For those who are looking for ways to grow their own vegetables, an indoor garden is a perfect solution. Growing vegetables indoors allows one to have produce fresh for longer periods of time without worrying about spoilage. Indoor gardens have been proven to be a viable long term solution for those people who live in limited space or who simply cannot afford to grow their own food. With plenty of light, moisture and ample fertilization, indoor garden plants will normally reach full fruition for harvest as well as more time than outdoor vegetables. In fact, you could probably continue to garden for longer with continued yields from an indoor garden.
When it comes to growing vegetables indoors, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to ensure your plants thrive and produce good results. For example, if your climate is very warm, it is important that your soil has plenty of moisture – and preferably, it should be a dry soil. This moisture allows the roots of the plants to absorb nutrients that the leaves and roots need to grow strong and healthy. However, some areas that are more humid do not have the proper moisture levels in the soil, which is what leads to the later problems for some indoor vegetable gardeners.
Another important factor to consider is the amount of sunlight that your garden receives. Indoor plants will typically require more light than outdoor garden plants, and you must provide this light in the proper amounts for their indoor plantings to flourish. If your windows are getting a lot of natural sunlight, your indoor vegetable gardening efforts could lead to great success. Likewise, if your roof is blocked by shade, the plants will not receive adequate sunlight to produce quality harvests. Knowing how much natural light your home gets is important to the success of your indoor vegetable gardening efforts.
Good indoor gardening practices also include using the correct pots for your crops. Different vegetables and fruits will grow best in different pots, and different plants will respond to different pot materials. For instance, African Violets should be planted in large pots, while tomatoes and peppers will do well in small pots. If you want to know how to plant indoor fruit and vegetable crops, as well as herbs, you might consider purchasing a book that gives you suggestions on various containers and how they can be used to create specific planting environments.
Watering is another key element of gardening, and it is often overlooked by novice gardeners. While it may seem like a simple task, watering your plants properly can help to ensure successful yield and a healthy environment. As with the nutrients, watering is based upon the soil conditions your garden has to offer, so it is important to water your indoor garden depending upon how much water your plants actually need. When watering your indoor plants, do not use too much water, and always rinse off any leaves or stems before you return the water to the soil. Another very important thing to remember when caring for your indoor plants is to change water regularly, and keep a close eye on their growth and development.
One final tip that can prove beneficial to your growing indoors is choosing the right containers for your vegetables and herbs. Plastic pots are popular choices, but they do not allow much room for air to circulate around the plant, which can cause some problems as plants begin to mature. Metal pots are another popular option, but they can become heavy and break easily. Glass is perhaps the best type of container, as it allows proper air circulation and light exposure to all areas of the plant. Whether you decide on plastic or metal containers, you should choose ones that are well cared for, as improper soil and water can quickly destroy an otherwise healthy plant.
It is also important to keep your indoor garden healthy and happy, and one way to do this is by choosing the right humidity level for the area you are growing in. Containers with a high level of humidity will keep your plants more comfortable, allowing them to develop a healthy root system. If you are growing vegetables that need to be left alone to grow, you may find that misting them only necessary occasionally, especially if you have chosen containers with a high humidity level. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to misting your plants, as they will have specific guidelines for the proper amount of moisture and frequency.
Once your plants and vegetables have reached their adult size and have established a strong root system, it is time to move them into their containers for moving indoors. Some experts recommend placing your vegetables and herbs in a cardboard box, but make sure you provide them with plenty of ventilation. Watering them in standing water is okay, as long as it is not too saturated. You may find that it is beneficial to supplement your container with fish nutrients for larger vegetables and herbs, as well as essential nutrients for your overall organic farming efforts.