Growing an Indoor Garden

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Growing your own indoor garden can become a worthwhile hobby that allows you to know exactly what you’re putting on the dinner table. While it may seem daunting to venture into, setting aside a few minutes each day to tend to your plants can prove beneficial in a number of ways. You will have constant access to fresh produce, which can be a healthy addition to any meal. Here a a few tips to get your green thumb planting.

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Choose the Ideal Space in Your Home

The first step in building an indoor garden is selecting the place within your home that is optimal for plant growth. Choose a room in your home with lots of windows to let in sunlight. Most vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight to grow successfully. You can make the space decorative by building shelving for the plants. Also choosing an outdoor rug that works well inside will help protect the floor from any soil or water that spills on the ground.

Choose the Right Plants

When choosing plants, pick ones with similar needs. Factor in how the plants utilize light, water, and temperature. If you plan to go with an herb garden, basil, parsley and oregano are good herbs to grow together. Vegetables such as carrots, onions, and peppers are also good options to group together.

Consider the Optimal Light for Growth

Find out what the light requirements are for each plant you are growing. While light from the window may be adequate for some, other plants may need twelve hours of solid light. Fluorescent lights can supplement the natural light in your home. They are best for herb gardens. Compact fluorescent lighting is good for all plant types because they are more efficient and produce less heat. High Intensity Discharge Bulbs are the most expensive lighting but are also the most efficient available. When in doubt, stick with the High Pressure Sodium bulbs or Metal Halide bulbs which are both good for indoor gardening.

Take Note of the Temperature

You want the temperature the plants experience indoors to mimic an outside environment. As the sun sets, plants experience a ten degrees Fahrenheit difference in temperature. Most plants thrive best indoors at 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants that become overheated will likely shrivel. If they are too cold, plants will likely yellow and leaves will fall off.

Determine Which Soil is Best for Your Plants

When you choose potting soil, don’t assume that all types will work for your plant. Different kinds of plants call for varying soil composition. A good soil for indoors is usually made up of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. These types of soils absorb water and will deter compaction. However, they do tend to dry out quickly. Since this type of soil offers little in the form of nutrients, fertilizing is a must. You want the soil to have breathing space for oxygen to promote healthy growth. To do this make sure sharp sand is one of the components of the soil to allow water to drain and to guarantee air can filter through.  

Fertilize Your Plants

Plants that grow indoors will need a shot of fertilizer to help them grow. Most of the nutrients in the soil runs out of the plant when it is watered. Organic fertilizers and hydroponic nutrients are good choices for nurturing a plant indoors. Always water your plants well before pouring in fertilizer. Make sure you don’t over fertilize your plant by sticking to the instructions on the packaging.

Choosing the Proper Container for Your Plants

When you are considering what container to buy for plants, go with the larger option. Larger pots  allow you to pour in more soil and moisture. This gives the plant room to grow a larger root system. Plants can not only grow bigger, but can also go longer without having to be watered. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the container for when water comes out. You don’t want the plant to sit in water continuously and become water-logged.

Watering Properly

It is quite common for plants to die because they have been overwatered. Take note of the temperature outside before pouring water on your plants on a regular schedule. If it’s hot and humid, watering consistently may be a must. While if it’s cold, it may be best to lay off on the liquid. When it is time to water your plant, drench the root ball until you see water coming out of the bottom of its container. Use room temperature water.

Click the links below for any posts you may have missed!

One Room Challenge – Week 3

Make it Pretty Monday

The Sunday Showcase from MIP Monday

Fall Decor

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