As someone who lives in a small apartment with limited garden space, I have to resort to mostly indoor gardening. This is not impossible, but can make growing some things a bit more challenging. As small as my apartment is I actually have a huge pantry that I use mostly for storage – I don’t buy a lot of canned goods or boxed food. As I expand my indoor garden I need more space for potting. Luckily, I have a window in my pantry. So, if you’re in a similar situation where your pantry is kind of going to waste, this could be a great project.
Cleaning Out the Junk
My first challenge will of course be getting rid of the “storage” I have accumulated. Luckily, it’s spring and about time for my cleaning out the old anyway. So get your Goodwill bags together, and be ready to set up some creative storage possibilities – I recommend plastic storage bins for the larger things, and decorative fabric drawers for the smaller items.
Creating Sunlight
You may not have a window in the pantry, but if you have available sunlight in your kitchen area you may be able to make it work. Does the pantry have a door? Can you leave it open or remove it? Once the pantry is opened up try using mirrors to direct the sunlight towards your gardening room. You may have to be creative here, but you can do it. If not, look into indoor plant lamps you can strategically place in the room.
Placement and Decor
The great thing about a pantry is that you already have the shelving. Have fun with this; paint your shelving and put up wallpaper or borders. Next, buy some cheap planters or create your own and decorate them to fit the style of your room. Try painting them and stenciling cool designs. Finally, do your research: how much space does this plant need to grow? What does the temperature need to be? Which ones need more sunlight? Having an indoor garden requires a bit more study and flexibility, so prepare yourself before you start renovating.
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