When we think of gardens, we tend to think of lush, luxurious, well cared-for plots. But students don’t tend to have the time or resources to dedicate to this kind of project, especially when living in a one-year rental. Many student homes have concrete gardens that don’t allow for planting at all. But if you have a green thumb, or if you want to brighten up your living space, there are other ways you can incorporate plants into your life. Here is how to do gardening as a student.
The Kitchen Herb Garden
Living on your own means cooking for yourself, and if you have a love for plants, what better way to level up these two skillsets than through an herb garden? Set up planters on your kitchen windowsill, and fill them with an array of herbs you can incorporate into meals. Basil is excellent for pasta sauces, chives for garnishing salads and omelettes, and mint for mojitos and soups. These can be grouped together in damp soil, whereas rosemary, lavender and thyme can be potted together in drier soil.
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The Fresher’s Cactus Garden
Cacti are among the hardiest plants and the most difficult to kill, so it’s no surprise that they are often a uni student’s choice for their first plant. Individually planted cacti can fit on your windowsill in student halls, or you can group them together in a larger planter. Make sure they get plenty of sunlight and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
The Outdoor Potted Garden
Even if your rental has a plantable garden, you might not want to use it since you’ll likely only be there a year. Instead, try a few potted outdoor plants to spruce up your outdoor space. They will require much less maintenance than indoor plants since they can live off of the rain. Some beginner varieties to try are rubella, a compact little shrub, agapanthus, the delightful blue flowers, or buddleia, the dwarf butterfly bush.
The Living Room Jungle Garden
Let’s face it, sitting rooms in student houses can be a little bit grim. Incorporating plants into your common areas can make them much more pleasant and homey. Some low-maintenance plants that will liven up your living room are ZZ plants, aloe vera, spider plants, peace lilies, and jade.
The Community Garden
There are also ways to utilize your green thumb without the commitment of a home garden. Many universities have green initiatives that you can join or volunteer for. There also might be a community garden in your area that you can get involved in. Not only does this give you a chance to grow plants and produce food, but it’s also a great way to get to know your neighbours.
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