If you live in New York City, you may not have a backyard, but don’t let that stop you from gardening! Urban gardening and indoor plants are excellent ways to bring a touch of nature into your concrete jungle. With fall right around the corner, you can still fit in some more summertime with summer plants in your space. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a spacious loft, there’s a perfect summer plant here for you. For your new plant, Planter Resource has the perfect planter to keep your summer plants thriving!
Succulents
These low-maintenance plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they’re perfect for indoor use – all year long. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so they’re ideal for people who need low maintenance plants. Also, succulents have become so popular because they look great in a modern, minimalist setting. Repot your succulent into a terracotta planter as its absorbent material will help to keep your succulent happy and healthy. The Bias Bowl is also a perfect counterpart for your succulent. Maybe build a terrarium if you’re feeling adventurous.
Aloe Vera
For indoor spaces, Aloe Vera is a great plant to grow. It’s easy to care for and can thrive well even in low light conditions. Aloe Vera is known for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It’s perfect for soothing sunburned skin during the hot summer months. Simply cut with a sharp knife from the base and apply the aloe generously to your skin.
Herbs
Basil, thyme, and rosemary are all easy to grow indoors or out, and they’ll add a delicious fresh flavor to your meals. Also, while adding garnish to your meals, herbs will also attract bees and butterflies to your rooftop garden. Just make sure they get enough sunlight and water them regularly. If you’d like to learn more about herbs, check out our organic herb garden blog post.
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
This tropical plant has large, fenestrated leaves that resemble swiss cheese, hence the name. It’s easy to care for and they can grow up to ten feet tall indoors with the right conditions. Swiss cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light, so they’re perfect for a north-facing city window.
The Snake Plant
This low-maintenance plant is perfect for anyone who wants a green oasis in their home but doesn’t have the time or energy to care for plants. Snake plants can survive in low light and don’t require frequent watering, making them an ideal choice for even the busiest of New Yorkers. Plus, they’re known for purifying the air, so they’re great for anyone with allergies or respiratory issues. Pro tip: keep a snake plant in your bedroom for air purification and restful sleep. Need inspiration for its planter? Keep its base classic with red clay pottery.
Sun-loving Annuals
If you have a rooftop garden or a balcony that gets ample sunlight, consider adding some annual flowers that bloom in the summer, such as Petunias, Marigolds, Zinnias, and Cosmos. These vibrant and colorful flowers can attract pollinators and make your outdoor space more inviting. How about some beautiful glassware planters to accompany the vibrant summer colors?
Shade-tolerant Perennials
Perennials are plants that can survive for multiple growing seasons. They offer a wide range of colors, textures, and shapes for any garden. If your urban garden is shaded by buildings or trees, don’t worry! There are still plenty of perennials that can thrive in low-light conditions, such as Hostas, Ferns, Heucheras, and Bleeding Hearts. These plants are known for their foliage, texture, and unique shapes, and can add a touch of zen to your backyard or terrace.
The Petunia
These colorful and hardy flowers are perfect for urban gardens, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Petunias come in a range of colors, from bright pink to deep purple, and they bloom profusely all summer long. They love full sun, so make sure you have a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This native wildflower is a low-maintenance choice that is perfect for NYC gardens. Not only is it drought-tolerant and heat-resistant, but it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Purple coneflower enjoys full sun and well-draining soil, and it blooms from early summer through fall. To care for your purple coneflower, simply deadhead spent flowers to encourage a longer bloom time.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Another low-maintenance choice, black-eyed Susans are bright and cheery summer plants that look great in urban gardens. They require little water and can withstand some shade, but they do prefer full sun. Deadheading spent flowers will keep them blooming all summer. Black-eyed Susans are also attractive to pollinators and make great cut flowers. You can let these flowers grow wild, so choose a planter to match its aesthetic. Maybe keep it natural with cedar.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
If you’re looking for a taller plant to add some height to your urban garden, Russian sage is an excellent choice. It’s drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a great option for city gardens. Russian sage enjoys full sun and well-draining soil, and it blooms from mid-summer through fall. To care for your Russian sage, prune it back in the spring to encourage new growth.
Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
For indoor urban gardens, coleus is a great choice. It’s not only beautiful, with brightly colored foliage, but it’s also easy to care for. Coleus does well in bright, indirect light, and it prefers moist soil. Avoid overwatering, as coleus is susceptible to root rot. Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Tropical Plants
If you want to create a lush and tropical ambiance in your indoor space, consider adding some exotic plants that can tolerate humidity and warm temperatures, such as the Bird of Paradise, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera, and Philodendrons. These plants can grow quite tall, so make sure you have enough space and proper lighting for them. Try a fiberglass planter to help keep your tropical plants lightweight and free for their roots to grow.
Vines
If you have a small outdoor space and want to maximize planting areas, consider adding a vine. They grow vertically and add a nice texture to your outdoor space. Some great choices for vines are Morning Glory, Clematis, and Honeysuckle. These summer blooming vines come in a variety of colors and add a sweet fragrance to your garden or balcony.
Vegetables and Fruits
For those with access to a balcony or rooftop garden or community lots in NYC, growing vegetables and fruits are a must. Some great choices are tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries. The biggest advantage of these plants is that they do not require a lot of space to grow. In fact, you can grow most of these plants in pots or containers. Get creative with your space. Turn to the rectangular planter for a plant box garden.
Planter Resource’s Planters For Your Summer Plants
Summer is all about spending time outdoors, whether you have a garden or just a small balcony. Planting the best summer plants for urban gardening or indoor plants that thrive in NYC’s climate can bring a sense of tranquility and fresh air to any living space. From perennials to herbs, vegetables, vines, and indoor plants, we hope this post has inspired you to add some greenery to your home before the end of this summer season. Remember that the most important thing when selecting a plant is to choose one that will thrive in your living conditions, so be sure to do your research and enjoy the pleasure of growing your own plants. Planter Resource, established in 1994, has been the proud planter supplier on the East Coast. Elevate your summer space with Planter Resource today!
