For some people, eating healthily can be expensive, so they opt for cheap fast food and microwave meals. Gardening, of course, is a great way to grow your own food, but it can be challenging with the lack of space.

If you’re one of these people, don’t worry: There are ways to grow your own food, even if you have a tiny apartment.

1. Cultivate an indoor garden

If you’re looking for more than just herbs, plant vegetables in pots and various containers throughout your apartment.

Here just a few of the best herbs and vegetables to grow in an apartment with lots of sunny windows:

• Basil
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Bush beans
• Chives
• Coriander
• Dwarf fruit trees
• Garlic
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Lettuce
• Mint
• Mushrooms
• Okra
• Onions
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Salad greens
• Scallions
• Thyme
• Tomatoes

2. Use technology to find supplies

Even if you don’t know a lot, don’t sweat it. Take it to the internet.

In one search, you can access online shops that offer the supplies that you need. It can be soil, seeds, fancy gnome pots – whatever you need. Check their social media as well. Most shops have online accounts you can easily access and browse.

Another great thing about the internet is that you can ask other urban gardeners. Join forums and online groups on gardening, and ask from gardening veterans where they get their supplies. They’ll most likely give tips as well, so you’re killing two birds with one stone.

3. Join or start a community garden in your neighborhood

If you’re on the fence about starting a home garden, try joining a community garden first to get a feel for gardening. Community gardens allow people to grow different types of flowers, fruits, herbs, and vegetables in either individual or shared plots of land.

Additionally, you can do a lot of good in your neighborhood when you join a community garden. Aside from growing organic produce safe from chemicals, you can donate a portion of your harvest to local food banks or soup kitchens.

4. Share garden plots

Home gardening doesn’t have to be a job for just one person. If you don’t have a garden, perhaps a relative or a friend might have space in their homes. Partner with them to start a co-owned garden.

If they have space in their yard, provide the labor, and share your crops with each other. Use your creativity to make the most of the space available to you.

5. Volunteer with local producers

You can learn a lot by reading articles and joining forums online, but the best way to develop your gardening skills is by gaining hands-on experience. Take the chance to learn from the experts.

While not all farmers will accept your offer, you won’t know until you ask around. A willing mentor may just be around the corner.

6. Visit farmers’ markets

If you really don’t have enough space for a garden in your apartment, get your groceries from a farmers’ market. You won’t be gardening, but you’ll be supporting the community by purchasing fresh and locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, and more.

Shopping at a farmer’s market means you also directly support small farms. Ask the farmers for some tips in case you ever try gardening again.

There are many ways to grow your own food even if you don’t have your own garden. If you want to eat healthier, start a container garden or shop at farmer’s markets.

Sources:

MindBodyGreen.com

Gardeners.com

Community-Gardens.ca

UKSurvivalGuides.com