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Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Its Easy Starting an Indoor Garden
Starting an indoor garden can be an exciting and rewarding venture. It allows individuals to cultivate a green space within the confines of their homes, regardless of the weather conditions outside. It’s not only a great way to have fresh produce at your fingertips but also serves as a therapeutic hobby.
- Choose the Right Plants: Select indoor-friendly plants like basil, mint, and pothos.
- Provide Adequate Light: Place plants near a bright, south-facing window.
- Use Proper Containers: Ensure they have enough space and good drainage.
- Watering Tips: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Maintain Ideal Temperature and Humidity: Keep temperatures between 65-75°F.
- Fertilization: Use water-soluble fertilizers; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent damage.
As living off the land and growing plants at home become trendy endeavors, what about those with minimal space? Or folks with winters of chills and blizzards? With indoor gardening, anyone can become a grow pro. Keep reading to find out how!
Why Garden Indoors?
So, what’s the appeal of taking your gardening gloves and planter pots indoors?
Indoor gardening is ideal for those with minimal outdoor space, cold temperatures that prevent plants from growing, or the wish to pick fresh food from the comfort of your kitchen.
Having plants inside the home can also be a great source of pleasure.
Indoor gardening is believed to ease stress and anxiety and promote mental and physical recovery. With fresh plants in every corner, you’re guaranteed to feel more creative, productive, and focused.
Some evidence even shows that indoor crops may positively influence the air quality in your home. All these things seem great, right? But you must work towards producing healthy crops to reap the benefits.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to The Provident Prepper
Indoor Gardening Methods
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Vertical Gardening
Whether your indoor garden consists of a tiny kitchen shelf or a large warehouse, vertical farming is an ideal way to make the most of the space. In vertical farming, plants are grown on top of each other rather than in traditional, horizontal rows.
They grow up instead of out. Vertical farming allows space conservation, resulting in a higher crop yield per square foot of land used.
This type of garden is typically only used indoors because gardeners can control the environmental conditions for the plants to succeed.
In addition to saving space and producing more plants, vertical gardening requires fewer resources than traditional methods.
Gardeners can also reduce plant transportation by locating operations closer to the point of consumption. In a home garden, growing vertically can provide better airflow, more sun exposure, easy maintenance, and privacy.
You can’t go wrong with beautiful vertical plants to spruce your environment.
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Hydroponics
If you stay current on the latest and greatest gardening innovations, you probably already know about hydroponics. But what is hydroponics? It’s quickly becoming a favored way to grow crops for pro-farmers and home growers alike.
While a new way of gardening might seem intimidating at first, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to get hydroponics down pat. It’s a no-fail method that works so well that even the brownest thumbs will start turning green.
Growing hydroponic plants has many incredible benefits, including better growth (sometimes up to 25%) than plants that don’t use the system. Even better, you don’t need much space to get started.
It’s perfect for apartment dwellers or those with a cramped or cluttered environment. Start by looking for hydroponic planters and systems in compact or vertical styles; they’ll include everything you need for growing.
An all-in-one unit can help you start an indoor hydroponic garden. These grow systems can fit on tabletops; some are even designed to function as furniture, like end tables.
A growing system will provide many benefits, like LED lights for faster growth and smartphone technology. It’s important to note that two main types of hydroponic systems exist.
The most common type of hydroponic tool is a deep-water system. These systems are inexpensive, around $60, and ideal for growing small amounts of edible crops.
Plants in a deep-water system grow in oxygenated, nutrient-rich water. The ebb and flow method is another standard hydroponic system.
These machines are more expensive, but they produce a higher yield. Ebb and flow plants are grown in net pods intermittently flooded with oxygenated, nutrient-rich water that drains away, exposing plant roots to air.
Once you know the standard growing techniques, choosing a system and starting a hydroponic garden will be simple. Then, you have to pick a plant medium and plant the seeds.
After seeds are planted, your crops will thrive as long as they’ve got proper light, nutrients, and pollination.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Alberta Urban Garden Simple Organic and Sustainable
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Greenhouse Gardening
Perhaps your indoor space lacks, but you’re sick of battling cold weather and plant-hungry animals in the garden. Adding a greenhouse to your outdoor area may be the perfect solution. They work by converting light energy into heat.
Sunlight enters the greenhouse, magnifying brightness while protecting plants from cool temperatures. Growing your produce in a greenhouse is an incredibly fulfilling and fun way to pass the time.
One of the most significant advantages to starting a greenhouse is that you can extend growing seasons, get an early start on spring and summer, and even grow some crops year-round.
Before planning a growth schedule, it’s vital to stock up on essential seed starting supplies for a successful yield.
Containers, sterile soil, fertilizer, water, and heat all help to propagate seeds during the early parts of the season and when temps get chillier. With just a bit of work, you’ll have a cozy haven for those cold winter days.
Not to mention a controlled environment in which crops can be grown.
What Do You Need for an Indoor Garden?
All those growing methods can be a lot to digest, so what tools do you need for a successful indoor garden? While each system will require different supplies, there are a few things every indoor gardener should keep in their toolbox.
First, anyone gardening indoors should find a sunny, south-facing window (we’ll find out what to do if you don’t have one later). Natural sunlight is crucial for growing plants, so position your garden in that direction if possible.
Another essential supply for indoor farming is a watering device. Getting a mister is good, but any old watering can do the trick.
Once you’ve got something to water with, it’s time to get the seeds and soil! Additionally, using high-quality fertilizer will promote growth within the crop.
A few tools can make indoor gardening a bit easier. A small hand fork can help loosen, lift, and turn soil when planting and transporting.
When you’re not working, keep the plants on a heat mat. Heat and water are the two secrets to successful crops.
So, when temperatures plummet, guarding against dramatic drops is advised.
Lastly, some plants need 20 hours of sunlight daily, so grow lights are a wise investment. Plus, if sunlight refuses to creep in your window or it’s an exceptionally cloudy day, your plants can still thrive.
Investing in your garden can cost a pretty penny, but these supplies help guarantee happy, successful crops.
Best Crops for an Indoor Garden
Growing Herbs Indoors
Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow indoors. Not to mention the big bucks we drop on them at the grocery store. Save some money and spice up your meals by starting an indoor herb garden.
To get started, find an empty windowsill with ample sunlight: six to eight hours is optimal for herbs. Then, set out to your local gardening store.
You’ll need some pots, soil, a watering can, and a spray bottle. If you’re new to gardening, consider starting with a pre-potted plant instead.
Once your indoor herb garden is up and running, ensure your pot has good drainage. This means the pot must have a way for water to get out (like a small hole on the bottom).
Plants with solid drainage will require minimal watering and maintenance to flourish. Speaking of water, mist those plants appropriately!
Just because herbs require minimal water doesn’t mean you can neglect them. Bring the mister out a few times each week for happy herbs.
After they’ve grown friendly and robust, cut those herbs at any point to enjoy them. Cut the top off, and soon, new leaves will be regrowing.
Don’t be afraid to hurt the little things; cutting encourages growth. Which herbs would best suit your indoor garden?
Thyme
Why not start with one of the most adaptable herbs? Thyme can be grown in pots as small as four to six inches. It can also flourish from the clippings of an established outdoor plant.
Although this spice prefers maximum sunshine, it can flourish in an east—or west-facing window. Plant it in a clay pot to prevent soggy root conditions and allow the thyme to dry between waterings.
Oregano
Here’s another easy one for beginners: oregano is hardy and drought-tolerant. When summer ends, head outside, grab a few clippings from an established oregano plant, and root them in a cup of water.
After planting it in the soil, you should only water the crop once its soil dries out.
Fresh oregano offers a milder taste than its dried counterpart, and it’s best added at the end of cooking to retain its yummy flavor.
Sage
Grow a sage plant indoors to increase your medicinal supply and flavor profiles. Its oval-shaped foliage can spice up poultry dishes or delicious stuffing.
When growing sage, it’s best to use a starter plant or begin with clippings from an established plant.
If you’re using clippings, snip the tip off an outdoor sage plant and place it in a pot with soil. Since it’s a relatively drought-tolerant herb, wait until the soil is dry primarily before thoroughly misting.
Growing Veggies Indoors
The good news for you cold-weather folk is the onset of winter doesn’t have to mean the end of growing and harvesting vegetables.
With the right supplies and methods, you can harvest some of your favorite veggies indoors for months before the weather turns favorable again (or keep them inside year-round)!
You’ll save on trips to the grocery store, and that green thumb will be put to work!
When starting an indoor vegetable garden, find a container big enough for your plant’s roots to grow and with a drainage hole in the bottom.
DIYing your container is straightforward. Repurpose some old plastic yogurt tubs or storage bins. However, any pot with a drainage hole will do.
Of course, you’ll need to put the container on a dish, saucer, or tray to capture the moisture draining out. That way, you won’t ruin a table or windowsill.
Plant your veggies in the container using indoor potting soil specially formulated to help indoor gardens thrive. Once the plant is potted, set it up before a sunny window. A lack of light is the biggest challenge to cultivating a thriving indoor vegetable garden.
That’s why you’ve got to emulate outdoor conditions inside as much as possible, either by using window lights or purchasing grow lights.
When watering time comes around, remember that less is more for indoor veggies. Plants won’t dry out as often because they’re not subject to intense outdoor heat, so be careful not to overwater.
Your ideal soil should be moist, not too damp or dry. Low humidity, however, can be tough on indoor plants.
Either use a spray bottle to mist them every day lightly or consider investing in a cool-mist humidifier.
With just some patience, dedication, and your favorite veggies in seed form, indoor gardening has never been easier. Here are some of the best indoor vegetables to grow:
Hot Peppers
Pepper plants are tropical perennials, meaning they thrive in warm water and full sun (many of us can relate). However, since they’re self-pollinating, they can do quite well indoors.
They’ll need high light levels, between 14 and 20 hours a day, and thrive in about 70-degree temperatures.
Pot them in a container at least eight inches tall, and let the soil dry out between waterings.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to USA TODAY Life
Leafy Salad Greens
Who doesn’t love a bunch of delicious greens to toss in a salad? Possibly the most reliable of the veggie bunch, cool-tolerant leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are ideal for growing indoors.
They’ll flourish in compact spaces as soon as four weeks into the growing process.
These plants need about 12 hours of sunlight daily to reach around 60 degrees.
Tomatoes
Just because some veggies love warm weather doesn’t mean they’re hopeless indoors. Tomatoes need a lot of light, around 14-20 hours daily. Like peppers, they’re self-pollinating, but you can shake them up to help pollen fall from flower to flower.
Smaller varieties, like cherry tomatoes, tend to do better in containers, and the seeds germinate quickly.
Carrots
Looking for the perfect veggie for your mini-indoor garden? Carrots are great because they don’t require much space around them to flourish. But they do tend to require deeper soil than other crops.
They’re cool-tolerant vegetables that thrive around 60 degrees F.
Ensure they get at least 12 hours of light daily, and you’ll soon be munching on crunchy cucumbers.
Indoor Fruit Garden
One of the neatest parts of having an indoor garden is growing your fruits, especially once you realize the variety and ease!
While many fruits can thrive indoors, the most successful tend to be that of the citrus family. Keep reading to discover how tarte, citrusy goodness can grow in your home.
Oranges
Any gardener would be impressed to find a thriving tree inside your house! However, oranges make it easy to do. Depending on your preferences, you can plant an orange tree in a pot or container.
Use plastic, ceramic, or clay larger than the plant’s root ball. Add stones as well so air can circulate through the pot.
After successfully planting your orange tree, ensure it gets around 12 hours of light daily. Please keep it in a southern window away from breezy vents.
Keep the soil acidic, with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. If you’ve got it right, the soil should drain well and have a loam in it.
Set your thermostat at around 65 degrees, never letting the house reach more than 85 F. Adding moss or pebbles can make a decorative and helpful mulch to maintain the orange tree’s moisture.
And lastly, be sure to watch out for plant pests; aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites love citrus trees.
Lemons
Luckily, the process of growing lemons is similar to that of oranges. Choose the same type of pot and soil as you did for the orange tree. Lemons will also need the same amount of sunlight for about 12 hours. The exact temperature guidelines apply.
Keep your watering habits consistent until winter falls. Lemons and citrus plants, in general, can dry out more in the cold, so allow the soil to retain some moisture.
Otherwise, root rot can occur, leading to fungal infections. A water meter can help you control your watering routine, telling you when to scale back.
Indoor Houseplants
When it comes to indoor gardening, houseplants are the first thing that comes to mind. While not everyone wants to dedicate tons of time and money to growing food at home, just about anybody could use some fresh vibes in the home.
But how can your houseplants stand out among others?
First, it’s essential to choose healthy plants. Avoid ones with soggy soil, droopy leaves, or shriveled growth; they’re likely past rescuing and may even carry disease.
It’s also crucial to consider your light, space, and décor pieces. It would suck to bring home a beautiful plant only to realize it’s way too big for that window or looks ridiculous next to your art pieces.
Like any other indoor crop, houseplants need proper watering. Mist them whenever the top one or two inches of soil are dry. It’s also vital to invest in high-quality potting soil mix and fertilizer.
Any variety of houseplants needs adequate humidity to thrive, so add a humidity tray or keep up with misting.
A life hack for those with an indoor garden of various houseplants is to group plants. When transpiration occurs, plants work to humidify each other. So, let’s find out some of the best houseplants for your garden.
Succulents
Who doesn’t love a succulent plant? And no, not just because they’re trendy. Arguably the easiest houseplants to maintain, succulents thrive in dryness and low humidity: they’re practically begging to be neglected.
Place them near a window, give them good air circulation, and watch that the temp doesn’t fall below freezing. After that, your succulent will be set for life!
Mums
Mums are a must-grow because they bring good vibes and positive energy into the home. Plus, they’re generally already prepared for interior growth upon purchase. You can transplant mums into a slightly larger container with good drainage holes and fresh soil.
Regularly water these gorgeous flowers from under the leaves to prevent fungal issues. Excess lighting can also throw the plant’s bloom production off and cause it to stop flowering.
Therefore, you should position it to receive bright light during the day but peaceful darkness at night.
What is the Easiest Food to Grow Indoors?
Various nutritious vegetables are among the most accessible foods for growing indoors. Lettuce, for example, can be grown quickly due to its shallow root system, eliminating the need for a deep pot.
Carrots are another viable option, thriving in indoor conditions. Additionally, microgreens are simple to cultivate indoors and provide a quick harvest cycle.
Peas and spinach are other excellent choices that adapt well to indoor environments. Tomatoes, a versatile household favorite, can grow indoors with sufficient light.
Lastly, herbs and green onions are perfect for indoor gardening due to their compact growth nature and minimal care requirements.
Wrapping Up
Starting an indoor garden can be a rewarding project. It provides aesthetic value and a source of fresh herbs for culinary endeavors. The first step involves choosing the right plants.
Indoor-friendly plants such as basil, mint, and pothos are ideal due to their adaptability to indoor conditions. These plants also need proper light exposure. For optimal growth, placing them near a bright, south-facing window is recommended.
The use of proper containers is equally essential. They should be spacious enough for root development and have good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
An important aspect of indoor gardening is watering the plants appropriately: water when the top inch of soil is dry. Furthermore, maintaining an ideal temperature and humidity within the range of 65-75°F ensures the plants’ health.
Finally, water-soluble fertilizers are advised for plant nourishment; however, care should be taken to avoid over-fertilizing as it can damage the plants.
Now that you know all the indoor gardening secrets, becoming a green thumb has never been easier. Enjoy fresh fruits, delicious veggies, and stunning houseplants, all from the comfort of your own home.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out Crow Survival for more gardening and survival content.
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