How To Turn Your New York Garage Into The Ultimate Planting Space
More New Yorkers are choosing to grow plants indoors to have access to fresh produce and create a healthier living environment. In The Big Apple, many residents are unfazed by the lack of yards or proper gardens as they’ve found ways to transform apartment windowsills, balconies, and rooftops into growing spaces. Speaking with NBC News, NYC native Daryall Dashiell, who built a community garden atop his 10-storey Bronx apartment, said that he spends about 30 hours per week caring for his plants. He also revealed that he often shares his knowledge with his neighbors, telling them that gardening can be a tool for wellness and cultivating genuine connection. “They find beauty in [gardening], they find comfort in it, and that makes me feel good,” Dashiell adds.
For years, NYC residents have been trying to eke out planting space in the concrete jungle. Meanwhile, those who live in New York villages and towns have more access to gardening space. Neighborhoods in Beacon, Cold Spring, Kingston, and Pound Ridge often feature semi-detached homes with private yards or direct access to small backyard plots. Most of these homes also have garages, which can be converted into a seed-starting greenhouse or a container salad garden. With simple tweaks and new additions, you can turn an unused garage into the ultimate planting space and live a healthier, greener lifestyle.
Clean and Prepare the Space
Before bringing in potted plants and seedlings, it's important to clean and prep your garage so you can engage in gardening activities safely. Clear it out of all items first, then clean the concrete floor thoroughly. Use a push broom to sweep off all the loose dirt, then tackle oily spots with a degreaser. Don’t forget to scrub the walls, especially if there are greasy spots or signs of mold growth. Next, wash the floor with a concrete cleaner and use a brush to scrub the garage floor from the back, working your way towards the door. Once the floors and walls are spotless, inspect the garage for roof leaks, wall cracks, or dampness. Finish by painting the walls with bright white paint to reflect light.
Add Air and Light
If you're planning to grow sun-loving crops like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, carrots, and basil, you'll need to ensure that there's lots of air and sunlight coming into your garage. You can install an operable skylight in your garage roof, but be sure to check if the structure can handle the added weight. It's also a good idea to ask a professional to do the installation to prevent leaks and maintain the structural load-bearing integrity of your roof. As an alternative to skylights, consider installing wall-mounted hopper windows in your garage. These are compact, hinged windows that tilt inward from the top, and these provide light and ventilation while keeping drafts out.
Pair your windows with a new garage door, and look for a garage door business that offers customization. When designing your garage door, choose a multi-fold door to maximize airflow on humid days, and add windows right at the top to let in more light. Next, add small fans, vents, or an exhaust system to keep the air circulating, and install LED grow lights to enable year-round indoor gardening.
Organize and Build Work Areas
Your gardening setup will depend on the type of plants or crops that you plan to grow, so think about your goals before buying planters and shelving. If you want to start seeds, for instance, you'll need sturdy shelving units or vertical racks to hold propagation mats and small pots. To grow lettuce and herbs, you'll want to have some shallow pots with drainage holes and potting mix, or use a DIY hydroponic setup to save on floor space.
Set up a dedicated potting bench, as well as a sturdy table to give you a clean workspace, then hang pegboards or magnetic strips on the wall to keep gardening tools visible and organized. You may also want to install a utility sink in the garage, as well as a faucet for easy access to a water source. Be sure to keep the faucet at a safe distance from grow light ballasts or extension cords to prevent short circuits.
Your garage has the potential to be the ideal place to grow all your favorite fruits, veggies, and herbs. Transform your unused garage today and see how it becomes a space where plantlife thrives.