Guideline for Tenants: Flourishing Green Spaces on Leased Properties
In a world where stability can be elusive, one individual is embarking on a unique journey to cultivate more than just roots. With a temporary home and no yard or balcony, this renter is turning to windowsills and a corner of the front stoop to bring a touch of nature indoors.
The goal of this gardening experiment is twofold: to grow some food and to learn new skills. The individual is particularly interested in tomatoes and peppers for the windowsills, and shade plants for the stoop, which may be best suited due to its position.
The success of this venture will be measured by a simple yet significant milestone: keeping plants alive. With a recent success story of keeping 2 out of 3 succulent plants alive for almost a year, and occasional cactus blooms, there's a glimmer of hope.
The individual is also aiming to be more self-sufficient and sustainable. While the goal of complete self-sufficiency might not be achievable in the current living situation, every step counts. The added bonus would be the satisfaction of learning new skills and the potential savings from eating home-grown vegetables.
To make the most of the limited space, the individual is planning to attempt trellis gardening and is considering vertical gardening or hanging planters. The best tips for successfully growing a windowsill garden in a small space include starting with easy, low-maintenance herbs, using small terracotta or ceramic containers with drainage holes, and positioning the garden in the sunniest windowsill available.
This renter's green thumb journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the desire to make small changes towards a better future. Despite a history of unsuccessful plant ventures, including bamboo and cacti, the individual is undeterred and eager to try new things.
[1] The Spruce, (2021), How to Grow a Windowsill Herb Garden, https://www.thespruceeats.com/windowsill-herb-garden-3307334
[2] The Balcony Garden Web, (2021), Growing Herbs on a Windowsill, https://www.balconygardenweb.com/growing-herbs-on-a-windowsill.html
[3] The Old Farmer's Almanac, (2021), Growing Herbs Indoors, [https://www.almanac.com/plant/growing-herbs-indoors]
[4] Gardening Know How, (2021), Growing Herbs Indoors, [https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/growing/growing-herbs-indoors.htm]
[5] The Urban Jungle, (2021), Vertical Gardening for Small Spaces, [https://urbanjunglebloggers.com/vertical-gardening-for-small-spaces/]
In this venture, the individual intends to not only grow food and acquire new gardening skills, but also to promote a sustainable lifestyle and embrace home-and-garden practices. In this quest, the individual plans to use trellis gardening and explore vertical or hanging gardening options, particularly for tomatoes, peppers, and shade plants, to make the most of their limited space.
