Starting, Growing, And Enjoying An Indoor Garden
Gardening can be a great way to relax, get moderate exercise, and even feed your family. But what can you do when you don't have a yard? If you've ever decided that you need lots of land to have a garden, this article will help you discover ways to work the soil--even if it's only in a windowsill!
Unless you've always dreamed of your own fruit orchard, sunlight is more important than space. Look for a sunny spot in your home to help your indoor plants flourish. Check the light levels at different times during the day. The east side of the house may get lots of sun early in the day, but are those windows getting the most sun throughout the day?
Since your plants will be indoors you won't be limited by the climate of your area. However, unless you live in a greenhouse, tropical plants still might not be able to flourish. Consider the average temperature inside your home during the summer and winter.
Try growing your own seeds in smaller containers or peat pods, then transfer the best plants to a larger pot or planter. Growing your own plants "from scratch" can be even more satisfying than buying a large plant, and you'll know your plants have had the best care from the start.
Avoid over or under watering your plants. While some plants should always be in damp soil, others need a day or two to dry out before getting another drink. Know what type of plants you have and keep a close eye on them. If you see yellow leaves, your plants are getting way too much water! If your plants start to wilt, you're not watering enough. Make small adjustments, and you should see your plants start to improve. Even if a plant seems hopelessly dried out, don't give up. Plants that look dead as door nails can bounce back with a little water. Many plants will even have dormant periods. Rather than throwing out faded perennials, water these plants half as often and wait for them to thrive again next season.
You'll probably enjoy looking at your garden every day, but be sure to look close. Daily checks of leaves, stems, and blooms can help you spot a small problem before it turns into a disaster. If you see any signs of spider mites, remove any dropped leaves and remove the mites with water. If the infestation is bad, you may need to dispose of the plant to protect the rest of your garden.
If you have house pets, choose only plants that are nontoxic for cats and dogs. It can be especially difficult to keep plants out of cats' reach. Dropped leaves and petals can also put dogs at risk. For your pets' health and your peace of mind, it's better to choose pet-safe plants like roses and many orchids.
You don't need huge tracts of land to start a garden. You can still enjoy beautiful blossoms and a variety of vegetables indoors. With some research and care, you can be gardening just like the landowners!
