On This Podcast Episode, Harold and Rachel Discuss Keeping The Garden Gowing By Growing Indoors. They Discuss Things To Consider For Indoor Gardening, The Different Methods, and The Best Garden Plants To Consider.
The Modern Homesteading Podcast Episode 264
Listen To The Podcast
Listen and Subscribe On Your Favorite Podcast Player
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Pandora | Pocket Casts | Castbox | Anchor | YouTube | RSS | Get Ad-Free On Patreon
In this episode, we dive into the world of indoor gardening, perfect for extending your growing season and keeping fresh plants thriving all winter long. From herbs to dwarf citrus and even hydroponic setups, we’ll cover what you need to know to create your very own indoor garden oasis.
1. Soil: Choosing the Right Foundation for Indoor Gardening
Garden soil tends to compact and doesn’t drain well indoors, so potting soil is a must. You can make your own using:
- 2 parts coco coir for water retention and aeration.
- 1 part compost for nutrients.
- 1 part perlite to improve drainage.
Important Tip: Check for pests or diseases before bringing outdoor soil indoors. Tiny insects and fungal spores can thrive in a warm indoor environment, so sterilize your soil if needed or inspect plants thoroughly before transplanting.
2. Light: Mimicking the Sun Indoors
Most indoor plants need full-spectrum LED lights placed about 6-12 inches from the plant canopy. Aim for 8-12 hours of light daily to keep plants growing healthily. Consider programmable timers to make managing light cycles easier.
- Full Spectrum: Barrina LED grow light provides sufficient light for indoor…
- Updated Plant Light Chips: Compare with the lamp consisting of only “blue chips”…
- Reflector Design and Low Consumption: Consume only 144W with 576 LEDs totally,…
Last update on 2024-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Temperature: Keeping It Cozy
While specific plants have unique temperature requirements, maintaining a temperature above 60°F is essential for most indoor plants. Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes to prevent stress on your plants.
4. Herbs: Fresh Flavors Year-Round
Grow herbs like basil, mint, thyme, oregano, chives, and stevia indoors, but remember that each herb has unique needs. For example:
- Basil prefers moist soil, while thyme thrives in drier conditions.
- Be sure to prune regularly to encourage growth and prevent legginess.
5. Veggies: Fresh Greens and Compact Varieties
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and lettuce are excellent choices for indoor growing. For limited spaces, opt for miniature or dwarf vegetable varieties. Growing veggies indoors depends on the time and space you’re willing to invest but can be incredibly rewarding.
- Kim Roman (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages – 03/25/2022 (Publication Date) – Creative Homeowner (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Dwarf Citrus Trees
Bring a touch of the tropics indoors with dwarf varieties of lemons, limes, oranges, and even avocados. These plants not only produce fruit but also fill your home with a delightful fragrance. Be mindful of their light and water requirements, and consider hand-pollinating flowers for better yields.
7. Restarting Plants from Kitchen Scraps
Turn food waste into new plants! Easy options include:
- Celery and green onions (regrow in water and transition to soil).
- Lettuce, garlic, and bok choy can also sprout from scraps.
- Sweet potatoes can be grown for their nutrient-rich greens.
8. Microgreens and Sprouts: The Ultimate Superfood
Microgreens and sprouts are quick to grow and highly nutritious. With minimal supplies, you can grow them on a windowsill or under a grow light, making them perfect for winter gardening beginners.
9. Kratky Method: Hydroponics Without the Fuss
The Kratky method is a simple, pump-free hydroponic system perfect for leafy greens, herbs, and small fruiting plants. Here’s what you need:
- Glass jars or plastic totes.
- Hydroponic cups and growing media (like coco coir, perlite, or clay pellets).
- Hydroponic nutrients and light.
This low-maintenance setup is ideal for anyone looking to dip their toes into hydroponics.
10. Hydroponics and Aquaponics: Ready-Made Systems or DIY Options
For a more advanced indoor gardening project, consider hydroponic or aquaponic systems like vertical towers or customized setups. Hydroponics allows for higher yields in a compact space and works well for many plants, from leafy greens to strawberries.
- 【The Perfect Sky Garden】Our vertical hydroponic garden tower boasts 50 pods,…
- 【Hydroponic and Pristine】Wave goodbye to messy space and embrace the…
- 【Automatic Water Circulation】Immerse yourself in the world of effortless…
Last update on 2024-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
Indoor gardening is a fantastic way to keep fresh produce and greenery thriving all winter long. Whether you’re growing herbs on your kitchen counter or setting up a full-scale hydroponic system, there’s an indoor gardening method for everyone.
If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow plant lovers. Got questions or indoor gardening tips of your own? Drop us a comment—we’d love to hear from you!
