Indoor gardens have been planted for centuries to add character to homes. But indoor gardens have many benefits beyond aesthetics. Stress is something we all deal with from time to time, and an indoor garden can provide a calming environment. No matter if you’re thinking about starting an indoor garden in your Albuquerque home, or if you already have one, here are some tips for a thriving garden.
People may think they lack the “green thumb” their parents had because they haven’t had success with plants in the past. Better Homes and Gardens, all the way back in 1939, had this to say regarding that belief: “Mother’s and grandmother’s plants grew, not because of green thumbs, but because they were treated as living, feeling beings that required the same common-sense care as the canary or any other house pet.”
For a thriving garden, you only need some basics. There is no doubt that sunlight and water are essential, but you should also think about nutrients, purifying and caring for your home when it is dry. If you follow these basic steps, you’ll be on your way to growing a marvelous garden.
Let There Be Light
Placing plants in your home according to how much light they need is essential. Some plants do better in less light. Some plants will die without it. Older homes, especially Victorian era designs, had large bay windows and greenhouses that catered to growing indoor gardens. So if you own a Victorian home, then you shouldn’t have any issue finding enough natural light. Newer homes and apartments are more challenging as there are fewer natural light sources, making it a bit of a challenge. But that challenge can make gardening more fun.
Find windows that face south if you can. This will give more hours of light for your plants to soak up the needed sunlight for photosynthesis. If you only have windows that face North and get less light, try choosing plants that need less light, such as a fern, spider plant, or African violet. Pothos don’t need any light to thrive, in case you have very little to no natural light available.
Get With the Program
Now you need to set up a care routine. Do some research on your plant’s specific needs. Set up a schedule to water and feed your plants with plant food or fertilizer. You may also want to clean the leaves with a damp cloth periodically. Also check for mold or pests as this will indicate if your routine is effective. Make sure to trim or thin out your plants on occasion. Larger plant s may also need to be repotted in larger pots as they grow.
If you don’t have time for all of this, then you can start with plants that don’t require as much attention, such as a cactus, succulents, or bamboo plants. Succulents are a popular choice as they are easy to care for and offer unique textures and colors.
Of course there’s more to consider when it comes to having a thriving indoor garden. But with planning and patience, you can succeed.
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