Indoor Gardening Tips and Trends

When the winter months cause outdoor vegetation to hibernate, it doesn’t mean people can’t still add some natural beautification to add to their property. And since the freezing temperatures and snow-covered soil makes outdoor gardening near impossible, here are a few ways to bring the flora inside with these helpful indoor gardening tips.

Basic Tips for Indoor Gardening

You can grow a number of different things in an indoor garden, including plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables. Each plant has different needs, but no matter what you’re planning to grow, there are some standards tips that apply to every indoor garden.

• The Right Light: Plants require lots of natural light, and indoor plants benefit the most from indirect exposure, such as filtered light through curtains or blinds. It’s a good idea to keep indoor plants in an area that doesn’t get a lot of afternoon sunlight, as those rays are more intense than morning. In winter, keep plants inside at all times, but in the summer, it’s a good idea to take them outside for some direct sunlight on occasion.


• Temperature: If you are growing plants indoors, temperatures need to stay at a moderate level, generally in the low 70s. At night, it should be a little cooler, about ten degrees less. Do not place plants near air conditioners or heaters as this can significantly affect their environment.


• Water: Indoor plants need more water than those grown outside, because they don’t have access to the natural moisture in the ground. Houses usually have very dry air, causing the soil to dry out quickly. But this doesn’t mean that the plant is parched, because it is possible to have too much water in the base of the container. It’s smart to have a tray under the container to catch water. Remove it immediately after watering to avoid the plant sitting in water too long, which can cause root rot.


• Fertilize: When a plant is in its growing stages—information that can be found when purchasing the seeds or plant at the store—you should fertilize it once a month.


• Protect Against Insects: Indoor plants are just as vulnerable to insects as those outdoor. Check for signs of insects by looking under the leaves and monitoring the soil. Applying a general insecticide every two weeks should get rid of any tiny pests.


• Fight Fungus: Fungal disease is a common problem with household plants. Fungus can form on leaves if they get too moist, so avoid watering the foliage. You can apply fungicide to the plant to kill any mold.

Popular Indoor Plants

Now that you have some basic tips to indoor gardening, it’s a good idea to think about the kind of plant or garden you want in your home. There are a number of popular plants that are ideal for indoor gardening.

• Cactus: Small cacti are great indoor plants. They can be grown individually or in a garden. They need lots of bright light and can pretty much survive anything. Also, they don’t require a lot of maintenance in the colder months. In winter, they only need to be watered once a month.


• Herbs: Herb gardens are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. They are perfect for cooks, but they also offer color and fragrance to a home. They can easily be grown on a windowsill, and need minor work to maintain. Common herbs include parsley, oregano, cilantro, basil, rosemary, chives, thyme and mint. For best results, keep perennials and annuals separate when planting the seeds, use a mixture of potting soil and perlite to keep the dirt light and loose, and mist them every week in winter to make sure they don’t get dehydrated.

Indoor Gardening Tools

When starting an indoor garden, you need to have a few essential tools handy:

• Pots and Trays: You need something to put your plant in, and planters come in various styles and sizes. All plants require drainage after being water, so be sure to have trays to keep under pots. These not only catch the water and make it easy to remove, but it also protects floors, carpets and tables.


• Trowel: This hand held shovel works well in tight spaces and is used to scoop potting soil or dig holes in plant containers.


• Hand Rake: This is great for smoothing and leveling out pot soil. It’s also good for loosening hardened soil when you’re preparing to fertilize the plant.


• Stakes and Wires: Some indoor plants will flourish in their confined space, growing immensely in height and volume. Sturdy stakes can be inserted into the soil, and the plant can then be safely attached to it with gardening wire. This will help a tall plant stand straight and vibrant, rather than slumping over.


• Pruning Shears: When a plant grows too much or has portions that die, pruning shears can be used to remove the excess, keeping plants prim and proper.


• Mist Sprayers: The gardening tools are good for watering seeds and providing extra moisture to plants, especially herb gardens. Sprayers allow for controlled application of water, and provides direct moisture when needed.

Keeping these tools around will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful indoor garden.

Indoor gardening is extremely popular during the winter months. It provides people with natural decorations, adding color and life to their homes. By following these indoor gardening tips, you can successfully grow gorgeous flowers, strong spices and delicious veggies. If you want more advice on how to grow plants indoors, you can meet with a certified contractor or landscape specialist to learn their tricks. If you want to set up a consultation with one of our licensed contractors, contact us today.

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