Three ways to grow things at home when you don't have a garden
Spring is the perfect time to be at one with nature and start growing things at home. Don't have a garden or land to create your own space for growing? Don't worry, we've found three simple, affordable and fun alternatives so you can enjoy this wonderful experience too. Check out these ideas!
1. A hanging garden
When we think of growing things, we always think of the classic method of planting seeds in soil, right? But did you know that there's a type of cultivation that's completely soilless? This technique is called hydroponic agriculture ("hydro" water and "ponos" labour) and it replaces soil with mineral solutions. So, it's perfect for cultivation at home, since it fits any space, however small it may be.
So, how have we created this garden? It's easier than it seems. All you need is: transparent thread, a coat stand and some containers.
With the help of a coat stand, we can create the perfect growing frame, with a different plant for each hanger. Seeds and water will be placed in the transparent vases (or even tube-shaped containers) and it's in these where, little by little, our plants will grow. It even looks like a work of art!
The best thing? You can follow your plants' growth to the smallest detail.
Tip: Research what your plant needs to find out if this technique is suitable. Small vegetables, for example, are great candidates. Oh, and be careful with the weight of each container!
2. A portable mini-garden
If you found the example above complex or simply a bit too small, creating a vertical garden is a great alternative.
This option is perfectly feasible if, for example, you have a small terrace or a large balcony. Creating one is as convenient and simple as making space for open shelving and putting the plants you want on each shelf. Choose an individual planter for each one and grow your favourite flowers and vegetables conveniently.
Here, we'll play with the soil, seed and watering technique. If you're looking to make things easier, place your plants in order of how regularly they need watering, to avoid getting confused. You could even pop a small note on each shelf or pot that tells you how often they need to be watered. You can also set an alarm on your mobile phone to automatically remind you when it's time to water your plants.
Tip: On the bottom shelf, save space for your watering can so you always have it at hand and prepare a small gardening kit with extra tools and pots in case you need to transplant any plants in the future.
3. Nano-greenhouses
The final alternative for growing from home is a super easy and enjoyable activity to do with the littlest ones in the household.
Share the magic of watching a plant sprout from a seed. Put together a decorative terrarium for the whole family using something as common and affordable as a transparent reusable bag.
To create a nano-greenhouse, all you need is:
- cotton
- seeds
- resealable plastic bags (these ones, in fact, are made from a renewable and more environmentally friendly material)
Should we let you in on another secret? Why not? Now that you have everything you need, all that's left to do is moisten the cotton balls and put them in the bag with your chosen seeds . There you have it!
Give gardening a chance and fall in love with all the benefits it brings. If you've developed green fingers and want more ideas for your plants, check out this special selection of articles:
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.
