Fresh Ideas on A Old Concept Articles | Gardening

By: Darren Williger

With so little space now a days and costing more than ever, condos, apartments, sublets, and very small garden homes have become popular to save money and space.  Many times living in these confined spaces we feel like we have no room and definitely can not grow a garden or anything of beauty.  However, that is not the case.  Growing a garden indoors can bring beauty and relaxation, even to the smallest space.

Maintaining a small vegetable, fruit, flower, or plant garden is not difficult.  It is simple and easy, the most work happens when containers need to be emptied and changed once plants have outgrown them.  Here are some of the great benefits of having a container garden:

• You can grow your plants year round.  No matter the season, as long as your plants are receiving sunlight and ample water, you can have an indoor garden even during the coldest of winters and hottest of summers.
• The containers and pots that you use become part of your decor and can create focal points and interesting areas in any home.
• You can use anything for a container to hold your plants, as long as they can drain water, they can be used.
• There are less weeds since your plants are in a much more controlled environment.
• Also, you will have fewer and less chance of snails, bugs, and disease attacking your plants. 
• With even the smallest space a container garden can be made.

There are a few things you will need to start your container garden.  Here are the basics that everyone should know when beginning their garden.

1. Pick the space you want to use.  Deciding on the space will ensure that you pick containers and plants that will fit and look their best in their new home.  Know how much sun and shade your spot gets, this will help when you go to purchase your plants.  If you are using window ledge plants or hanging box planters for windows, then know where they will be draining to if they are up high and make sure you will have enough space for them to drain onto.  If in an apartment, be careful about drainage. 
2. Once you know where you want to put the plants, now you are able to choose the plants themselves.  Picking plants that work best in the areas you have chosen based on sunlight and shade.  Also, picking plants that will not become too big for the space they will be in.  Each plant will come with watering instructions and feeding needs, making picking the plants a lot easier.
3. Finding containers to put your plants in can be anything that can drain water.  Choosing containers based on your current decor and the size and type of plants you will be putting in them.  Anything can be used for a container, from wood to tiles to ceramic, plastic, and terracotta.  Always place trays under them to catch the water and make sure they have enough holes in the bottom to drain out the water, this will stop root rot from happening.
4. Since you are growing indoors, you will want to get premium potting soil for your plants.  Make sure you get the recommend fertilizers too, this will ensure that your plants thrive in their indoor living space.
5. Lastly, make sure you follow the watering instructions carefully.  Over watering will cause root rot and under watering will cause your plants to dry out.  Follow the instructions and make sure the plants you have together all need the same type of watering, sunlight, shade, and fertilizer needs.  This will make taking care of them much easier and simpler.

Whether you are a pro at gardening and have had many outdoor gardens or a beginner, indoor gardening is a fun and relaxing past.