Gardens Apartments in Dayton, OH offer a wide variety of apartment gardening options, from small apartment-sized gardens to large landscape-type gardens. In the Dayton area, apartment gardens can range from one to three yards in height and width and require limited to regular weeding, fertilizing and watering. Most apartment gardens are self-supporting, but do require minimal pest control and some maintenance, such as mowing and trimming of the hedgerow and occasional winterization due to frost. Many apartment gardening programs are supported by a gardener who comes into the apartment at the beginning of the season and maintains it throughout the year on an as-needed basis.
There are several benefits to choosing apartment gardening programs over landscape gardening. One is that apartment plants are usually smaller plants that are easier to care for and tend to grow actively. This results in fewer weeds to pull. Frequent weeding decreases air circulation, which is bad for plants and also means that you must water more often to keep them growing.
Apartment gardens can also be cheaper to install because apartment dwellers are usually more frugal with their expenses than home owners. Landscaping a small yard takes a lot of time and specialized tools, and can be very expensive. On the other hand, if you decide to have a small apartment landscape and plant a vigorous variety like shrubs, you will probably save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace these expensive plants all the time.
Many apartment dwellers are under the impression that apartment gardening just involves a basic flower bed. While some apartment plants can actually be grown successfully in apartments, most require the liberal use of pesticides and insecticides, as well as regular weeding. This can be a difficult task on a small scale. However, a properly sized garden bed and some specialized tools can provide apartment gardening that is healthy and appealing to the eye.
Landscaping should also be considered from the initial design stage. There is a variety of materials to choose from that will make it easier to create a garden that looks attractive and appeals to the eye. For example, if you prefer a tropical look, consider using native plants and flowers, as these are easier to grow and maintain. They also add an authentic flavor to your apartment, much like they would in a home garden.
One way to avoid the expense of hiring a professional gardener is to research different apartment gardens. If there is a plant or two that you would like to try, ask a friend or neighbor what they have found to be successful in their own apartment. Keep in mind that some apartment gardens are large and beautiful, while others may be quite small and dry and lacking in character.
When you begin gardening, keep in mind that you are doing it for yourself. It is best not to overdo it, as you could end up with plants that are too tall for the little spaces that they can easily grow in. The best way to go about this is to plan each week how much space you have to work with, and then plant accordingly. It is best to pick flowers that are going to spread out and look nice from one area to another, rather than plants that need to be enclosed in a small pot. You will want to plan a schedule for pruning, repotting, and general maintenance of your garden.
Another good thing about apartment gardening is that you don’t have to make an appointment with a professional gardener to do it for you. You can learn a lot at community garden centers or by visiting your local library. If you’re handy with a sharp tool and a pair of gloves, you may want to enlist the help of a neighbor or friend. Most gardeners will welcome the chance to share their knowledge. Gardening can be great exercise, and when done in a controlled environment, can be enjoyable and educational. Your apartment garden can become the new centerpiece of your living space.