👋 Welcome to the Slash Method
At GardeningSlash.com, we believe gardening doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or limited to people with giant backyards. Whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a tiny house with zero yard, you can still grow real food and beautiful plants — starting today.
This guide will walk you through a simple, one-hour setup that even total beginners can follow. No fluff. No expensive gear. Just fresh green goodness, fast.
🌿 What You’ll Be Growing (And Why)
We’ve chosen plants that are:
✅ Beginner-friendly
✅ Quick to germinate or grow
✅ Perfect for containers and small spaces
✅ Edible (because who doesn’t want a snack from their windowsill?)
Here are three MVPs to get started:
🥬 1. Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Arugula, Spinach)
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Germination Time: 3–5 days
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Harvest Window: 2–3 weeks for baby greens
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Container Depth: Minimum 4–6 inches
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Why They Rock: Incredibly fast growers. You can harvest repeatedly by snipping outer leaves (“cut and come again” style).
🌿 2. Basil (or Other Herbs Like Parsley, Chives, or Mint)
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Germination Time: 5–10 days
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Harvest Window: 3–4 weeks
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Container Depth: 6 inches or more
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Why They Rock: Herbs love sunshine and grow in small pots. Perfect for cooking and cocktails. Basil also helps repel certain pests.
🌱 3. Radishes
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Germination Time: 2–4 days
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Harvest Window: 25–30 days
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Container Depth: 6–8 inches
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Why They Rock: Radishes grow quickly, look cute, and are incredibly satisfying to pull out of the soil.
🧰 Supplies Checklist
Before you start the clock, grab your materials. Most of these can be found around the house or at a local hardware/garden center:
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✔️ 2–3 containers (6–12 inches deep)
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Upcycled buckets, old pots, or even large yogurt tubs (poke drainage holes!)
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✔️ Bag of potting mix (NOT regular garden soil — it’s too dense)
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✔️ Seeds or starter plants
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✔️ Watering can or upcycled bottle
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✔️ Trowel or big spoon (or use your hands!)
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✔️ Labels (popsicle sticks, tape, or plant tags)
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✔️ Sunny spot: ideally a balcony, porch, or windowsill with 4–6 hours of light
📝 Optional: Gardening gloves, pebble layer for drainage, and organic fertilizer (like worm castings)
⏱️ Your 1-Hour Mini Garden Plan
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown so you can hit “go” and watch your garden grow:
🔹 0–15 Minutes: Prep Your Containers
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Wash out any reused containers.
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Make drainage holes at the bottom (crucial!).
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Optionally, add a 1″ layer of pebbles or gravel.
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Fill ¾ of the container with potting mix — light, fluffy, and nutrient-rich.
🔹 15–30 Minutes: Plant Your Seeds or Seedlings
🥬 If Using Seeds:
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Check the packet for depth guidelines — most greens only need to be covered with ¼” of soil.
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Sprinkle seeds evenly and cover lightly with soil.
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Mist with water to avoid disturbing them.
🌱 If Using Starter Plants:
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Dig a small hole, gently squeeze the plant out of its container, and place it in.
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Press the soil gently around the base.
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Water thoroughly after planting.
🧠 Tip: Don’t overcrowd. Leave room for airflow and growth. One lettuce per small pot is enough.
🔹 30–45 Minutes: Water and Place Your Garden
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Water until you see it draining from the bottom.
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Place containers in a sunny, sheltered spot — balconies and south-facing windows are gold.
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Use labels to identify what you planted (future-you will thank you!).
🔹 45–60 Minutes: Clean Up + Bonus Customizations
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Wipe up your workspace.
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Optional: add mulch (like straw or coco coir) to retain moisture.
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Snap a “before” photo to track growth!
Want to add style? Upcycle a basket as a plant holder or wrap your container in burlap for a rustic vibe.
🌞 Aftercare: The Low-Maintenance Garden Routine
You don’t need to hover over your plants. Here’s a minimal, sustainable schedule:
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Water: Once per day in hot weather, every other day otherwise.
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Sun: At least 4 hours daily (greens can tolerate partial shade).
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Fertilizer: Once every 2 weeks with diluted organic fertilizer or compost tea.
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Harvest: Snip outer leaves for greens. Pick herbs frequently to encourage new growth.
🧠 Pro Tip: Keep a spray bottle by the window and mist every morning when you make coffee. Easy routine = thriving plants.
📸 Join the #SlashGarden Challenge
We’d love to see your 1-hour garden in action!
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Tag your photos with #SlashGardenHour on Instagram
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Mention @GardeningSlash
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We feature our favorite community gardens every week!
🌿 Final Thoughts: A Garden Doesn’t Need to Be Huge — Just Alive
Whether it’s one basil pot or a tiny jungle of salad greens, you’ve started something real. A space where life is growing, stress is melting, and flavor is just a snip away.
Small-space gardening isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing it smarter.
💾 Download: The “1-Hour Garden Planner” (Free PDF)
Want a printable checklist and planting chart? Download our free starter guide.