Starting an indoor garden is a great way to bring the outdoors in! You can grow fresh herbs, vegetables or simply just add some greenery to your home. There are many reasons you might want to start an indoor garden, maybe you have limited outdoor space or want to garden year round. The best bit is you can start small and expand as you gain experience and build it to suit your available space.
We’ve put together this guide to walk you though the steps to create a thriving indoor garden from scratch.
1. Choose the Right Location
The first and most important step is location, where will it fit and where will it flourish. Plants need light, some more than others but finding a spot with enough natural light is key. A windowsill, balcony door or sunroom is ideal (you could even make use of that conservatory you never use). South facing is optimal as it gets the most light but east/west facing windows will also work.
If you are limited on natural light options you can still grow plants by using grow lights. These lights will mimic sunlight and provide the right amount of light for indoor plants to grow.
Our Key Considerations:
- Light: Most plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Space: Choose an area that can accommodate the size of your plants.
- Accessibility: Make sure the location is easy to water and maintain.
2. Selecting Plants for Your Indoor Garden
Now you know where you want to start your indoor garden the next step is choosing what you want to grow in it. Some plants are easier to grow indoors than others, so its best to start with plants that are well suited for indoor gardening. As you get more comfortable and understand how your space is working you can then add in harder to maintain plants.
Best Plants for Indoor Gardening:
- Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, thyme, and chives are popular indoor herbs.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, and arugula grow well indoors.
- Vegetables: Small vegetables like cherry tomatoes, peppers, and radishes can thrive indoors with the right care.
- Succulents and Cacti: If you’re looking for low-maintenance options, succulents and cacti are great choices.
Pro Tip: Start with easy-to-grow plants like herbs or leafy greens. They grow quickly and give you a sense of accomplishment early on.
3. Pick the Right Containers
Not only will your plants thank you for this but save you a headache later on. Choosing the right plant containers is a crucial part for the success of your garden. Containers come in various shapes and sizes each being better suited to different types of plants. Ensure the containers have drainage holes to prevent overwatering (we will cover this in step 5).
Types of Containers:
- Plastic Pots: Lightweight and affordable, plastic pots are great for beginners.
- Terracotta Pots: These pots are breathable and help prevent root rot but may dry out more quickly.
- Self-Watering Containers: Ideal for beginners, self-watering pots help manage water levels and prevent over- or under-watering.
Matching the pot to the plants needs is a must. Smaller plants especially like herbs can thrive in small pots whilst larger plants naturally will need bigger containers.
4. Use the Right Soil
No, you cant just get soil from the garden. Indoor plants need a good quality potting mix. Regular garden soil is often too heavy for containers and can lead to poor drainage which in turn could lead to root rot. You want to choose a light well-draining potting mix that’s rich in organic matter.
For more specific plants like succulents or cacti you can use a specialised soil mix designed for their needs. If you are growing vegetables or herbs I would consider mixing in compost or organic fertiliser into the soil for added nutrients.
5. Water and Maintain Your Plants
As we touched on in step 3, proper watering it key to the success of your indoor garden. Overwatering is one of, if not the most common mistake beginners can make. So, its important to learn when and how to water your plants correctly.
Watering tips for success:
- Check the Soil: Before watering, check if the soil is dry about an inch below the surface. If it’s still moist, wait a day or two before watering.
- Water Thoroughly: When you do water, make sure the water drains out of the bottom of the pot to avoid waterlogged soil.
- Humidity: Some indoor plants, like tropical varieties, need higher humidity levels. You can mist your plants or place them near a tray of water to increase humidity.
6. Fertilise Regularly
Being indoors your plants don’t have access to the same natural sources of nutrients their outdoor partners do. Because of this your plants will likely need more nutrients, we advise using a water soluble fertiliser to keep your plants happy and healthy.
Tips for Fertilising Your Indoor Garden:
- Herbs and Vegetables: Fertilise every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Succulents and Cacti: Fertilise less frequently, about once a month during their growing season.
7. Pest Control
Unfortunately, even indoor plants can still attract pests, even if they are inside. Keep an eye out for common indoor plant pests like aphis, spider mites and fungus gnats. Sometimes you can prevent pests before bringing plants inside, other times you will need to solve the issue yourself.
Pest Prevention:
- Inspect New Plants: A very simple tip. When bringing a new plant into your indoor garden, inspect it for pests before adding it to your collection.
- Natural Remedies: If you notice pests, use natural solutions like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or simply wiping the leaves with a damp cloth to control the problem.
- Natures solution: I know not everyone is a fan of spiders, however they do an amazing job with small insects. If you see one in your garden leave it alone and it will work for you.
8. Be Patient and Adjust as Needed
Gardening in general takes time and patience, its no different gardening indoors. Plants need time to adjust to their new environment and you will find some require more care than others. Keep a close eye on how your plants are doing early on and make adjustments where needed. If a plant isn’t thriving it might more light, water or fertiliser (or less). The beauty of the internet is you can find out exactly how to care for each plant you want in your garden.
Tips for Success:
- Start Small: Begin with just a few plants and expand your indoor garden as you gain confidence.
- Keep Learning: Research specific care tips for each plant you grow. Each plant has its own needs when it comes to water, light, and nutrients.
- Enjoy the Process: Indoor gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby. Don’t worry if everything doesn’t go perfectly right away!
Last Thoughts for Creating an Indoor Garden
Starting your own indoor garden from scratch is a fun and rewarding way to grow your own herbs, vegetables or decorative plants. With the right location, plants, containers and care from you, you can create a thriving indoor garden that bring life to your home. Following these simple steps will put you on the right track and it wont take long before you will be enjoying fresh greenery all year long.
For some ideas on the perfect house plants for improving air quality, we’ve got your covered on our ‘Home & Garden’ page.
