You can create an indoor garden system if you do not have the space to grow fresh vegetables, herbs or other plants outdoors. Your system will depend on your ambition, the plants you wish to grow, budget and available space. If your soil outside is unworkable, or you do not have the time to deal with weeds and insects, indoor gardening is a great option for apartment dwellers.
This guide for beginners will teach you how to create a successful indoor gardening system.
What Is Indoor Gardening
Indoor gardening is the practice of growing plants indoors that would normally be grown outside. You can grow tropical plants, fruits, vegetables, and herbs year round because you can control the temperatures.
Plants for Indoor Gardening
Some plants can be grown indoors. Some of these include:
Veggies. Veggies grow well in the house. Included are carrots, tomatoes, hot peppers and lettuce.
Herbs. Herbs like basil, chives mint, parsley and thyme thrive in bright, sunny areas indoors.
Low-Light plants. Low-Light plants.
Humidity-loving plants. If you’re looking for plants to grow in your bathroom or terrarium, consider begonias and ferns.
Common Types of Indoor Gardening Systems
Your budget, the space you have available, and your aesthetic preferences will all influence what indoor garden system you choose. Here are some common indoor gardening systems.
Soil-Based Systems
You can grow your plants with potting mix in containers. This is a simple, traditional method of outdoor gardening. It’s also an inexpensive option.
Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponic gardens are those that allow plants to grow in water instead of soil. Some hydroponic gardens include substrates such as coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite in the water. The setup is a little more expensive than traditional soil-based systems, but it saves water and maximizes the space. It also produces healthy and edible plants that grow fast.
Aquaponic Systems
Aquaponics shares many of hydroponics’ benefits but is less popular. These systems require keeping fish alive in the water. Their waste is rich in nutrients that encourage plants to grow. This may not be too gross, but you will need to pay more for the initial setup. Also make sure that you choose plants that thrive in a wet environment. Leafy greens tend to do well.
Aeroponic Systems
The advanced hydroponic system sprays water infused with nutrients on the roots of suspended plants rather than submerging them completely in water. This allows the plants to absorb maximum nutrients, resulting in rapid growth and large yields. It is difficult and expensive to set up.
Terrariums
If you’re looking to grow plants that love humidity without taking up a lot of space, try a glass-terrarium. Choose low-maintenance plants that look good. Terrariums are available in many sizes and price ranges, so you can find something for everyone.
Living Walls
Create a vertical plant wall if you are limited on floor space, shelf space, or want to add some life to a blank wall. Choose plants that have similar needs as you’ll be watering them together.
Tip
Major retailers offer a wide variety of indoor gardening systems that are plug-in and-go. Typically, these systems include useful features like built-in auto timers, grow lights and self-watering abilities. The kits allow you to save money by not buying all the components separately. They are also easy to assemble.
Closeup of red and orange air plants growing on wood
Indoor Garden Plant Care
Depending on what type of indoor garden and which species you choose, the conditions that your plants need will vary. Consider these general tips when caring for your plants.
Light
The plants’ needs for light will determine where you place your indoor garden. Indoor plants will not receive the same amount of direct sunlight as they would outside. Even sunlight that streams through windows is much less intense. If you have no natural light or are growing plants that need a lot of sunlight, grow lights may be needed to create the ideal conditions. If you have plants that prefer shade, it is important to keep them away from the windows.
Soil
If you’re not opting for hydroponics or collecting airplants, it is best to grow your indoor garden in a loose, potting mixture that drains well. It can be customized depending on the plants you want to grow but is usually composed of vermiculite and perlite. This mixture is quick to absorb moisture and does not compact easily. It will dry quickly and won’t be suitable for plants that need moisture, like basil.
Potting mix for indoor gardening closeup
Water
Each plant grown indoors has different watering needs. Overwatering is one of the most common problems with indoor gardens. Root rot is the cause of many indoor plant deaths.
Research the needs of each plant you intend to grow. It is a good idea to water your plants using room temperature water. Your plants can be shocked by tap water that is too cold.
Indoor plants with dried leaves due to low watering
Fertilizer
It is essential to ensure that your indoor plants get enough nutrients for long-term growth. Even though some potting soils contain nutrient additives, plants will consume them after a few months. Slow-release fertilizers have become popular because they last for several months without needing to be reapplied.
Temperature and Humidity
Indoor gardening has many benefits, including the ability to control temperature and humidity. Ideal humidity levels for indoor plants can range from 40-60 percent.
You can invest in a humidifier if you have plants that love moisture and need a high level of humidity, or if your home is especially dry in the winter when you are heating it. Or you can set up terrariums or indoor greenhouses in your bathroom. Indoor greenhouses and terrariums are also options.
Humidifier releasing vapor near indoor plant
Repotting
It is important to repot your indoor plants that are in soil-based systems every year or when the roots become tangled. This will ensure their long-term health and growth. The pot should be large enough to accommodate future growth.
