How to Garden Inside

Gardening inside is pretty easy, the most important thing is consistency. The start-up cost can be high if you pick fancy pots, but the plant is not going to care about looks, just the size of the pot for its roots.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• potting containers with water catchers
• seeds or small starter plants
• space
• sunlight
• soil, mulch, fertilizer
• watering can (or just a glass or cup will do)

1. You'll need to determine what your space and sunlight will allow you to grow. The easiest way to determine this is by asking an informed employee of your local nursery. If you can find any qualified employees, then your best bet is to read the cards that come with starter plants or the back of the seed packet.

2. Since we are growing these plants indoors, make sure not to pick plants or seeds that require very cold or hot temperatures or lots of sun. These will not do well indoors as it is rare for the conditions to be like this.

3. When planting your seeds or plants, do follow the directions on the card or seed packet, especially the spacing recommendations! Nothing is worse than needing to re-pot your plants because they are too crowded in their current pot. The roots are almost impossible to separate and it is very messy!

4. The most effective way to water your plants (except orchids and cacti) is to water a little everyday. Remember that your water dishes are an insurance plan and should not overflow each time you water your plants. If you feel like you might be watering too much or too little, touch the soil before the next time you water. If it is very dry or feels like you just watered, adjust accordingly. Water requirements can vary by season too, so be open to adjusting occasionally.

5. About once a week, I put my plants that require more sun outside on my patio in the morning. This is a great way to keep plants healthy because they need sunshine to produce their food. Do remember to bring those plants in before noon as they can get burnt by excessive sun.

6. Watch them grow and flourish! Plants are wonderfully simple things to take care of (easier than fish even!), they just need consistency with water. You can't forget to water them for a week and then drown the plants to make it up!

Tips & Warnings

• Herbs tend to be easy to care for and are great for cooking! Great way to teach kids about gardening.
• Flowering plants are pretty for any room, but remember that they will not flower constantly, so don't think that you killed the plant once the blooms stop.
• Wheat grass is extremely easy to grow indoors and out and adds a wonderful touch of bright green. If you want to drink it, you'll need a juicer, it will not work in a food processor or blender. Dogs and rabbits like to munch on this too!
• Buying adult plants can be expensive, if you have the patience, try growing them yourself from seeds
• Consistency! Don't forget to water them everyday.