Creative planting hacks for small spaces without a garden | Tenant news

Indoor plants can transform your space by boosting your mood and improving air quality, and the best part is, you don’t need a garden to enjoy them. 

Whether it’s a patio, window box, windowsill, or even your front doorstep, even the tiniest spaces can bring the joy of gardening right to your home.

Here are a few creative, budget-friendly ideas to get you started on your indoor planting journey.

Upcycle everyday items as planters

Instead of buying expensive pots, repurpose household items like empty tin cans, plastic bottles, yogurt containers, or even old mugs as planters for your indoor plants.

Don’t forget to poke a few drainage holes in the bottom and get creative by decorating them with paint, fabric, or ‘or other crafting materials to match your style.

If you'd prefer ready-made options, check out your local £1 shop, market, or charity shops for affordable indoor planters that can fit easily into small spaces.

Go vertical

When floor space is limited, think upwards. Vertical gardening is a fantastic way to maximise space.

Explore local shops for a variety of budget-friendly wall-mounted plant racks that can help you make the most of your vertical space without breaking the bank.

Or get creative, using hanging shoe organisers, wall-mounted shelves, or even an old ladder to display your plants. You can also create a DIY vertical garden by attaching small pots to a wooden pallet or using a pegboard with hooks to hold planters.

           

Vegetables from scraps

Did you know you can grow vegetables without buying seeds? Many common kitchen scraps can be regrown with just water and a little patience.

Spring onions, lettuce, celery, and even carrots can grow new shoots when placed in a shallow dish of water.

Once roots appear, transfer them to a small pot with soil, and watch them develop into fresh, homegrown additions to your kitchen.

Hanging and window space

Windowsills, balcony railings, and even the inside of your window frame are perfect for small plants. Hang small planters from curtain rods or use suction-cup hooks with small pots to create a floating garden effect.

If you have a balcony, railing planters can add a pop of greenery without taking up valuable floor space.

DIY seed starters

Buying seed trays isn’t necessary when you can start your plants in eggshells, toilet paper rolls, or newspaper pots.

These biodegradable options not only save money but also make transplanting easy—just plant them directly in the soil when your seedlings are ready.

Low-maintenance plants

For beginners or those with busy schedules, low-maintenance plants like succulents, pothos, or snake plants are great choices.

Herbs like basil, mint, and chives are also easy to grow indoors with minimal care. For more top tips, check out this guide on the best herbs to grow indoors.

Watering system

If you're worried about keeping up with watering, try a DIY self-watering system. Fill an old plastic bottle with water, poke small holes in the cap, and place it upside down in the soil. The water will slowly release, keeping your plants hydrated.

With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can enjoy the benefits of plants even in the smallest spaces. Happy planting.

***********

Have you signed up to the tenant portal, My Habinteg, yet? It’s quick and easy, you can access a breakdown of your service charges and there’s a monthly £50 shopping voucher winter prize draw for new users. Sign up now . And, if you'd like to receive the digital version of tenant newsletter Update, instead of the print version, please email comms@habinteg.org.uk and ask to be added to the mailing list.