Time to jump on the bandwagon – these days your house is not complete without a leafy addition to brighten the room. But a droopy plant is not a happy sight – so how do you keep houseplants alive? And which ones do you get? There’s loads of info out there but here is a quick guide to houseplants for students.
Some great starter plants are spider plants, ivy and aloe vera. Succulents and cacti are also fool-proof ways of bringing some greenery into your room. When it comes to buying your plants, look in supermarkets and garden centres. Alternatively, the house plant sale that comes to the SU is well worth paying a visit to get your botanical bargains.
The only thing you should have to do is water your plants
In terms of keeping your plants alive, it's easier than you think. It may seem basic, but the only thing you should have to do is water your plants. If you’ve set them up with a good supply of sunlight and plenty of room to grow then most plants will take care of themselves.
This might sound like an odd one but bear with me – dust your plants. I know you probably haven’t dusted a single thing since you’ve been at university, but cleaning the leaves keeps your plants looking fresh and glossy.
Looking to take your spag bol to the next level? Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavour and bring a bit of zest to your dishes. Luckily, they’re much easier than you think to look after. The ‘cheat’ option is to buy a live plant from the supermarket, but there’s also the option of sowing your own seeds. Garden centres and even some supermarkets have seed packets, plant pots and compost mixes to get you started. Although it might seem like a faff, having herbs readily available year-round is a bit of a game-changer.
More delicate herbs like mint, coriander and parsley might struggle in the colder months
You can grow your herbs inside or outside, but remember that some of your more delicate herbs like mint, coriander and parsley might struggle in the colder months. The key thing to remember is making sure your pot has space to drain – this just means a hole in the bottom so the water can flow through. Other than that you’re good to go!
If you’re feeling like you’ve mastered the basics, then maybe it’s time for something a little more adventurous. Sprinkle a packet of mixed salad leaves seed in an old baking tray full of compost and cover with another thin layer of soil – then just water and wait for hassle-free salad! Or, try popping some dried peas in a pot of soil and grow some pea shoots to make your salads extra bougie.