If you’ve ever dreamed of having a lush, green garden in the middle of your home or apartment, then it’s time to start your own indoor garden! Indoor gardening is nothing new and has been a popular hobby for centuries.
Even if you don’t have much space and don’t know much about growing plants, there are plenty of options available to help get started.
But before we get into the specifics of how to set up an indoor garden (and what kind of supplies you’ll need), let’s go over some basics first:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Indoor gardening can be a great way to enjoy fresh produce and greenery year-round. |
| Choose the right plants based on your space, lighting, and skill level. |
| Proper watering, fertilization, and lighting are key to the success of an indoor garden. |
| Container gardening is a popular option for indoor gardening, but hydroponic and aeroponic systems are also available. |
| Troubleshooting common problems like pests, disease, and nutrient deficiencies is important for maintaining a healthy indoor garden. |
Grow Lights, Grow Lights, And More Grow Lights
Indoor gardening relies on grow lights to help plants grow.
Grow lights are special kinds of lamps that give plants the light they need to produce food and grow.
They come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common type looks like a tube with bulbs on either end. Grow lights work by emitting specific amounts of light at certain wavelengths.
There are many different types of bulbs that can be used in these grow lights some of them produce more heat than others, which is why it’s important to make sure you get the right kind if you want your plants to thrive!
If you’re growing indoors and don’t have enough natural sunlight coming into your home or office building, then using some sort of artificial lighting will be necessary for successful growing.
In fact: “If you don’t provide it with adequate lighting, nothing much will happen except for maybe some green sprouts appearing from time-to-time.”
If you’re interested in indoor gardening but have limited space, you should definitely check out our comprehensive guide to container gardening for small spaces. Our guide provides tips on what plants to choose, how to properly maintain your plants, and how to choose the perfect container for your space
Find The Right Containers
Use containers that are deep enough to hold the plant’s roots. Make sure to check this before you buy any containers, and don’t be afraid to ask an employee at your local hardware store if they can help you find something that will work.
Use containers that are wide enough to hold the plant’s roots. A lot of plants are naturally wider than they are tall, so make sure your container is at least as wide as it is deep (or taller).
Use containers that are tall enough to hold the plant’s roots. It might seem like a small detail but having plenty of room for root growth will help ensure a healthy plant!
Finding the Right Containers for Your Indoor Garden
Here are some container options to consider for your indoor garden:
| Container Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Terracotta Pots | Classic and attractive, terracotta pots are porous and allow for good drainage, but can be heavy and breakable. |
| Self-Watering Containers | These containers have a built-in reservoir that allows plants to draw up water as needed and are ideal for busy gardeners or those with plants that require consistent moisture. Look for brands like EarthBox or Lechuza. |
| Hanging Baskets | Great for plants that trail or vine, hanging baskets come in a variety of materials and can help save floor space. Look for brands like Macrame or Keter. |
| Grow Bags | Made from fabric or other materials, grow bags are portable, space-saving, and allow for excellent aeration and drainage. Look for brands like Vivosun or Root Pouch. |
| Mason Jars | Small herbs and succulents can thrive in mason jars, which are affordable and easy to find. Look for inspirational DIY ideas on Pinterest. |
Choose The Right Soil
Soil is one of the most important aspects of growing healthy plants. It’s also one of the most difficult things to get right, but don’t fret! We’ve got a few tips that’ll help you choose your soil and make sure it’s ready for planting.
- Test pH levels before adding anything else to your new mix of soils:
If you’re using a soil from a bag or pail, then you can skip this step and move on to adding amendments (more on those later).
If not, we recommend testing your pH level before mixing up any new potting mixes or amending existing ones with organic matter like compost or manure because these products will influence its nutrient content and texture in ways that can harm your plants if not managed correctly.
- Soil texture refers to how much sand particles are present in addition to silt and clay particles.
- Soils with high loam content have more plant nutrients than sandy soils.
- Plant nutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, iron oxide chelate etc.
- Nitrogen provides green growth while potassium helps roots grow better through moisture retention which increases yield production from each plant
Want to become an indoor gardening expert? Check out our ultimate guide to indoor gardening tips and tricks for success for inspiration. From learning how to properly water your plants to finding the right soil mix, our guide covers everything you need to know to become a pro.
Pick Plants That Will Thrive Indoors
Before you can begin to grow anything indoors, you have to select the right plants. There are many different indoor gardening options that are accessible and affordable for beginners. Here are some things to keep in mind as you choose your plants:
- Succulents, air plants and cacti will thrive in low light conditions
- Orchids prefer bright indirect sunlight or artificial light
- Ferns need moist soil so it’s best to place them on a tray or dish filled with water (but don’t let the soil get soggy)
- Vines can be trained with strings over windowsills or hanging baskets
Your Plants Need Fertilizer
A good fertilizer is often the difference between a healthy plant and a dead one. If you’re growing your plants in soil, add no more than half of the recommended amount of fertilizer to each watering session.
This will give them time to absorb the nutrients before you water again. If you’re using a hydroponic system, be careful not to overdo it!
You want to add just enough fertilizer that your plants aren’t hungry for more food. It’s better for your health if they’re happy enough with what they’re eating (i.e., the nutrients from the water).
If you want to keep an eye on how much fertilizer is being used by each plant in its container, try using labels or markers on individual containers; then use these markers as guides when adding new feedings of fertilizer every few weeks or so throughout the year
Did you know that there are many surprising benefits of indoor gardening beyond just the joy of growing your own plants? Indoor gardening can reduce stress, improve air quality and enhance your mood. Check out our article to learn more.
Give Your Plants A Little Privacy.
Yes, they do. Just like you want a little space to yourself (though not as much — plants are very different from humans), plants need a place where they can relax and be by themselves. And just like you, they’re going to grow better when they feel safe and secure.
In order to give your plant some privacy, you’ll want to provide it with the following:
A hiding spot from lights many people don’t realize this but indoor gardens get two types of light: natural and artificial.
Natural light comes from windows or skylights and is what we often think about first when we think about growing plants indoors; however there are also many lamps that emit artificial light for indoor gardening purposes, which is typically used during winter months when natural sunlight isn’t as plentiful due to shorter days or shorter hours of daylight (for example).
While artificial lighting isn’t harmful at all since it doesn’t contain UV rays or any other potentially damaging spectrum, having too much exposure over time could potentially cause burn damage on leaves by overexposing them long enough under bright conditions; therefore it’s important that your plant has somewhere dark enough within its pot so that its leaves aren’t exposed directly underneath any bulbs placed nearby them!
A hiding spot from other plants in order for one plant’s roots system not get tangled up with another’s underground root systems (which would lead both into dying), it’s important not just for each individual plant being kept indoors but also among those being grown together in pots near each other too!
That way even though some may grow taller faster than others due their differing species/genetics etc., none will suffer from lack oxygen caused by overcrowding issues..
Creating Privacy for Your Indoor Garden
Here are some options for creating privacy for your indoor plants:
| Privacy Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Room Dividers | Create a dedicated plant area by using a room divider to separate your plants from the rest of your living space. Look for brands like Legacy Decor or Rose Home Fashion. |
| Plant Stands | Elevate your plants and create a focal point by using plant stands of varying heights. Look for brands like LITADA or Mkono. |
| Curtain Screens | Hang sheer or lightweight curtains around your plant area to create a sense of privacy while still allowing light and air to flow. Look for brands like RYB HOME or Rose Home Fashion. |
| Natural Partitions | Use large houseplants or create a living wall with vines or moss panels to create a natural barrier and add a touch of greenery to your space. Look for detailed instructions and inspiration at Moss Wall Artisans or Ambius. |
| DIY Solutions | Get creative and make your own privacy screens using materials like bamboo, lattice, or pallet wood. Look for ideas on Pinterest or DIY blogs like Lovely Indeed or The Spruce Crafts. |
Keep It Humid
You’ll also need to make sure your plants stay healthy. One of the most important things you can do for them is keep the humidity high. There are a few ways to do this:
Place a humidifier in the room where you’re growing your garden. Humidifiers help keep moisture in the air and prevent dryness that can damage leaves and stems.
Put trays of water underneath your plants (or just around them) so that their roots get access to extra water as well as humidity from evaporating water vapor when it’s hot outside, but don’t let them sit directly on top of wet surfaces like dirt because they might rot!
This may sound counterintuitive at first glance, but trust me we’ve been using this method successfully in our own home-grown gardens for years now! It really works wonderfully well if done correctly!
Looking to add some pizzazz to your indoor garden? Our guide to creative indoor garden designs will provide you with plenty of inspiration. We cover all the latest trends and design styles to help you create a beautiful and unique indoor garden.
Does Your Garden Have A Roommate?
Some plants are best when they grow with a roommate. Why? Because they give each other different nutrients, and help each other out in the garden.
As you’ll see below, there are many reasons to grow companion planting – from repelling pests and keeping them away from your garden, to making sure that your plants get what they need. Let’s dive in!
Keep Your Indoor Garden Clean.
Use a small brush to clean leaves. This will help remove any dirt that has built up on the leaf.
Avoid using chemicals, especially harsh ones like bleach or ammonia, which could burn your plants and kill them.
To get rid of insects in your indoor garden, simply spray them with a mixture of water and vinegar.
If you have an infestation of spider mites or other pests, use an insecticidal soap mixed with water instead (or use this spray if you don’t have access to insecticidal soap).
Clean up dead leaves, stems and other plant matter as soon as possible after they fall off – ideally before they start to decompose into moldy messes – so that there’s less room for bacteria to grow inside your container or planter!
Transform your home with plants! Our easy indoor gardening ideas will inspire you to add more greenery to your space. From organizing your plants to propagating healthy specimens, our guide covers everything you need to know to successfully incorporate plants into your home decor.
Know When To Get Rid Of Your Dead Friends
If you’re a beginner gardener and haven’t gotten the hang of pruning yet, don’t worry. You can still use dead leaves as an indicator of how healthy your other plants are.
When a plant is healthy, it will shed its old leaves in favor of new growth. If you notice that a lot of your plants’ leaves are dying or falling off their branches, this may indicate that they aren’t getting enough light or water or maybe even both!
Plants also need fertilizer to thrive; if you give them too much fertilizer, they’ll grow more than they should and could end up overcompensating by producing blooms that aren’t edible!
Of course, keeping track of all these factors requires more time than most people have in their schedules.
Luckily for us busy gardeners (and for those who don’t want to mess with composting), there’s an easier way: make sure you keep up with removing dead leaves from your indoor gardens regularly!
You should be able to see what’s working well in your indoor garden by looking at which plants have lots of healthy green growth while others might not be doing so well the ones with weak growth might need extra attention while those who seem perfectly content will probably benefit from more sunlight or water without any special care taken on your part!
Clean Off Your Leaves Frequently For Healthy Growth
You’ll need to clean the leaves of your plants frequently. You want to keep them free of mold and fungus, but also dry.
If the leaves are too wet for too long, they can develop algae growth which will slow down their photosynthesis and make it harder for them to grow healthy enough to produce fruit or vegetables.
Conclusion
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a thriving indoor garden in no time! If you need any more help, feel free to contact us.
We’re always happy to answer questions about gardening and share our experiences. Happy growing!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about indoor gardening:
Growing Indoors: A Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Gardening: This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of indoor gardening, from choosing the right plants and containers to providing proper lighting and care.
Indoor Gardening for Beginners: If you’re new to indoor gardening, this article offers an easy-to-follow beginner’s guide with tips and advice on getting started.
How to Start an Indoor Garden: This article covers the basics of indoor gardening, including how to choose the right plants, containers, and soil, as well as how to care for your plants and troubleshoot common problems.
FAQs
What are the benefits of indoor gardening?
Indoor gardening has numerous benefits, including improving air quality, reducing stress, and providing fresh herbs and produce year-round.
What kind of plants can be grown indoors?
Many different types of plants can be grown indoors, including herbs, vegetables, and houseplants. Some popular indoor plants include spider plants, pothos, succulents, and peace lilies.
What type of container should I use for indoor gardening?
The type of container you use for indoor gardening depends on the type of plant you’re growing. Some plants do well in pots with drainage holes, while others prefer self-watering containers or hanging baskets. Make sure to choose a container that is large enough for your plant and provides proper drainage.
How much light does an indoor garden need?
The amount of light your indoor garden needs depends on the type of plants you’re growing. Most plants prefer bright, indirect light, while some plants, such as herbs and vegetables, require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
How do I care for my indoor garden?
Caring for your indoor garden involves providing proper watering, lighting, and fertilization. Each plant has specific care needs, so make sure to research the requirements of your plants and provide them with the proper care to help them thrive.
I’m Hellen James, and I’m an urban farmer and blogger. I’ve been growing food in my backyard for years, and I love sharing what I’ve learned with other people who want to start farming in their own yards.