As more and more people move into apartments, finding ways to bring a touch of greenery into their homes can be a challenge. However, just because you don’t have a backyard or a large outdoor space, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy gardening. In fact, apartment gardening is becoming increasingly popular, allowing people to bring nature indoors and create their very own oasis in the city.
Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started with apartment gardening:
Determine your space
The first step in apartment gardening is to determine the amount of space you have available. This will help you decide on the type and size of plants you can grow. If you have a small balcony or patio, you may want to consider container gardening, using pots or hanging baskets. If you don’t have any outdoor space, you can still grow plants indoors, using windowsills or shelves.
Choose the right plants
When choosing plants for your apartment garden, it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight and water they need. Some good choices for low-light environments include spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants. If you have a sunny balcony or patio, herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, can be grown in containers. I love these for a balcony since they can rest on the railing and save valuable balcony space.
Select the right containers
Choosing the right containers is essential for successful apartment gardening. Make sure the containers you choose are large enough to accommodate the roots of your plants and have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom. You can use traditional clay or plastic pots, or get creative and use recycled containers like mason jars, old tea tins, or wine bottles.
Personally, my balcony has a tall ledge. I needed a planter that had the height but also provided me storage options because…space. I ended up with this container that fit perfectly on my narrow balcony, provided me with storage underneath, and is made of high-quality cedar.
Consider vertical gardening
Vertical gardening is a great option for those with limited space. You can create a living wall by attaching planters to a fence or wall, or using a freestanding trellis to support climbing plants like ivy or morning glory. Check out these vertical garden planters or this tower garden. They are both functional and beautiful.
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Don’t forget about maintenance
Maintaining an apartment garden requires a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it. Make sure to water your plants regularly and prune them as needed. You can also use organic fertilizers to promote healthy growth. If you’re going on vacation, make sure to ask a friend or neighbor to take care of your plants while you’re away.
In conclusion, apartment gardening is a wonderful way to bring nature into your home and create a peaceful, green oasis in the city. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables, beautiful flowers, and a healthier living space. So why not give it a try and start your own apartment garden today!
Creating Sourdough Starter from Scratch at Home
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Sourdough bread is a staple in many households, with its unique flavor and texture making it a favorite among bread enthusiasts. While you can certainly purchase a sourdough starter from a bakery or online, making your own sourdough starter from scratch is not only simple but also a cost-effective way to enjoy the delicious bread.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your own sourdough starter using just two ingredients: unbleached all-purpose flour and filtered warm water. The process will take about five to seven days, but the end result will be worth it.
What do you need?
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ingredients:
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- 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup filtered warm water
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Instructions:
Day 1:
- In a glass jar, mix together 1/2 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of filtered warm water.
- Stir the mixture until it is well combined and smooth. Should look like thick pancake batter
- Cover the jar with a cloth or paper towel, and secure it with a rubber band. It needs to breathe so make sure it’s a breathable material.
- Place another rubber band at the level of the starter. This will help you gauge if it rises or not.
- Place the jar in a warm place, around 70°F-75°F, away from direct sunlight.
Day 2-5:
- Each day, discard half of the mixture in the jar and add 1/2 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of filtered warm water.
- Stir the mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Cover the jar with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
- Place the jar in a warm place, around 70°F-75°F, away from direct sunlight.
Day 6-10:
- On these days, feed your sourdough starter twice a day, every 12 hours, by discarding half of the mixture in the jar and adding 1/2 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of filtered warm water.
- Stir the mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Cover the jar with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
- Place the jar in a warm place, around 70°F-75°F, away from direct sunlight.
What about the DISCARD? Don’t toss it! Once it starts bubbling I would save it and use it for Discard Recipes!
From the day it starts bubbling and growing I would place it in a large jar, accumulate a couple of days worth and save in the fridge for max up to two weeks. Use this jar of discard to make some amazing recipes. Some of my favorites include: Sourdough Pancakes, Sourdough Waffles, Sourdough Crackers, Sourdough Pizza Dough, Sourdough Focaccia, Sourdough English Muffins, Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, Sourdough Banana Bread
Day 11:
- By now, you should see bubbles forming in the mixture, indicating that your sourdough starter is ready.
- If your starter has not developed bubbles, continue the feeding process for another day or two.
- Once your sourdough starter is ready and doubling in size consistently, store it in the refrigerator, feeding it once a week with 1/2 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of filtered warm water.
- Now you can use your favorite sourdough recipe to make your own loaf at home!
Congratulations! You now have your own sourdough starter that is ready to be used in baking delicious sourdough bread. Remember, this starter is a living organism, so be sure to care for it properly to ensure its health and longevity.
In conclusion, making your own sourdough starter from scratch may seem daunting, but it is a fun and easy process that yields delicious results. Give it a try and you will be on your way to baking some of the best sourdough bread you’ve ever tasted.
If you want to check out my video tutorial series on TikTok check it out here:
@profit.mommy Easy #SourdougStarter Many people don’t know how easy it is to make warm and delicious sourdough at home. In 10 days you could be making some of the yummiest bread that your kids will be begging for. “I like your bread Mommy!” Follow along to grow your own Sourdough Starter. #breadtok #sourdoughrecipe #sourdoughseries #momhacks #momrecipes #homemadebread #easyrecipesathome #breadhack