How to Build a Small Space Garden in an Apartment

Measure the area where you plan to set up your garden. If it receives full sun at least six hours each day, whether it's indoors or outside, that's best. Knowing the size of area that gets sun for six hours a day or more will guide you in planning the number and sizes of your containers.

Fill your containers with a good-quality standard potting soil. Place the containers on plant saucers to protect wooden decks, carpeting and furniture. Then water until the water runs out the drainage holes into the saucers.

Plant bedding plants by making holes large enough for their root systems. Then set one plant into each hole. Be sure to leave enough room between plants. For example, plant only one tomato plant in a 12-inch pot. However, eight to 10 lettuce plants will thrive in the same 12-inch container.

Use your vertical space by growing some crops, such as cucumbers and pole beans, on supports or trellises. Tie plants to the support with nursery tape or cloth strips when they begin to grow taller. Also make use of walls, fences and other existing vertical surfaces that will allow your plants to climb as tall as they want.

Water your plants when the soil becomes slightly dry to the touch. Keeping plants watered on a regular schedule is important to their health and productivity.

Fertilize container-grown plants more frequently than you would those growing in soil. Choose a commercial plant food designed for vegetables and follow label instructions for correct mixing and application.