Are you someone who enjoys the beauty of fragrant herbs growing in abundance or the taste of fresh vegetables plucked straight from the earth? If so, it’s likely that gardening is one of your favorite hobbies. While doing this activity outdoors can produce fruits, vegetables and flowers with some work, gardening indoors can do just the same.
Although the growing techniques are different and require a little more attention to detail, it’s worthwhile if you want to enjoy the advantages of a garden without having to go outside. Whether you live in an apartment or home with land, indoor gardening is worth considering for growing so many goodies.
Indoor Gardening Plants
Just like not all plants survive outdoors depending on the climate, not all plants will survive indoors. Take a look at some of the most popular indoor gardening plants that do survive quite well, as long as you’re willing to put in a little effort.
Herbs
1. Bay Laurel
Known by many as “bay leaves”, these leaves are packed full of flavor and grow particularly well indoors. For best results, this should be planted in a soil that drains quickly and next to a window that receives bright light.
2. Basil
To grow indoors, simply plant basil seeds in high-quality potting soil and next to a window that has a lot of light and little to no drafts. If necessary, you may need to invest in a grow light to help ensure this plant receives enough sun.
3.Chives
Perfect for adding onion flavoring to any dish, chives grow well indoors with a pot that’s full of rich soil. As with most indoor plants, this grows best next to a window that receives a lot of sunlight.
4.Chervil
Whether you use this to flavor fish and vegetables or it’s part of your favorite sauce, chervil is an herb that you’ll enjoy having on-hand. While it does grow well in deep pots indoors, it must be replanted every few weeks after leaves have sprouted.
5.Oregano
Nothing compares to the taste of fresh oregano, especially when you’ve grown it yourself. Fortunately, growing this is easy with a small pot, rich soil, a lot of light, and water when the soil is dry.
6.Mint
Whether you’re making homemade mint ice cream or a few mojitos for friends, fresh mint is a necessary part of many recipes. What’s even better is that it smells incredible once it sprouts, which is easy if you keep the soil moist and give it a lot of light.
7. Rosemary
Useful for flavoring meats, vegetables, and stews, rosemary grows well in cooler homes but needs a lot of light to thrive.
8. Parsley
Parsley can be grown in flat or curly leaf, both of which are excellent additions to sauces, meats, vegetables, fish, and more. It must be grown in a pot with a lot of depth and next to a window with an abundance of light.
9.Thyme
Thyme should be planted in a soil that drains quickly and next to a window that receives warmth and a lot of sun. It should only be watered when the surface of the soil feels dry to ensure it does not wilt.
Vegetables
Most vegetables grow quite well with rich soil, a lot of sun and a pot that offers room to grow. Some of the best to try out include:
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Lettuce
- Onions
Indoor Gardening Equipment You’ll Need
If gardening indoors sounds intriguing, whether because you don’t have outdoor space or the weather doesn’t necessarily cooperate, you’ll need to invest in some equipment before getting started. Most items can be found easily and are relatively affordable as well. A list of some of the most important equipment you’ll need to purchase includes:
01. Grow Lights
If you don’t get a lot of sunlight in your home or need to control the amount of light that a certain plant or herb is receiving, a grow light can help.Now people are using led grow lights for their indoor garden because led light gives the perfect light to the plant in different growth stages.
02. Pots
The great thing about pots is that you can use just about anything to make one! From clay pots found at your local home improvement store to a large plastic bowl with a hole cut out of the bottom, you can get creative with the vessel you use.But it is very easy and low cost to buy a pot online.This will save your time .
03. Soil
Potting soil acts as the meeting grounds for plant roots and nutrients. This is made of sphagnum peat moss, which contains the water, perlite, which slows down the drainage in the soil, and organic matter, which supplies nutrients. While you can purchase this at most home improvement stores, it’s also possible to make our own.
04. Fertilizer
Fertilizer is essential for growing strong plants at a relatively fast pace. Organic is thought to be the best, which can be purchased at most home improvement stores. If you’re looking for an even more natural option, you can make our own compost from waste from cooking, weeds, and other natural substances.
05. Tools
To ensure your plants grow strong and healthy, you’ll need a pair of small pruning shears and a spade.
Seeds or Plants
These can be purchased online or in-store, with many options available to choose from.
Neem Oil
Pests are an unfortunate reality for indoor gardeners, which is why neem oil is so useful. This natural plant-based oil helps control insects and pests as well as diseases that can kill plants quickly.
Watering Can
Water cans disperse water evenly onto the soil of your plant, which ensures it’s kept moist and healthy.
Thermometer
A soil thermometer can help take the mystery out of growing healthy plants, as it will tell you whether the recommended temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit is being maintained.
Fan
A fan kept near your plants will ensure they have fresh air to stay healthy and thriving in your indoor environment.
What Will You Grow First?
Indoor gardening is a great way to save money, ensure your food is fresh, and always have tasty herbs or vegetables on-hand. Once you have your tools ready to go, it’s up to you what you grow first. From parsley to chives, you’ll find that every plant is worth the small amount of work it takes to see it brought to life. As you gain more experience, you may want to invest in a stand that will keep all of your in one convenient spot for easy care and access.