Indoor Gardening

For those restricted by space or environmental conditions like cold climate or bad soil, even scarcity of water, indoor gardening is the answer that will allow one to pursue the hobby of gardening. With plants, it is always little that we give, in return of lot, in terms of produce, and joy of watching our hard work bloom. However, gardening indoors is not about getting a few pots to together, but about the correct use of space, aesthetically. Plants need to add on to the beauty of your balcony or the greenhouse, and not end up looking like a mess.

Tips for Gardening Indoors

Plants, indoors or outdoors will only survive if certain conditions are met. There are plenty of tools and equipment in the market today that can assist one to change the climatic conditions to suit plant growth and adaptability. Although it is not possible to give every individual plant a different treatment, there are a few measures one can take. Following are a few tips one needs to understand before one starts on this venture.

Temperature: Temperature should be maintained between 65 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and 10 - 15 degrees Fahrenheit less at night. Make sure that temperature does not vary drastically, as too hot or too cold will damage the plant. Invest in a plant thermometer.

Light: All plants need light for growth and photosynthesis; and will grow in direction of the light source. Unless one has provisions for lots of natural light, plants will find it difficult to thrive or even survive. Make sure there is an alternate arrangement for artificial lighting, or select plants that have low light requirement. Rotate the plant regularly to promote an upright growth.

Humidity: Invest in a humidifier that will control humidity in the atmosphere. Too high or too low especially during winter when the heaters are generally on and the humidity low will cause leaf drop and curling. Spray water regularly only in the mornings on the leaves to keep the pores of the leaves and flowers clean, and dust off.

Watering: Watering requirement of all plants cannot be clubbed together. The quantity and frequency of water completely depends upon the individual plant. While watering, use water at room temperature, too cold or too warm will shock the plant's roots. The plants should be watered adequately, enough to moisten the soil. Indoor plants are more susceptible to rot due to excess watering as there is very little scope for natural evaporation.

Fertilizer: As indoor plants are pot bound, it is natural that nutrient depletion can occur. Fertilization or regular feeds of organic compost can help satisfy the plant's nutrients needs especially during their growing, fruit or vegetable bearing period. Soil is integral to the plants growth, make sure you keep it nourished and weed or fungus free.

Pots and Containers: The size of the containers must be 'just right' to hold the plant too big will occupy more space, while too small will add to the clutter, plus plants will not grow very well. Pots should have enough drainage holes to facilitate water drainage, and water plates to hold the water (you do not want to stain the flooring). Select pots that will increase the aesthetic value of your plants and enhance the appeal of the gardening indoor. Use large, small, hanging, pots of different material, etc.

Indoor vegetable gardening or indoor herb gardening follow the same rules. Always try to grow plants that can be grouped together as per their basic growing needs. Experiment with hydroponic gardening or xeriscape gardening methods too. Indoor gardening can not only add to the beauty of your home, but if done well can also yield enough produce to satisfy your own needs as well as can definitely earn you a profit.