Create your own indoor plant paradise with these 7 easy to follow steps!
1. Find a Space for Your Indoor Garden
- Light is vitally important to the survival of plants. Make sure the space you choose has enough sunlight for the plants you want to grow. Some plants need more sunlight than others. To get the most sunlight, try to find a space near an east or west facing window. If you don’t think you’ll have enough sunlight in your chosen indoor garden spot, that’s okay! There are plenty of artificial lights and plant grow lamps you can use to simulate the missing sunlight.
- Make sure the space is away from animals or small children who may be running around. Plants are fragile and should grow.
2. Pick Your Plants
- Your plant options may be limited based on the amount of space you have and how much sunlight that space gets. Be sure to research the care instructions for each type of plant you are thinking about getting. You need to make sure your indoor garden can provide for the plants.
3. Pick the Right Containers
- The right container can make a substantial difference in the health of your plants. Make sure the containers you use have proper drainage holes, so the soil doesn’t get overwatered. Pick the right containers for the type of garden you want to grow. Use trays to help catch excess water. Make sure the planters are the correct size to house the plants. If you are planning on growing tall plants, be sure to grab some plant supports like cages so vine type plants have something to hold onto as they grow and don’t overtake your space.
- Consider if you want to use a Soil based system or a hydroponic system to take care of your plants.
4. Get Soil
- Despite what you may think, you shouldn’t just grab soil from outside and throw it in a pot for your garden. This is a great way to introduce pests, bacteria, and diseases from outside to your indoor garden. Create a potting mix for your plants. You can purchase pre-made potting mix or create your own. This mix will help to create a proper balanced mix that is perfect for your plants.
5. Water Your Plants
- Be sure to research how much water your plants need. Each plant is different and will need to be watered to various levels and at different frequencies. Sometimes you need to water less for more success. Overwatering is a very common way to kill your plants. An effective way to check if the plant needs water is to assess the soil, if it is dry then it is a sign the plant needs more water.
- Use a saucer tray to catch the excess water and make sure to drain it regularly. Alternatively, you could fill the saucer with water and let it soak up through the soil in a technique called “bottom watering”for certain plants (Note: not all plants may benefit from this technique. Be sure to research the best way to water your plants).
6. Get a Fertilizer Mix
- Give your plants all their needed nutrients with a fertilizer mix. You can purchase pre-made fertilizer mixes (liquid or slow-release) or you can make your own fertilizer. When applying fertilizer, be sure to read the instructions to know how long the fertilizer will last and how often you will need to replenish.
7. Maintain the Garden
- Be sure to check on your plants regularly for signs of diseases or pests. If you notice any brown spots, wilting, or dying plants, remove them from the indoor garden in case they are carrying a pest or disease that might spread.
- Don’t get discouraged if some of the plants wilt. Gardening, like other hobbies, takes time and practice to master. Killing plants is part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow gardeners to ask for help. Keep practicing and keep planting!
Here are some suggestions for plants to get your indoor garden started!
Vegetables: Lettuce, Arugula, Spinach, Carrots, Beets, Radishes
Herbs: Basil, Chives, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Thyme, Mint
Flowers: Peace Lily, African Violet, Marigold, Begonia, Cactus, Succulents
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