Creating an indoor garden is challenging at first. However, if you have the right and essential items to get started, everything will be much easier for you.
Your indoor gardening items may be different from others as they depend on the plants you’re planning to grow and the area of your indoor garden.
Depending on your preferences, whether you like low maintenance plants or high maintenance ones, make sure to include the following in your shopping list to start your indoor garden:
- Soil
Potting soil and topsoil may seem to be the same, but they’re different. As you shop around for greenhouse kits for sale like these, you’ll realize that topsoil is suitable for outdoor gardens and won’t drain properly if used indoors.
On the other hand, potting soil is pricier but it’s designed to be fluffier and enables better drainage.
Heavier potting soil is better for plants that need lots of direct sunlight since the soil doesn’t dry out easily. Lighter soils are best suited for some plants like cacti or shaded plants that don’t need a lot of water.
- Plant Trays
These are essential items for creating an indoor garden. From germination to transplanting your seedlings, you’ll need a plant tray. The trays ensure that every seed has a great start to its life and gets enough nutrients.
Usually, a plant tray is made of plastic. Some designs come with a dome to maximize the levels of humidity. Others help boost the rates of germination as they feature heating pads.
- Containers
Lots of plants are sold in standard plastic pots. Some plant owners prefer replacing such pots before adding them to their indoor gardens.
There are various pots you can choose from. They vary in colors, types, sizes, and materials.
The purpose of such containers is to hold the required amount of growing medium for plants and to provide enough room for their roots to expand. The container must match the plant’s size.
For instance, small plants must be in small containers while the bigger ones must be in bigger containers.
A good plant container must have holes at its bottom for excess water to drain. If excess water collects at the pot’s bottom, the roots may rot and the plant may die.
However, with holes, the pots must have a clay or plastic saucer underneath to prevent the spilling of water onto your carpets, floor, or furniture.
- Watering System
For your plants to grow properly, water is essential. However, it’s crucial to know the right amount of water needed for your garden. For indoor gardening, you need to use a compact watering can.
Search for something easy to handle. The watering can shouldn’t tilt awkwardly to the sprout end when full. Oftentimes, plastic water cans are a better choice than the metal ones because they’re lighter.
If you want a watering can that’s easy to control, choose the one with a short spout.
- Indoor Gardening Lights
Another essential item required to create a successful indoor garden is an indoor gardening light. It helps your plants grow by providing them with the required amounts of blue and red lights. The lights simulate the rays of the sun and can be beneficial on dreary days.
You can use a new light technology that offers full-spectrum rays, especially if your space isn’t that big.
Violet-blue lights are in the 400-520 nanometer range that encourages growth, chlorophyll absorption, and photosynthesis. Red light offers a 610-720 spectrum range that encourages plants to bud and flower.
Indoor gardening lights are helpful to illuminate your planting area. The least expensive is an incandescent plant light but it’s not that efficient. These days, LED lights are becoming more popular and are recommended because of their low heat output and light spectrum range.
- Fertilizers
Fertilizers come in a variety of forms. You may find powders and liquid fertilizers that you can mix with water. Before you buy any fertilizer, make sure to do proper research since not all plants require the same fertilizers.
For example, most foliage plants require fertilizers that are slow release and water-soluble.
- Hand Pruners
Investing in a quality pair of scissors or pruners may come in handy as you start growing your indoor garden. Keep some hand pruners for your plants to get the clean and sharp cut that you want.
Conclusion
Creating an indoor garden is not complicated. Your journey will become easier if you have the right materials and tools to get started. Just make sure to prepare everything you need before you get started.
Remember, quality gardening items are much better than the ones available at a cheaper price. Follow the tips above to create the garden of your dreams.