Indoor Gardening Survival Guide

With winter right around the corner, many of us are staring down a dark tunnel of cold weather, snow, snow, and…oh yeah, more snow. 

What does that mean? Why, only that now is the perfect time to start your own indoor garden, of course!

So, if you’re mourning the hibernation of your fall garden, or you’re looking for an awesome new hobby to pull you through the cold winter months, you have indeed come to the right place. 

We’re covering everything from:

  • Garden Space
  • Light & Temperature

to

  • Plant Choice 
  • Plant Care 

Without further ado…

Since plants and flowers can actually impact your mood and give you a more positive outlook in general, winter is the PERFECT time to surround yourself with colorful, lively blooms, blossoms, and greenery.

Some indoor gardening supplies you might need: 

  • Containers
  • Grow Light
  • Fertilizer 
  • Water Can
  • Indoor Tower Garden – like this one 

All which can be found at your local hydroponics store or gardening center! 

Indoor Garden Space:

First things first, we’re focusing on containers and location:

Containers

The size of the container will determine the size of the plant and how much it can grow. So this is a pretty crucial decision in your indoor gardening journey. If you’re planning on growing any sort of veggie or plant you plan on eating, a small container is probably not the way to go, as it may hinder the plant’s growth. Try to avoid pots smaller than 6 inches deep and about the same wide.

  • Also, be sure your pot has drainage holes, so water can freely flow through the soil. Don’t rule out windowsill pots, especially for tomato plants! 

Material wise, your two best options are going to be plastic and ceramic.

  • Ceramic pots are porous, so your plants are less likely to suffer from root rot. However, it also means you will probably have to water them more often. 
  • Plastic pots are lighter and less likely to break. Plants in plastic pots will dry slower, which means you will have to water them less frequently. 

Find the right style for you!

There are sooo many different looks out there when it comes to pots and planters. Find one that fits your home and your personality! 

Location:

The location of your new indoor garden is going to depend on the light your new plants require, and watering convenience (you don’t want to have to jump through hoops in order to water your plants, things might get a bit ugly). 

In most cases, you’ll need at least 6 hours of strong sunlight

There is also the option of grow lights if you don’t have access to this type of light in your home. 

Choose a spot with fairly consistent temperatures, good ventilation and air circulation. 

Plant Choice

There are so many different options when it comes to the types of plants you want to grow in your indoor garden!

We’re going to cover the 2 most popular choices amongst indoor gardening connoisseurs: veggies & flowering plants. 

Veggies

If you’re looking to plant some edible plants in your indoor garden (and maybe saving yourself a few trips to the grocery store – SCORE), this is for you! 

Carrots:

Carrots hardly require any space, but they do tend to need deeper soil than most vegetables. They need about 12 hours of light a day (may require a grow light) and thrive in about 60-degree temperatures.

Green Onions

Green onions do exceptionally well indoors because they are so easy to care for and don’t require too much light (about 6 hours per day). Fun fact: Using the root end of a fully grown green onion, you can begin growing an entirely new green onion! 

Herbs

These sunshine lovers require about 12-16 hours of light a day, and do best around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The best varieties of herbs for indoor growth include chives, parsley, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, mint, thyme, and sage. 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes looove warm weather, but they can still be grown indoors with a bit of determination and care. They need a lot of light, about 14-20 hours a day, but are also self-pollinating, as its pollen will fall from flower to flower on its own.

Flowering Plants

If you’re looking to spring a pop of lively color into your space throughout the cold, drab winter. (to keep it poppin’) – this is for you.

African Violets:

Why are they so popular?

Well they bloom year-round and don’t require a lot of care!

They prefer a container that allows watering from the bottom (like this one), as their leaves will turn brown if water gets on them. Or, if you prefer to use a normal pot, just take care to avoid the leaves when watering. The African Violet loves bright, indirect sunlight and to remain quite moist. 

Chenille Plants / Red Hot Cattails:

These unusual looking plants can be grown outside and brought in for winter, AND make a stunning hanging basket. They require an area with full sun, except in warmer areas where some intense sun may require protection. Well-draining soil and regular watering are also a must for this plant. Weekly fertilization using a houseplant food mixed at half strength is also a must, but can be stopped during the winter months.  

Pro tip: Wear gloves while handling chenille plants, as their sap is known to cause irritation. Also, be aware that the chenille is poisonous, although only mildly toxic, keep them out of reach of little hands and pets.

Oxalis:

The oxalis plant’s moody colored leaves are sure to pop in any neutral-colored space. The leaves have almost a shamrock shape to them, making them an ideal gift for St. Patrick’s Day, too!

They prefer medium to bright light and a 60 to 75 degree (Fahrenheit) growing conditions. Keep the soil evenly moist at all times! 

Clivia:

This houseplant blooms in the wintertime with clusters of up to 20 stunning orange flowers. This plant thrives in colder conditions, so they are perfect for a cool, dry environment.

Clivia likes medium light and 50 to 55-degree (Fahrenheit) temperatures in the wintertime. Keep the soil of your plant a tad bit moist but not too moist. This houseplant is also poisonous and should not be chewed on or eaten, so keep these away from little hands as well! 

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Want to bring color, fresh air, and life to your home this winter but don't have time for a garden?
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