Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-2 of 2

How to Grow an Indoor Garden in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

Families in Albuquerque are becoming more health-conscious and concerned with their diet. As a hobby or as a cottage industry, city-dwellers are growing vegetables for pesticide-free produce, free of pesticides.

The ability to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home depends on three factors: climate zone, property availability, and willingness to try.

You can raise edible plants virtually anywhere if you have the right tools and are motivated. Consider the following factors:

Which crops will you grow?

Determine the hardiness zone for your plants. Using a planting schedule, determine what plants are recommended and when they should be planted. Selecting plants is almost as much fun as growing them.

It is best to grow plants indoors by placing them near large, south-facing windows. If this is not possible, set up grow lights or find creative solutions. Avocados, carrots, microgreens, lemons, and scallions are some of the most hearty indoor crops.

How can you garden... without a garden?

When you think of a garden, you probably imagine lush rows of crops and tilled soil, crop after crop of vegetable plants. This dream isn't as unattainable as you might think. Participate in a community garden in your area, and take advantage of fertile ground you can call your own. Gardening in a community allows people to share in the work, strengthen community ties, and give them a sense of accomplishment. A community with the right equipment can turn an unproductive lot into a food-producing area with hard work.

Gardening in a small space is not impossible, though. Urban gardeners have devised innovative ways to garden in small spaces.

Make a grow tower: A 15-gallon plastic drum, a 5 inch PVC pipe, a drill, and dirt are all you need to garden vertically. 

Plant in containers: Using buckets, planter boxes, hanging baskets, pots, and wooden barrels on the porch and patio can maximize your growing space.

Create a rooftop garden: Take advantage of the space that most of us don't even think about, our rooftops. If you've got a flat area on your roof and easy access, consider growing fresh food there.

There are plenty of innovative ways to grow your own produce in a small space, so don't let your tight space discourage you. It's just a matter of getting creative and finding the best solution for you. You'll know that all your hard work was well worth it when you've harvested your first tomato or made pesto with your own basil.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

6205 Whiteman Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Sweeping views of Sandia mountains! Impeccably maintained custom home featuring grand entry w/wood vigas, corbels & lighted nichos. Spectacular 19ft Kiva gas fireplace & soaring ceilings in living room. Pella windows, sliding doors. Skylights. Fresh paint. Tankless Waterdrop R/O filter sys, water softener, recirc pump. Loft; office on main; secondary bdrs w/views; one w/walk-in closet. Gorgeous kitchen w/granite, under cab lighting, lg pantry w/pull out shelves, deep SS sink, bkfst bar & nook. Primary suite features balcony w/mtn views, lg walk-in closet, sep shower & garden tub & double sink granite vanity. Backyard oasis, lush grass, trees, roses, lilacs, rosemary; hot tub & covered patio. 2CG w/storage & wkshp area. Excellent location close to parks, schools, shopping!!

LEARN MORE!

Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

Add New Life to Your Home with an Indoor Garden

by Sandi Pressley

For centuries, indoor gardens have been used to add color and life to homes of all kinds.  It’s not just looks that describe the benefits of planting an indoor garden.  Caring for an indoor garden is also a great way to deal with stress. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or have been gardening for years, following a few basic tips will help you get a greener thumb.

Some might think that because they haven’t had success in the past with plants that they don’t have the “green thumb” their parents had. Better Homes and Gardens, all the way back in 1939, had this to say regarding that belief: “Mother's and grandmother's plants grew, not because of green thumbs, but because they were treated as living, feeling beings that required the same common-sense care as the canary or any other house pet."

You really just need some basics to have a thriving garden.  Sunlight and water are an obvious must have, but also consider other factors such as nutrients, cleansing and care to deal with the dry environment of your home. After you take care of these basics, then you’ll be on your way to growing a splendid garden.

Let There Be Light

It’s important to place plants in your home according to how much light they need.  Plants vary in how much natural light they need. Older homes, especially Victorian era designs, were made in such a way that natural light was plentiful, and as such plants could thrive. So if you live in a Victorian home, then finding enough light won’t be a problem. The challenge of newer homes and apartments is that there are fewer natural light sources, which can make it more of a challenge. But don’t let a little challenge stop you.

Finding windows that face south is the preferable location for most plants.  There are more hours of light for your plants to soak up what they need for photosynthesis. If you only have windows that face North, try going with plants that require minimal light, such as a fern, spider plant, or African violet. Pothos don’t need any light to thrive, in case you have very little to no natural light available.

Get With the Program

You also need to make sure you have a good care schedule for your plants.  Try to do research on the specific plant and what it needs. You need to make sure you have a schedule to water and feed your plants with plant food or fertilizer.  You also need to clean the leaves of larger plants with a damp cloth periodically. Also check for mold or pests as this will indicate if your routine is effective. Make sure to trim or thin out your plants on occasion.  Larger plant s may also need to be repotted in larger pots as they grow.

If your schedule doesn’t permit this level of commitment, why not start with plants that don’t require as much attention? Cactus, succulents, or bamboo plants are ideal choices. Succulents are a popular choice as they are easy to care for and offer unique textures and colors.

Of course there’s more to consider when it comes to having a thriving indoor garden. But with planning and patience, you can succeed. Join us on our blog every week for more home improvement tips and Albuquerque area real estate news and advice.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1625 Los Alamos Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM  $489,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2775 Square Feet

Beautifully situated in Coveted Albuquerque COUNTRY CLUB NEIGHBORHOOD! Near parks and bike paths, and just blocks from downtown. Warmth and Charm exudes thru-out. Don't miss out on this one! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Displaying blog entries 1-2 of 2

Syndication

Categories

Archives

Contact Information

Photo of The Sandi Pressley Team Real Estate
The Sandi Pressley Team
Coldwell Banker Legacy
10400 Academy Rd. NE Suite 100
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-980-2999
505-263-2173 / 505 293-3700
Fax: 505-212-0729

Quick links to this site are also SandiSells.net or SandiSellsHomes.com