Probably the best thing about maintaining an indoor garden is that anybody can do it – with success.
In a world where outdoor space has become the ultimate luxury, its good to know that a wonderful alternative such as this exists. And better yet, cultivating indoor plants should not be seen as a compromise. In fact, they offer a universe of benefits – from the reduction of stress and anxiety to the purification of indoor air, it’s a wonderful activity all the way.
Below are a handful of tips to get you started on cultivating your very own flourishing indoor garden.
There’s A Plant For That Space
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind when wanting to start an indoor garden, is to choose your plants correctly.
Considerations related to indoor gardening include how much light your plants will get, what the temperature will be in the room for the majority of the day, and obviously of course also just how big your plants will become when fully grown.
Plants that are ideal for indoor gardening are those requiring cooler spaces in which to thrive, those who enjoy indoor light (non-direct sunlight), and those that quickly reach the point of readiness for harvest.
Examples of plants that are well-suited for indoor gardening include Herbs, Microgreens, and Baby Spinach.
Know What Your Plants Enjoy
Plants have over the years evolved in different ways – with every plant capable of dealing with a specific set of conditions.
These conditions all have to do with watering requirements, light, nutrients, and temperature.
This is why its important to familiarise yourself with the conditions of the plants you’re hoping to cultivate in your indoor garden before getting started.
Helpful in this regard is to read the instructions accompanying your plants.
Know When To Water
Everything that lives needs water in order to survive and thrive.
When considering an indoor garden, the “when” and “how much” of water is a crucial factor.
While all plants need water to grow, overwatering can be dangerous for many. While desert plants require weekly watering, many vegetable types require a thrice-weekly regime.
Also, remember that some plants prefer to be watered from the bottom instead of from the top. And keep in mind that during warmer days, it might be necessary to give more water than usual.
Fertilise – But Not Too Much
While plants need a number of nutrients to grow well, over-fertilisation is a common mistake.
The suggested timeframe for fertilizing differs from plant to plant, which is why you should do your homework regarding this depending on whatever it is you’re growing in your indoor garden.
The general rule of thumb is that its better to under-fertilise than to over-fertilise, so rather resist the urge and play online slots instead.
Plan For Re-Potting
Re-potting is a great way to breathe new life into your indoor garden.
Re-potting refers to moving a plant from one pot into another – usually into new soil and into a bigger pot for improved room for growth.
Remember that choosing the right pot for your plant is important, as is a proper drainage mechanism.