Indoor Gardening. Greenery Without A Green Thumb.

Indoor gardening can solve many tricky problems for the avid gardener. Gardening indoors provides much better control of temperature, weather (both water and wind), soil conditions, and can minimize your plants being attacked by outdoor pests and diseases. It goes without saying, that for those individuals who do not have access to a yard, or are housebound, indoor gardening may be the only option available. However, you do not need a huge backyard or a green thumb to successfully grow healthy plants. Read on for some handy hints on indoor gardening.

Lighting. One of the most important considerations for the indoor gardener is available light. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, this means windows facing south for ideal conditions, but windows facing east or west will suit other plants. Anyone living in dark houses or regions that do not receive much light in winter, may have to utilize fluorescent lights, or even grow lights. You will be able to tell pretty quickly if your plants are receiving insufficient light. No flowers, long stems and no leaves, along with fading plant colors are all tell tale signs that your plant needs more light. Every once in a while you might want to move the pot around by about 180 degrees to avoid your plant growing at an angle towards the light.

Climate control. No indoor plant is going to like your heater as much as you do. You will need to move your house plants well out of the range of the heater in winter time to prevent damaging your plant. House plants do not like drafts either. Most house plants do like some kind of humidity, although this can fluctuate dramatically from plant to plant. Giving your plants a quick spray with a water mister can easily solve this problem.

Pots. One of the best things about indoor gardens is that there are multitudes of pots in all sizes, colors, shapes, and materials to select from. The 2 most important considerations when selecting a pot are the size and adequate drainage. Most houseplants need a home that is neither too small or too big. A good guide is one a little bigger than the last home. The pots should have a hole in the bottom to let the water drain freely. Saucers that sit under pots to collect excess water should be emptied on a regular basis, unless you are growing swamp plants.

Potting mixes. No, you can't use the dirt out of your backyard for successful indoor plants. House plants require good quality potting mix and some plants, such as Cacti, African violets, and Orchids, actually need their very own type of potting mix. Remember, when potting up your plants, that you will need to leave at least an inch free of soil at the top of the pot, otherwise there will be spillage when you water.

Watering. Different plants require different watering levels. No plant will survive on no water at all, (except maybe cacti). Some plants like to be watered conventionally from above, and others need to be immersed. (This means sitting the plant in water and letting it soak it up.) However, your plant likes to be watered, you will need to keep the water collection saucers emptied, as constant water around the bottom of the pot will lead to root rot. Plants will generally require more water when they are growing and in the summer months when it is warmer.

Fertilizing. Your indoor plant is relying on you to feed it. Without fertilizer your plant will find it hard to flower, and will not look as healthy or grow so well. Some plants will require fertilizing up to fortnightly. Read the requirements for your various plants for more plant specific instructions. Select fertilizers that are designed for indoor plants, and don't forget not all plants can handle the same fertilizer, and some even require different strengths.

Terrariums. These can be a great way to have a thriving little garden without all the dramas of humidity and watering. The sealed system of the container ensures that there is enough moisture to keep the plants flourishing. Terrariums need good lighting, but direct sun may heat them up too much. These can be a great alternative for those who are away from home a lot and just want a splash of (living) greenery on their return.


Indoor gardens are perfect for those who have no outdoor yard, and also for those whose outdoor conditions may be less than ideal for what they aspire to grow. Indoor plants require light, water, fertilizing, and an adequately sized container to thrive. Indoor gardens can be great for growing beautiful plants, herbs, flowers, and even many vegetables.