Do you like plants or gardening? Are you limited in what you can plant outside? If so, you might want to consider some potted plants indoors.
Many different kinds of plants can be put into pots or planters and grown indoors. You can grow food plants, flowering plants, other decorative plants — even small trees can be grown indoors.
Materials[]
The materials needed will vary depending on what you want to grow and your situation, but the usual basics are
- plants (plants, cuttings or seeds)
- pots or other containers
- soil (or other media, may vary based on the type of plant — sand, compost, clay)
- water
- light (access to sunlight and/or alternative lighting such as light bulbs that give off full spectrum lighting)
- fertilizer, compost or plant food (may be optional)
Considerations[]
Do you have a "green thumb" or do you need to pick a plant that is easy to grow and can survive "abuse"? Is this plant for the children? In which case you may want something that grows fast and goes through visible changes or produces something the child will enjoy. Do you travel away from home a lot?
Advantages[]
- Some plants help filter and clean the air. This can make your home healthier. One plant that helps clean the air is the spider plant.
- An indoor garden can provide fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs even during the winter.
- For some people a plant makes a home look more like a "living" space, and less sterile.
- Plants can be attractive and add some beauty to a room.
- Indoor plants make some people feel less cooped-up in the winter.
- Children can learn about where some foods come from by growing them. (Also children are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables they helped grow.)
Disadvantages[]
- Cost. There is usually an initial cost of the plant. Other costs may include pots, soil, fertilizer, and other gardening tools.
- Plants need care. They require water, the right amount of light, and some need other things like fertilizer or staking.
- Plants can be messy. They drop leaves or petals. They can be tipped over -- spilling dirt and water.
- Someone in the house may be allergic.
- Plants take up space.
- Some plants are poisonous and could harm a pet or small child who chews on them.
Plant care[]
Different plants have different care requirements. Their requirements vary for light, water, temperature, soil type, etc.
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