How To Grow Vegetables in A Small Home

With the rapid climb of prices of food products recently, it is understandable why homemakers seem to be getting worried, especially now that the holidays are getting close. But, no need to panic—with a few simple steps, you can grow your own veggies right in the comfort and convenience of your home, so you won't need to buy. And you don’t even need to have acres of lush green land to do it!

Plan carefully

IMAGE Pixabay

When decorating a small home, smart space planning is highly important. The same goes for creating a small garden. Take a moment to study your space and ask yourself some important questions: Does it receive a lot of sunlight? Is it prone to strong winds and heavy rains? What kind of space is available for you to use? If you’re planning on utilizing a balcony or terrace, how much weight can it carry? Once you know what kind of space you have, it will be much easier to actually build your garden.

Decide what crops you’ll get

IMAGE Pexels

If you will be making a garden in a limited space, you need to choose plants that are smaller, simpler, and easier to grow.

Tomatoes are a great example of a crop you can grow even in a small setting. This vegetable can be grown in containers, even in hanging planters, and is fairly easy to maintain, as long as you remain vigilant about watering it and making sure that it is getting enough sunlight. Other kinds of vegetables you can grow at home include radishes and microgreens like lettuce and spinach.

What other parents are reading

This Red Vegetable Could Help You and Your Partner Conceive

Choose your containers

IMAGE Unsplash

There is a good variety of planters available out there that you can use for your mini-vegetable garden: those that can be hung on fences or railings, those that can be propped up on walls, or the regular pots made of clay. It's really up to you which kind you want, but remember that larger containers are significantly more beneficial for plants, as they allow for the development of root systems and retain water for a longer period of time. Regardless, make sure to do your research before buying anything.

Test your soil

IMAGE Unsplash

When growing vegetables, it is essential to make sure that the soil you will use is in ideal condition. Here’s an easy way to test your soil: Soak it in water for an entire day, then dig up a handful. Squeeze it, and if moisture seeps out, try adding compost or organic matter to improve its drainage. Do the same if the soil breaks apart too easily. If it breaks into crumbs when you poke it, then your soil is in good condition.

Let there be light

IMAGE Unsplash

Aside from water and nutrients, light also plays a huge role in ensuring the healthy growth of any plant, especially of vegetables. Make sure to put your plants in areas where they will receive as much light as possible. If your garden is located indoors, try placing your plants next to a window, but if your space doesn’t allow for much sunlight to enter, you could use grow lights placed over your plants instead. The bigger your plant, the bigger the light you will need.

This story originally appeared on Realliving.com.ph.

*Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.

What other parents are reading

You Put Your Baby's Health at Risk When You Feed Him Solid Food Too Early

Here's How to Teach Your Baby to Eat Healthier When She Grows Up

Soothe Baby's Teething Pain With These 10 Chilled Fruits and Veggies

Save Your Money! Stop Storing These Veggies In The Refrigerator