Living in a rental shouldn't hold you back from enjoying a garden. With overflowing containers and smart planting methods, your garden can thrive. Prioritizing quick-growing plants means you can enjoy rewards sooner than you think.
If you're on the lookout for ways to garden in a rental, your search ends here. There are plenty of flowers and fast-growing plants to choose from that won't jeopardize your security deposit.
Ready for a vibrant garden this spring and summer? Here are my top five choices for plants that flourish in rental settings.
1. Sunflowers
Sunflowers lead the list of quick-growing plants for several reasons: they're cheerful, grow rapidly, and can be planted in pots.
It's simple to grow sunflowers in containers if you choose the right variety based on their height.
Dwarf options like 'Sunray Yellow' sunflower from Burpee are especially suited for pots due to their compact growth.
If you prefer tall sunflowers, opt for larger pots and add a plant support, like these bamboo stakes from Amazon.
Sunflowers thrive in USDA zones 2-11 and enjoy full sun exposure.
2. Hostas
Hostas are excellent container plants, offering lush foliage and diverse leaf colors.
They're a fantastic option for shadier patios, as hostas are among the most underappreciated shade plants.
With stunning varieties like the green and cream 'Patriot' hosta or the unique yellow and green 'Liberty' hosta, they're a worthy addition to any garden.
These perennials die back in winter but reliably return by spring, making them a fantastic choice.
During summer, enjoy their lovely purple and white blooms. Just remember to implement slug control, as they love to munch on hostas. Using copper tape on pots is an effective natural deterrent.
3. Radishes
Radishes topped my list when I considered which vegetables to grow.
They're quick to mature and can thrive in pots, making them ideal for limited spaces.
Plant radish seeds (available at Burpee) in spring for a harvest in just weeks. For continuous crops, sow them little and often.
Fall planting is also possible by starting them indoors or in a greenhouse.
You'll know radishes are ready to harvest when their tops become visible above the soil.
4. Petunias
Petunias are my favorite choice for hanging baskets since they bloom from late spring through fall.
You can find a variety of petunias, including red petunias from Walmart and pink petunias from Walmart.
They flower quickly in warmer temperatures, develop a trailing habit, and make a stunning display.
During spring, petunias are often available already planted in hanging baskets at supermarkets and garden centers, ready for you to hang.
To keep blooms coming all summer, make sure to deadhead regularly, using snips from Amazon for clean cuts.
5. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are another excellent choice for rental gardens.
While they may take a bit longer to bloom from seed, once established, they grow rapidly.
I love the delightful fragrance and elegant flowers. A charming way to grow them is to create a sweet pea teepee as a portable garden option.
If you have a garden border, insert bamboo stakes from Amazon for support.
If space is limited, sweet peas can also thrive in large containers. You can use an obelisk from Amazon or a trellis planter box from Wayfair for climbing.
I love harvesting sweet peas as cut flowers and deadheading to extend their bloom time throughout summer.
Since sweet peas are annuals, they won't regrow after fading, making them easy to take with you when you move.
What to Shop
Bypass Pruning Shears
These shears are perfect for essential pruning tasks, cutting up to 1" in diameter.
Canvas Garden Apron
This stylish canvas apron features multiple pockets for tools and a comfortable neck and waist tie.
Floral Gardening Gloves
These long-sleeved gloves have a lovely floral design, protecting your hands and arms while gardening.
Consider creating a vertical garden to maximize your rental space. It's an effective way to grow plants, and items like this trellis planter box from Wayfair can easily move with you when it's time to relocate.
