How to Getting started in indoor gardening

Many people want to do indoor gardening, but many do not know how to begin, for it please read this article.

Lighting

You need to determine is exactly how much light your specific plant will require and whether your home is conducive to providing the needed amount of light. Many homes may not be able to provide an adequate amount of light for plants that require a lot of light during the day. The amount of light your home receives will ultimately determine the type of plants that can be grown indoors. As a general rule, you want to incorporate plants that require a medium to low light; however, exceptions can be made if you are planning on incorporating artificial lighting into the equation. Some examples of medium to low light plants are philodendrons and Boston ferns. Below is a list of some tips on how to ensure your plants receive an adequate amount of light.

• Place the plants outside during the summer to give them a much needed boost of energy.
• Rotate your plants to ensure upright growth. Remember that most plants bend toward the light.
• Be aware of whether your plant is getting enough light. Thin stems, small leaves, and a pale color are indications that it needs more light than it is receiving.
• If your home does not receive a lot of natural light, consider incorporating artificial light, such as fluorescent lamps to aid in your plants growth.
• When you bring your plant home, it will require a heavy amount of light at first because it has become accustomed to it at the nursery or garden store. Gradually reduce the amount of light it receives so that it can still thrive in the location you want to place it in your home.

Watering

Every plant has different needs when it comes to watering, so be sure that you are fully informed about your particular plant and its unique watering needs. However, there are some basic rules that you can always abide by:

• Make sure that the pot your plant is placed in has an adequate drainage system.
• Be sure to wet the soil fully, but be careful not to over-water your plant. Over-watering is the probable culprit in the demise of most houseplants. Overly moist soil leads to root problems and the leaves will eventually begin to turn yellow because of the lack of oxygen. They are literally drowning slowly.
• Room temperature water seems to work the best. Water that is too cold or too hot can be shocking to the plant.

Temperature

Again, different plants thrive under different conditions, so be aware of your specific plants needs; however, a general rule with most plants is that temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees during are perfect, with temperatures cooling off about 10 to 15 degrees at nighttime. Here are some other general rules:

• Rapid temperature changes, whether up or down, can damage your plants.
• Hotter temperatures cause plants to be smaller and weaker, while colder temperatures will cause the leaves to yellow and fall off.

Containers and pots

Remember that adequate drainage is a must for your plant’s pot or container. Also, if you are going to reuse a pot that has previously housed another plant, be sure to wash it out thoroughly. Plant diseases can be left behind in pots and containers and can be harmful or deadly to your new plant.

Fertilizing

Fertilize quickly growing plants every two to three months. Conversely, dormant plants do not need to be fertilized at all.

Humidity

Levels of moisture in the air affect plants as well. Low moisture leads to curling and dry leaves. If you are going to spray your plants, do it in the morning. A humidifier can be used during the winter while your heater is in use.

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