A local Sacramento nursery, Talini’s Nursery and Garden Center, offers insight to college students on how to maintain a garden in a small space.

Michael Lawrence, Sac State graduate and employee at Talini’s, said herb gardens are popular for small spaces, since they can grow in small containers.

“Herbs are easily grown in a planter that can sit in a windowsill,” Lawrence said. “They do need regular watering and sunlight, but can be maintained by almost anyone.”

Herbs offered by Talini’s include rosemary, sage, parsley, thyme, oregano and cilantro. Lawrence said cilantro is best grown in spring and fall, while rosemary and oregano can be grown at all times of the year.

Another option for college students would be cacti or succulent gardens.

“Cacti and succulents would be great for college students; growing them is super easy,” Lawrence said. “They only need to be watered once a month and require only a small amount of sunlight.”

Lawrence said Talini’s offers both cacti and succulents in many different varieties, colors and textures.

As for produce gardening, he said, strawberries and tomatoes are just about the only items that can be grown on a patio, for students who live in apartments.

“Put the strawberries in pots or hanging baskets near sunlight, right now is a good time to start them,” Lawrence said. “Dwarf tomatoes are also great for small areas, they grow well in containers.”

Since strawberries and tomatoes are actual produce, Lawrence said, they are going to require more work than herbs or cacti.

Besides watering and routine maintenance, these plants also require fertilizer.

A great eco-friendly source of fertilizer would be countertop compost bins, he said. Deposit raw produce scraps into the container and in a couple of weeks, free fertilizer is created and ready to use.

To find plants for any home or growing situation, Talini’s nursery on Folsom Boulevard is always willing to provide insight on the best options for an individual’s specific needs.

“Talini’s is a great place to find the best plants that can be grown in small areas, there are many options for any college student,” Lawrence said.

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