Tips for The Beginner Indoor Gardener

Some people are fortunate enough to have lots of room in their yard to plant a garden. But those who live in smaller spaces can still indulge in gardening as a hobby. It's not difficult at all to grow potted vegetables, herbs, flowers and indoor greens right in your home.

While most plants are able to thrive indoors, they do require similar conditions to what your outdoor plants experience. The necessities for growth are fresh air, the right amount of sunlight, water and nutrients (this is usually provided in the form of plant food or fertilizer).

Here are some few tips to help make your indoor plants grow healthier and add beauty to your surroundings. These are some simple and practical guidelines for growing an indoor garden that's easy to maintain, whether you're planting for food or for pleasure.

Ever notice how plants will face the source of sunlight? This is because the sun is the main source of their nutrition. Plant leaves change water and nutrition from the soil to food through a process called photosynthesis. A couple of hours of sunlight every day is a must for your indoor plants. If you do not have a place where you can provide adequate sunlight, and cannot move the plants, you should consider purchasing a couple of indoor gardening lights. Ordinary lights won't do. Indoor gardening lights provide enough ultraviolet light to nourish the plants.

Provide adequate water to your plants. Your indoor plants need room temperature water to survive. Don't over water the plants. More plants die due to a lack of water or a surplus of it than they do for any other reason. Follow a rule of thumb: just like you test a cake, you should pierce a knitting needle into your plant container. If the needle goes in with ease the soil is just the right dampness, if not increase the quantity of water a bit.

Check for proper drainage at the base of your plant containers or punch holes if there aren't any so that the excess moisture escapes and your plants get the necessary warmth as well.

Fertilizers are also important. Every two weeks add a scoop of indoor plant fertilizer to your plant pot. Used tea leaves are also a very good supply of nutrition for your plant.

Follow these simple tricks and you will see your indoor garden prospering very soon.