You can build beds on the windowsill at any time of the year. It is important to choose the right crops. In order to admire the greenery all year round, it is recommended to monitor the combination of crops, consider the frequency of harvest ripening and systematically add new seedlings. The correct choice of soil, the creation of the necessary lighting and the organization of competent care are of great importance.
Why make a garden bed on the windowsill?
Many people set up mini-gardens at home because they do not have the opportunity to buy a summer house or their own house with a plot. Some simply do not want to change their place of residence and move to the village. At the same time, traveling to the dacha on weekends is not particularly convenient. At the same time, building your own mini-vegetable garden in an apartment is quite possible.
By growing plants in your apartment, you can provide yourself with vitamins for a whole year. In addition, greenery helps decorate the apartment - it makes it more attractive and fills it with green colors. In addition, self-grown greens do not contain nitrates or other harmful substances. Therefore, such products can be safely eaten.
What is needed for this?
To build a small bed on the windowsill, you will need to find a suitable place and container. It is also important to stock up on soil and equipment. The use of additional lighting is of great importance.
Selecting a location
In summer and spring, beds can be placed on a balcony or loggia. If you want to place beds on window sills, you should consider the following:
- ease of plant care;
- presence of furniture near windows;
- placement of household appliances near the window sills.
Owners of small apartments often face the problem of a lack of space on the window sills. Shelving, which can be made of metal or wood, will help solve it.
Containers for planting
The following types of containers are allowed to be used for planting:
- plastic or ceramic pots of various configurations;
- containers for seedlings;
- plastic bowls;
- glass jars;
- deep trays;
- ceramic mugs;
- disposable tableware;
- packaging.
Soil preparation
You can buy soil in a store or make it yourself. In the second case, it needs to be disinfected. This should be done in the following ways:
- treat the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate;
- heat the earth in the oven;
- freeze the soil - this option is available in winter, during frosts.
Lighting
Plants that are demanding of light will need additional lighting. LED lamps are considered the best option. They are durable and require minimal energy. In addition, such lamps do not overheat.
Inventory
To grow plants, you will need a soil loosening tool with a short handle. For watering, use a small watering can or an empty spray bottle.
What can you grow in a mini-garden?
Onions, dill and parsley are usually grown on windowsills. However, there are many more options.
For beginners
Beginners should choose the most unpretentious crops. Suitable options include the following:
- onion;
- dill;
- watercress;
- parsley.
For professionals
More experienced gardeners should pay attention to the following plants:
- basil;
- mint;
- celery;
- saffron;
- arugula.
How to make a home garden
To achieve excellent yields, the space on the windowsill must be used as rationally as possible. In this case, it is recommended to place containers for plants closer to each other so that there is no free space left. If you want to get a decorative composition that will decorate the room, it is important to think through its design in detail.
Examples of original design
To make a vegetable garden on a windowsill more attractive, it is worth using various design solutions. To get a complete composition, it is recommended to first draw a diagram and mark the decorative elements on it. These can be animal figures, a house, a fence.
When creating mini-beds, it is important to consider the possibility of different plants being adjacent. So, tomatoes and cucumbers require different air humidity. Therefore, growing them in close proximity is not recommended. To place more containers on the window, you should use racks or hanging shelves.
Increased yield and faster growth
In order for vegetables and herbs to feel normal, it is important to create the necessary conditions for them. At the same time, the requirements for soil, watering and free space for roots differ. To increase productivity and activate growth processes, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Use quality soil. It is best to purchase ready-made soil in a store.
- Ensure adequate drainage. Excessive amounts of moisture harm the root system.
- Pre-soak and germinate the seeds. After planting in moist soil, it is recommended to cover it with plastic wrap.
- Provide additional lighting. This is especially important in winter when there is not enough light. For illumination it is worth using special phytolamps. If they are not available, it is permissible to use LED backlighting. It is considered economical and does not pose a threat to delicate foliage.
- Spray the plantings with water.This is especially important when the air is extremely dry.
Creating garden beds on a windowsill has many benefits. Thanks to such a mini-garden, it is possible to grow high-quality and safe greens. It is important to provide the plants with quality care.
