When people think of growing a garden, they generally think of an outside garden filled with fresh vegetables. There are many people, however, who like to take their gardening craft indoors. There are a few things that need to be followed when maintaining an indoors garden (most importantly to have cleaning supplies onhand so that you are able to confine the mess as much as possible).

Lighting is important for your indoor crops. All plants need light. Sunlight is best, but there are specific types of lighting available for indoor gardens. During summer months, its best to take your plants outside as much as possible so they can soak up the natural rays of the sun. During the colder seasons, indoor lighting is adequate enough.

Plants tend to grow towards the light, so it is important that you rotate your plants each day to keep them growing straight up. Otherwise, you will end up with lopided plants.

Watering your plants is also essential to their survival. Take caution when doing this. You do not want to over water your plants or under water them. An even balance is the key. If you touch the soil and it is moist, your plant can wait another day or two to be watered. However, if you see that the soil in your plants is dry and cracking, that is a good indication that you are not giving them enough water.

Your plants need to be in pots that can drain water out adequately. Typcially, you will find little holes at the bottom of the pots. You will need to put a plate or bowl underneath your potted plants so that when you water them, the water collects in the bowl and not all over your floor.

If your plants are outgrowing their pots, you will need to replant them. It is important that you use a new pot no bigger than 2″more in diameter than the last pot you had the plant in. Having too much room for the roots can shock the plant. The roots need to be able to anchor the plant and if your pot is too big, it will weaken the roots.

During the winter months, the air can get very dry from the heat. You can help your plants out by misting them each morning with a plant mister. This will stimulate natural dew and will keep your plants hydrated.

Like outdoor gardens, indoor plants need fertilization also. You can buy basic indoor plant fertilizers at any grocery store or plant nursery.

Tending to an indoor garden is not that complicated. Your plants just need a little bit of tender loving care just like an outside garden does.