Nature and Gardening

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All things green, outdoors, and nature-y. Whether it's animals in their natural habitat, hiking trails and mountains, or planting a little garden for yourself (and everything in between), you can talk about it here.

See also our Environment community, which is focused on weather, climate, climate change, and stuff like that.

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submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I just moved to a new apartment this past weekend and I think I could fit a few plants in before the frost.

I'm thinking of having three pots, one spinach, one kohlrabi, one radishes.

I've done a little research so I (think I) know the basics, but does anyone have any hot tips for someone just starting out?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I assume you've already looked at specific tips for those plants, so skipping the obvious stuff. From my own experience as an apartment grower:

Go for a pot that's at least 10-12 inches deep. Personally, I'd recommend going for a felt/fiber based cloth pots, as these naturally drain very well, encourage the roots to spread out more evenly, and also helps keep the soil areated and prevent root rot. Regular pots can cause the roots to bundle up, inhibiting their growth and can also lead to root rot.
Don't use actual soil, as it may compact and hinder root growth. Use a high-quality potting mix instead. A mix designed specially for vegetables or one that's well-draining would be ideal.
Make sure your plants get plenty of sunlight (6-8 hrs) . A south-facing window is ideal. If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights. If you're using grow lights, 12-14 hours might be required.
Regularly check for pests like aphids. If detected, spray with a mix of water and a few drops of mild soap, or use an organic natural pesticide, like a neem-oil based spray (and don't go overboard).
The key to avoiding pests and fungal diseases is to ensure a good airflow between plants, try and maintain a distance of 1ft between the pots, if possible.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks, for the tips, especially the last one