits, an outdoor garden might be perfect for you. One of the first steps to growing an outdoor garden is understanding the ideal placement of the garden. Decide what you’d like to grow and then research what conditions are optimal. For an expert opinion, consult a local plant shop or nursery and tell them what kind of yard, sunlight, and soil you have at home. From there, they can guide you to the right collection of what will grow best.
Not only will these outdoor plants help your own state of mind but they’ll help your resale value, too. In one HomeLight survey, 94% of real estate agents said that great curb appeal and landscaping usually equals more money at the closing table. This can be as simple as regular lawn care like mowing, applying fertilizer, and weed control - which recovers an estimated 267% of the cost of upkeep at the time of sale - or as grand as professional gardening and hardscapes.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, geraniums are the go-to annual for many outdoor gardeners. They come in a broad range of colors and are easy to grow if you have ample sunlight, making them perfect for large backyards. Another aspect to consider when planting is time of year. For example, colorful petunias will bloom spring to frost but hydrangeas typically just last from early summer to fall. If you have plenty of space to grow, consider a cuphea, but if you’re working with small spaces, opt for a sedum which is great for the smallest pot in your shed.
Renting with a Green Thumb
Many of us look forward to planting, whether it’s flowers, shrubs, or even a veggie patch, but what are the rules for renters? Are you allowed to remove existing plants to make way for your own garden? Is there a difference for perennials and annuals? To be safe, check your rental agreement or speak with your landlord. Most leases specify that tenants are responsible for maintaining the rented property and leaving it in the same condition as the beginning of the lease. This means that if there’s existing plant life, you may be responsible for weeding, raking leaves, and keeping the lawn tidy. If your lease and/or landlord are more amenable to your gardening dreams, the tips above are a great place to start.
Bring the Outdoors In
Filling your home or apartment with plants is a great way to boost your mood, decorate your home, and bring the outside in. A classic and trendy choice among renters and homeowners alike is a succulent arrangement, but if you want to get a little more creative, you’ll be surprised with how much more you can grow! Pothos is a tropical vine plant that is known for its deep green leaves that is typically seen in hanging pots and high on shelves, which can save space if it’s limited. They’re also easy to care for due to their need for minimal light and ability to last for many days without water. Spider plants are another popular low-maintenance, hard-to-kill, and pet-friendly houseplant option. Snake plants are known for filtering out formaldehyde, which is found in cleaning products, toilet paper and personal care products, and are a great option for your bathroom due to its low light and humid conditions.
Understanding Where, How, and When to Plant
Regardless of where you live, there are plenty of options for when, where, and how to grow your plants. Whether your space is limited in a smaller rental or you’re able to sprawl out in the backyard, you can find the perfect array of plants for your living space. The easiest way to understand what will work best for your unique situation is to do your research, consult a local nursery, and respect the growing conditions in your space.
In the Charlotte area, be sure to check out PlantBar, Pike’s Nursery, Oakdale Greenhouses, Grow, and other local plant shops to support local businesses while growing your own green thumb.