With everyone being in their homes for longer amounts of time these days it’s no shock that people are getting the urge to bring the outdoors in. Indoor gardening may seem a little daunting but with the right start, you can be well on your way to being a gardening connoisseur! Whether you want to start a simple herb bar or jump in with both feet and go full-on lemon tree in your living room, this guide will help you straighten it all out.
Ask Questions First
Before you run to your local nursery and go crazy buying supplies make sure you ask yourself the right questions to steer you in the correct direction. What is it that you want to grow? Do you need a little help ensuring your air is clean? Do you want something pretty to brighten up your day? Maybe you want to take some pressure off of your grocery bill and grow a few things you can eat? Perhaps you want to start by having fresh herbs to add to your cooking or salads? Knowing the answer to these allows you to hone in on the type of set up and plants to focus on.
Read More: How to Create a Vertical Garden
Looking to grow a few edible plants to add freshness to your menu? Well, you’re in luck! You have a plethora of options to start with that are both easy and low maintenance. You may not think it but vegetables are a great opener to indoor gardening! Try planting some carrots, kale, or even cherry tomatoes! These vegetables are great additions to any meal and completely doable with just a small space. You could be adding fresh veggies to your meals in no time!
Want to start even smaller? A countertop herb garden is very inconspicuous and simple to manage. Imagine stepping just a few feet away from your stove to add some fresh dill or rosemary to your dinner potatoes! Having fresh herbs on hand from indoor gardening is not only convenient but will level up your cooking a few notches with this one added ingredient!
Are you the type of person that likes to, “Go big or go home,”? Starting with mini fruit trees is definitely a step into serious business indoor gardening! It may sound strange to have a fruit tree in your home but think about how wonderful it will be to have the smell of fresh lemons in your living room. They’ll definitely need more care and attention but a dwarf lemon tree can be a statement piece as well as an agreeable scent for the seasons.
House plants more your game? Sounds great! Having plants in your home has several benefits, some you may not even be aware of! Did you know that having plants in your house can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even lessen symptoms of the common cold? Not only does it do wonders for your mental health but it actually helps you physically as well! Many plants made popular by indoor gardening are adept to clean indoor air by absorbing toxins and creating oxygen.
Let’s Talk Space
Once you’ve decided what to grow, let’s tackle the question of where you’ll grow it. Indoor gardening can take up as much or as little space as you would like it to. Many plants can thrive on just your average windowsill. Space really never has to be an issue if indoor gardening is something you’d like to try.
If you’re wanting to go into it with a little more “oomph,” be sure to select a space with easy to clean flooring and that one can wipe up the occasional spill. Even the most careful plant lovers have been known to spill while watering a time or two, and no one wants a soggy carpet or a water stained hutch.
Some Basic Tips for Indoor Gardening
Drainage: When picking a planter or pot it’s easy to gravitate to something aesthetically pleasing or universally pretty. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that–in fact, it’s encouraged! Expressing your tastes through your design choices is always applauding but a note about drainage. Many decorative pots are just that, decorative. You’ll definitely want to input a planter with holes for drainage into your pot to ensure you don’t end up drowning or overwatering your plant. Allowing it the space to absorb the water it needs and expel the excess is very important.
Watering: Knowing how and when to water may seem simple but overdoing it on the water front can actually kill your plants. Make sure you read the water guide on your specific plant or consult with those at your local nursery. Many plants such as Aloe Vera or Orchids need very little water and prefer to be misted instead of dumped with water. Too much water causes them to mold and wilt. Alternatively, many plants are very water hungry and require constant watering. It’s important to keep a watchful eye on them as they grow and see the signs of each so you can change your routine accordingly.
Signs of overwatering and underwatering: A few common signs of overwatering are discoloration or a wilting starting from stem towards leaves. Oddly enough, if the plant stops growing this can also be a sign of overwatering. On the other hand, a few signs that your plants aren’t getting enough water are dry soil, or visible browning on the edges of the leaves. Soon this will all be second nature to you as you observe the signs more frequently.
Where to put it: We all know that plants needs ample sunlight to thrive. One thing to remember though is that the sunlight in your home is is constantly moving. Perhaps consider mounting your planter on a moveable stand or keeping the container light. No matter your solution, making your plants more portable means your plants will have the chance to get more sunlight and succeed.
Soil: Indoor gardening is a bit of a different world when compared to outdoor gardening. For indoor gardening, you’ll definitely need good soil. Grabbing soil from your outdoor garden won’t be a great medium since it’s often heavy and can have weed seeds mixed in. Not to worry though! Many nurseries have soil specific for indoor gardening. A good growing soil for indoors should be looser and have good drainage but also contain enough organic matter to hold nutrients and moisture. When looking for soil be sure to check the ingredients for peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. These are all great for your indoor gardening needs!
Read More: A Quick Guide to House Plants
Don’t check your love of gardening at the door! Indoor gardening has so many benefits physically and mentally it’s no wonder it’s become a favorite in current times. Plus, hey, it’s cheaper than a therapist! Happy Gardening!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on Charming Garden Decor Ideas.
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