This is what we are here to compare today, indoor vs outdoor gardening. Let’s figure out what makes them different, and which one is best for you.

Indoor vs Outdoor Gardening: The Main Differences 

There are actually a whole lot of differences between indoor and outdoor gardening. Our aim today is to cover every last single difference that comes to mind.

1. The Types of Plants

Perhaps the biggest difference between indoor and outdoor gardening are the plants themselves. Simply put, some plants work better outdoors, and some work better indoors. There are many outdoor garden plants and flowers that people try to grow indoors, rather unsuccessfully. 

Moreover, it also depends where the plants are from. For instance, if you’re trying to grow tropical plants outdoors, it won’t work well in a cold climate. 

Therefore, even though some tropical plants might be better suited for outdoor growth, if you live in a cold climate, you’ll need to grow them indoors. Knowing what kind of climates and conditions plants need is an essential consideration here.

2. Spatial Constraints

Something else you need to take into account here is how much space you have to work with. In most cases, you’re probably going to have much more outdoor space to work with than indoor space. 

This is especially the case if you have a large house with a big property. That whole property can be turned into a beautiful garden. 

Now, many people say that indoor gardening requires much less space. This might be true in some cases, but you are, of course, limited by the amount of space you have. 

For instance, if you live in a small apartment, you’re not going to have much indoor space. Then again, if you live in an apartment, you’re not going to have any outdoor gardening space. 

A good way to save space when doing indoor gardening however is to use a vertical garden. You do then also need to consider the types of plants that you want to get. Of course, some plants are much larger than others. How much space you have to work with is, therefore, an essential consideration.

3. Ability to Control the Climate

One of the biggest benefits with indoor gardening is of course that you can control the climate. You can turn the heat on when it’s cold, or the AC on when it’s hot. If it’s too sunny it, you can close the curtains. If it’s too shady, you can open the curtains or even get a grow light. 

There is also the fact that when you grow plants indoors, you don’t have to worry about wind storms and rainstorms. You also don’t have to really worry about extreme temperature. 

However, if your plants are being grown outdoors, then they will be at the mercy of Mother Nature. If you are gardening outdoors, you need to find plants that are fairly resilient. You also need to find plants that are ideal for growing in this specific hardiness zone that you reside in.

4. Those Pests

Another big benefit that you get with gardening indoors is pest control. When you are gardening outdoors, pests are quite numerous. There are literally dozens of different pests that can infest your garden. 

Of course, they have an easy time doing so because they already live in your garden. Sure, you can always take a variety of steps to prevent and eliminate pests. However, that is added work that you probably don’t have time for.

Now, gardening indoors doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be any pests. However, your home probably doesn’t contain that many insects. 

Therefore, the chances of pests infesting your plants are much lower indoors. Those insects that you have inside of your home are also much more unlikely to disturb your plants. Potato bugs, silverfish, and even cockroaches don’t really want to eat your flowers.

5. Lighting

Another comparison worth making when considering these two types of gardening is lighting. Now, generally speaking, real and natural sunlight is best for plant growth. This is why many people choose to garden outdoors, because it exposes those plants to plenty of sun. 

However, this does mean that you need to position your plants properly to get sunlight. For the most part, when it comes to lighting, people do prefer gardening outdoors. That said, maybe you live in an area that doesn’t get too much sunlight. 

If this is the case, you might want to consider gardening indoors. There’s also the fact that you can’t really control lighting outdoors. If it’s sunny, it’s sunny, but if it’s cloudy then it’s cloudy. There’s nothing you can do to change that. However, people do often have problems providing their plants with enough light when gardening indoors. 

You have to find a good window to position your plants in. That said, a good solution here is to get a simple full spectrum grow light. A good full spectrum grow light can provide your indoor plants with all of the light they need to survive and thrive.

6. Soil Conditions

One issue that many people face when gardening outdoors have to do with soil preparation. When you are gardening outdoors, if the soil present is not good enough, you need to replace it. This might mean that you need to remove a good deal of dirt and replace it with your own high-quality soil. It also means that you might have to till the ground. 

It also means that you probably have to add a good deal of fertilizer, mulch, and other nutrients into the soil. It can be a whole lot of work. Then there is the fact that outdoors, a lot of weeds are going to grow. These are all issues that you don’t really need to deal with indoors. 

When you are gardening indoors, you just get some high-quality potting soil, mix it with fertilizer, and you’re good to go. You don’t need to do any tilling of the earth, you don’t need to add organic material, and you don’t need to worry about weeds either.

7. Watering

Yet another essential difference between indoor and outdoor gardening has to do with watering. Controlling how much water your plants get out of the doors can be very difficult. First of all, you always need to consider how much it rains. 

Second, you then need to consider how hot it is, how much sun your plants get, and how windy it is. These are all factors that can affect how fast water evaporates. It can be fairly difficult to accurately water your garden outdoors. 

However, things are a lot different indoors, and a lot of it has to do with climate control. Indoors, you control the temperature, wind, and light. 

You can therefore control how fast water evaporates out in the soil. It’s also much easier to measure how much water you get your plants when you don’t have to calculate rainfall. When it comes to ease of watering, indoors definitely has the advantage.

8. Need for Fertilizer

We did already touch on this above. However, when you are gardening outdoors, you probably have to add a lot of fertilizer and nutrients to the soil. This is especially the case if you are gardening outdoors in the same spot year after year. 

However, when gardening indoors, your potting soil probably has more than enough nutrients already. Yes, those nutrients will run out eventually, but you still don’t need to fertilize as much as when gardening outdoors.

9. Effort and Convenience 

There is also just a simple fact that gardening outdoors requires a lot more effort. Gardening indoors is a lot more convenient. When you garden indoors, you don’t have to worry about the weather, and you don’t have to put on special clothes either. 

It also takes a whole lot more effort to garden outdoors because you always have to lug all of your tools and bags of soil around. There’s just a certain convenience factor involved here.

10. Required Tools 

There’s also the fact that outdoor gardening generally requires more tools. You generally also need larger tools, as you are dealing with larger pieces of land. 

Not only does this mean that you have to carry those tools around, but you also have to buy them first. Indoor gardening requires limited tools, and this also means saving money.

11. Relocating Plants

There is also the matter of relocating plants to consider. When you are indoors, and your plants are in pots, you just have to pick them up and move them. However, gardening outdoors is different in this sense. You generally plant your plants in the ground. 

This means that if you want to relocate them, you first have to dig them up and then prepare a new spot. Not only does this require work, but it also puts your plants at risk of injury or death. 

If you make an outdoor garden only to realize that it’s in an unideal location, it’s going to take a lot of work to move everything.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the 11 main differences between outdoor and indoor gardening. Now that you know what all the differences are, you can put some thought into it and make a choice.

Moreover, when you grow your own herbs, you can feel confident in their quality. When you buy them from the supermarket, it could be filled with pesticides.

With that being said, before you can ever eat your herbs, you need to grow them first. Growing herbs might not be rocket science, but it does take a good deal of effort. 

There are a variety of things that you need to know about caring for a herb garden. Therefore, this is what we are here to teach you today, how to care for a herb garden. 

We’re going to cover everything from planting and choosing your soil, to mulching, fertilizing, watering, and more.

How to Care for a Herb Garden: Step by Step

To help you care for your herb garden, we’re going to give you a step-by-step tutorial on exactly that. We’re going to start from the beginning, from your seeds, and then go from there.

Planting and Transplanting Your Herbs

First things first, you need to choose which herbs you want to grow. Then, once you have chosen your herbs of choice, go out and buy the seeds. Generally speaking, to plant them, you just want to follow the directions as listed on the seed pockets. 

With that being said, you do probably want to start them indoors. This is a special case if you want to start as early in the season as possible. The best way to plant seeds indoors is to use seed starter pods. You generally just have to put them in the pods, give them some water, and keep them in the light.

If the herbs in question are not cold-resistant, you want to wait until that last average frost date to plant them. That said, with hardier perennial herbs, you can plant them a couple weeks before the average last frost date of the spring.

Once it is time to plant your herbs outdoors, you then need to choose the right soil. This is something that we will discuss below.

With the right soil in place in your outdoor garden, you now need to transplant your plants. To do this, you need to dig a hole that is about twice as wide as the pot that the herb in question is currently growing in. 

The hole should be about the same depth as the pot. You want to very carefully remove the herb from the pot, place the root ball in the soil, and then slightly cover it. With your herbs planted, you now want to water the roots fairly well. This will help establish a good root system. 

On a side note, you do also need to make sure that the soil has good drainage. You want the soil to be able to drain water away. This will help prevent the roots of your herbs from being flooded and from rotting. Root rot is a huge problem when it comes to herb gardens, so making sure that soil drains properly is essential.

Choosing the Right Soil, Mulching, and Fertilizer

To allow your herbs to grow properly, you also need to choose the right kind of soil. Generally speaking, some basic potting soil that is designed for leafy plants is best. An important thing to pay attention to here is the nutrient ratio, the NPK ratio. 

NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For leafy plants such as herbs, you do want to look for a decent amount of nitrogen for the beginning growth stages. Although, later on during growth, phosphorus and potassium are also important. Some well-rounded potting soil is generally best for this. 

What you do however need to keep in mind is that you want to use slow-release fertilizers. The reason for this is because herbs that get way too much nitrogen at once aren’t going to have very much flavor.

If you have good potting soil, adding more fertilizer is likely not necessary. However, the nutrients in the potting soil will run out eventually. 

Therefore, anywhere between three to four weeks after planting herbs, you will want to give them some fertilizer. You will then want to fertilize them on a regular basis according to the instructions on the fertilizer of your choosing.

The other thing to consider doing here is adding mulch to the top of the soil on your herb garden. Mulch serves a variety of purposes. For one, mulch will help control weed growth. Mulch should help to prevent weeds from growing through the surface of the soil. 

Mulch will also help prevent water from splashing onto your herbs. This in turn can help prevent disease and fungus from taking hold. Mulch is definitely something that we recommend looking into here.

Now, going back to the soil and fertilizer, you do want to look for natural ingredients. Do not choose any kind of soil, fertilizer, or anything else that contains toxic chemicals. 

The fertilizer and soil should both have 100% natural and organic ingredients. Remember, these herbs are things that you are going to eat. You, therefore, need to make sure that anything and everything you use on those herbs is safe for ingestion.

Watering Your Herb Garden 

Of course, your herbs are going to be watered properly. First of all, remember that you do want soil with good drainage. Herbs generally develop the most flavor when they are slightly drier as opposed to being very moist. Exactly how much you water your plants does depend on the plants in question as well as the soil being used. 

For instance, soil that has a lot of clay will hold onto a lot more water than sandy soil. Therefore, herbs being grown in sandy soil will need more water. Moreover, when the temperature is really high or when it is very windy, plants will also need more water. Generally speaking, you want to poke your finger about an inch down into the soil. 

If the top inch of the soil is bone dry, then it is time to water your herbs. Moreover, an average rule of thumb here is to provide your herbs with about 1 inch of water per week. When you do water your herbs, make sure that you water the soil so that it penetrates down to around 6 inches. 

You need the roots of your herbs to get enough water. Also, make sure that you only watch for the soil, and not the plants themselves. You don’t want water to get onto the plants, especially the leaves. This in itself can cause a variety of issues. In terms of when to water, early morning before the sun comes up is generally best.

Pinching, Pruning, and Harvesting

While your herbs are growing, a good practice is to regularly pinch off 2 inches from the tips of the stems. You want to do this every few weeks. This will cause more branch growth and lateral growth. This new growth is always the most succulent, flavorful, and juicy. Therefore, you want to pinch off the tips of the stems, as well as any flowers that form.

In terms of pruning, it is recommended that you do so in the beginning of the spring before the growing season. If you don’t do this in the early spring, in the fall, at the end of the growing season, is an option too. You want to prune these plants back by about a third. You want them to be about four inches off the ground before new growth begins.

In order to increase your output, you may then also want to propagate your herbs. Now, some plants can be propagated through cuttings. Others produce their own offshoots that you can separate from the main plant. Exactly how you propagate your herbs really depends on the herbs in question.

When it comes to harvesting, you want to do so fairly often. The new growth is always the tastiest. Most herbs can be harvested every two or three weeks. Always use sharp and clean blades when cutting the herbs off of the main plant. This will help to prevent disease from spreading to the plants due to dirty utensils.

Weed & Pest Prevention

The other thing to take note of is that herb gardens are somewhat susceptible to pests and diseases. They’re also susceptible to growing weeds. 

To help prevent weeds from growing, mulch goes a very long way. You also want to avoid tilling your garden too much. Tilling your garden too much will bring weed seeds to the surface and allow them to grow.

We could write a whole separate article on weed, pest, and disease prevention. There is simply too much to cover here. 

With that being said, there are many good methods to help prevent diseases and pests from taking hold in your herb garden. There are also many good measures you can take to prevent weeds from growing. We definitely recommend doing some more research on this front.

What we do, however, want to say is that if you use any kind of insecticide, fungicide, or weedkiller, it needs to be natural. Once again, these are herbs you will be ingesting, so you don’t want to be spraying poison onto them.

Conclusion

As you can see, caring for a herb garden is not rocket science by any means. Sure, there are a lot of factors to consider, and a lot of work to be done. That said, the results are usually always worth it. This is especially the case when you get to cook some food using your very own homegrown herbs.

Weeds can grow really quickly and spread all around your herb garden. This is not ideal. Therefore, today we are going to discuss various methods on how to stop weeds in an herb garden.

How to Stop Weeds in Herb Garden

Use Mulch on the Surface of the Soil

A great way to help stop weeds from growing in your herb garden is to use some mulch. Mulch can be made out of a combination of materials. These include things like grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, hay, wood chips, and straw. 

You want to put down a fairly thick layer of this mulch around your plants, making sure to cover all of the soil. Also, make sure to pack it down quite tightly. This will help prevent light and oxygen from getting to any weeds that are in the soil. 

Mulch also has many other benefits for your plans. For instance, it reduces water splashing on your plant leaves. This can help reduce fungi and help prevent them from getting burned. Mulch is also great for moderating temperature and holding moisture.

Don’t Over Till Your Garden

In terms of weed growth, one of the most common mistakes is to till the garden too much. Yes, tilling a garden is necessary in some cases. However, it really won’t do you any favors when it comes to weeds growing uncontrollably.

The reason for this is because the seeds that lead to weed growth are in the soil all around your herbs. However, it is the seeds that are within the top 2 inches of the soil that will get enough moisture and light to grow properly. 

Anything deeper down than that won’t really grow. Therefore, if you till your garden too much, you are actually bringing those seeds up to the surface. Over tilling your garden can actually lead to extreme weed growth.

Just Pull Them Out

Sometimes, no matter what you do, weeds will grow in your garden. There are some weeds that are very resilient and can survive a variety of treatment methods. Therefore, one of the best things that you can do when you see weeds is if you pull them right away. 

Of course, this is by far the most cost-effective way to go, because you only need your own hands. Moreover, the sooner you pull those weeds out, the easier they will be to remove. Some weeds can develop really strong root systems that make them hard to pull out. 

Next, you also want to pull out those weeds as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading their seeds. The longer those weeds grow, the more seats they will spread, and the more weeds will grow afterwards. Time is of the essence here.

Newspaper or Cardboard

When it comes to stopping weeds from growing in the garden, laying down a layer of newspaper or cardboard will work very well. When you are preparing your garden bed for the herbs, you first want to put down your soil, compost, worm castings, and fertilizer. 

You then want to put down a relatively thick layer of newspaper. You can also just put down one layer of cardboard. Both of these materials, whether newspaper or cardboard, will prevent weeds from growing through the soil. 

Even if weeds do grow through the soil, they won’t be able to penetrate the newspaper or cardboard. What’s cool is that you can just create a solid layer of either newspaper or cardboard, and then make holes where your herbs are going to be planted. 

To keep the layer of newspaper or cardboard down, you will want to add a decent layer of mulch on top. This mulch will of course have many other benefits for your herb garden, as we mentioned before.

Using a Layer of Plastic

Another simple way to stop weeds from growing in your garden is to cover it with a plastic tarp. Of course, you can’t cover your herbs with the plastic part because it will kill them too. Here, what you need to do is cover your garden with a plastic tarp for a full month before you plant your herbs. 

Covering the soil with a plastic tarp will not only prevent weeds from growing, but will actually kill most of them off. Yes, you do then need to remove the plastic tarp when you plant your herbs.

Boiling Water

If you already have a bunch of weeds in your garden, there is one really easy way to control them. Here, we are talking about boiling a pot of water and then dousing the weeds. The hotter the water is, the better this will work. 

When you pour that boiling water onto the weeds, it is going to kill them. You do need to be careful in terms of what you have around the weeds. That boiling water will kill anything and everything it comes into contact with, and yes, this includes your herb garden.

Vinegar Works Too

Something else that is a very effective weedkiller in a garden is vinegar. Now, you do want to use agricultural vinegar as opposed to household cooking vinegar. Agricultural vinegar is much more acidic than normal vinegar, and therefore works to kill weeds much better. 

Plants simply don’t like vinegar, and it will kill them. Keep in mind that vinegar will also kill your herb garden. This means that you need to be careful when applying the vinegar to the weeds. It is best to find some kind of way to isolate the weed before you spray it with vinegar. 

The vinegar should kill the weeds right down to the roots, although it might take two or three applications to accomplish your goal. A pro tip here is that vinegar generally works best to kill weeds in the sunlight. This is because the combination of vinegar and sunlight will cause those weeds to dehydrate very quickly.

Planting the Herbs in the Right Formation

Planting your herbs in the right formation is something that most people probably don’t think about. However, when it comes to preventing weeds from growing, it is ideal. What you want to do here is to plant your herbs in fairly thick clusters.

The closer together your herbs are planted, the more shade they will throw on the ground below. However, if you plant your herbs in thin rows, there isn’t going to be much shade created by them. Of course, just like your herbs, weeds also need sunlight to grow. 

Therefore, planting your herbs in such a way that they will not allow much sunlight to get on the soil around them is ideal. Figuring out exactly how to plant your herbs to block out most of the sunlight to the soil around them isn’t easy, but it will help a lot.

Proper Watering Technique Helps Too

Just like the herbs in your garden, those weeds need heat, water, and light to grow. If you can limit the amount of water that those weeds get, they won’t grow nearly as fast or as well. 

You want to use some kind of soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to be precise with your watering. You want 100% of the water to get on your herbs, and none of it to get around your herbs. The better you can prevent those weeds from getting watered, the less they will grow.

Some People Use Fire

Although this might seem like a bit of an extreme option, a lot of people actually use fire to kill the weeds. Some people might use something like a propane torch to burn the weeds right out of the garden. There are even special flame weeders out there designed specifically for this task. 

Of course, fire is indiscriminate, and it will kill your herbs too. You, therefore, need to be careful that that fire doesn’t come into contact with your herbs. Furthermore, making sure that everything around the weeds is very well watered and wet is beneficial too. This will help prevent a fire from occurring.

Using Weed Killer 

If all else fails, you can obviously turn into a professional weed-killing product. There are both organic and inorganic weedkillers out there. You do want to pay attention to which one you get, because if you can avoid toxic chemicals, then you are on the right track. 

This is especially the case when it comes to your herb garden, because these are things that you are going to be eating. Therefore, you do really want to avoid putting any kind of poison into your herbs. 

Final Thoughts

Between all of the above herb garden weed control methods, you should be able to find a few that work for you. Yes, everybody’s needs are slightly different, which is something you need to take into account.

With that being said, to get your hydrangeas to bloom properly, you need to feed them right. This is of course what we are here to do today, to help you find the best fertilizer for hydrangeas. 

Now, we have done our very best to select the five best products on the market. We tried our best to include very simple-to-use products that are also fairly natural and organic. 

We’ve also tried to include some products that have more benefits than just being plant food alone. Let’s get to it and take a look at the top five contenders for the best fertilizer for hydrangeas.

Comparison Chart

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food Vegetables & Herbs 2 lb

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Espoma FT18 Flower Tone, 18-Pound

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FoxFarm FX14650 Happy Frog Organic Fruit and Flower Fertilizer with Phosphorus and Nitrogen for Vibrant Blooms and Improved Root Health, 4 Pound Bag

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Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food, Includes 24 Pre-Measured Packets

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BioAdvanced 043929293566 Bayer Advanced 701110A All in One Rose and Flower Care Granules, 4-Pou, 4-Pound, Assorted

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Best Fertilizer for Hydrangeas: Reviews

1. Miracle-Gro 1038361 Shake ‘N Feed All Purpose Plant Food

Here we have a great multipurpose product designed for a wide variety of benefits. Of course, it is plant food, but it’s also a great way to prevent weeds from occurring. Keep in mind that you also get quite a sizable container of this plant food for a very reasonable price.

Review

This particular plant food features a fairly balanced NPK ratio. The point here is to help your plants grow a lot of foliage, but also to bloom properly. The nutrient ratio that it contains features a lot of phosphorus and potassium. It does also contain a bit of nitrogen. 

When all is said and done, this means that this is a great bloom booster to use for a wide variety of flowers. Yes, this includes hydrangeas, but also so much more.

Do keep in mind that these are granules, not liquid plant food. Therefore, the best thing you can do is to mix it in with your soil. 

Moreover, keep in mind that you do also want it use it around established flowers, vegetables, and other plants. It should not be put into the soil when you plant seeds, or are growing small seedlings. You just have to pour it onto the soil and then use a small garden rake to mix it in with the soil.

Something else you take note of here is that this product is also designed to prevent weeds from occurring. It contains special ingredients that stop weeds from growing before they get a chance to sprout. For the best results in terms of preventing weeds from growing, this product is best applied before the growing season.

You may appreciate the fact that you get a full 4.5 pound container here. This is enough to fertilize up to 135 square feet. That’s a whole lot of space covered. On that note, just 4.8 ounces of this fertilizer is enough for 10 square feet of your garden.

Furthermore, it does come in at a fairly reasonable price. Generally speaking, this is absolutely one of the more cost-effective products that you could invest in. The fact that it is both plant fertilizer and weed preventer is of course very beneficial.

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Covers a lot of space
• Plant food + weed preventer 
• Easy to use
• Ideal for most flowers, veggies, herbs, and more

Cons

• It needs to be mixed into the soil before the growing season
• Unspecified ingredients 

2. Espoma FT18 Flower Tone Flower Food

Here we have a very special flower food that is designed to produce very large blooms. It’s a good option to go with because it can be used for both perennials and annuals, as well as hanging baskets too. On a side note, this product is made in the USA, something that should speak to its overall quality.

Review

One of the defining features of this particular plant food is of course the fact that it is 100% organic. It is designed for people who want to engage in organic gardening. 

It does not contain any toxic chemicals or man-made pesticides whatsoever. This particular plant food is made out of 100% organic and natural materials that can be found in nature.

The fact that it can be used for all sorts of flowers is, of course, a bonus too. Something else worth noting is that this is a very long-lasting formula. It is designed for very slow release. 

This means that you only have to apply it very occasionally. It will release its nutrients over a long period of time, thus keeping your plants fed. It’s definitely something that can help make your life a little easier.

One of the most important things to note here is that this product is very high in phosphorus and potassium, yet fairly low in nitrogen. It does contain enough nitrogen to spur on healthy vegetative growth. 

However, the high phosphorus and potassium content is ideal for creating large blooms. This will definitely help produce some very large and colorful hydrangeas.

Do keep in mind that this plant food comes in granule form, not liquid. This means that you do need to mix it in with the top layer of the soil, and then water it. It’s not the easiest to use plant food around, although it is very beneficial.

Another nice aspect of it is that it comes complete with beneficial microbes. These microbes perform many functions within the soil. The bottom line is that these microbes are designed to support healthy plant life and root growth.

Pros

• Allows for large blooms
• Natural and organic ingredients
• Slow-release formula
• Low in nitrogen 
• Fairly cost-effective
• Ideal for a wide variety of flowers

Cons

• Not ideal for vegetative growth 
• Must be mixed with soil, and then watered

3. FoxFarm FX14650 Happy Frog Organic Fruit and Flower Fertilizer

Here we’ve got another organic and totally natural plant and fruit fertilizer for you to check out. It works just as well for hydrangeas as it does for many other flowers and plants. It also comes with a variety of beneficial ingredients designed to allow for fast and healthy plant growth.

Review

This particular fertilizer is 100% guaranteed to be totally natural and organic. It does not contain any man-made or inorganic materials whatsoever. Everything that is contained within this fertilizer is 100% natural. This means that you can rest assured that you aren’t putting anything toxic into the soil. 

Yes, we are talking about hydrangeas today, but this is, of course, also very beneficial when it comes to growing your own edibles.

In terms of the NPK ratio here, it is 4, 9, 3. This means that it contains a balanced ratio of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. It contains just enough nitrogen to allow for great foliage and vegetative growth. This will allow your hydrangeas to grow very large. 

It then also contains a good deal of both potassium and phosphorus. Both of these ingredients are extremely important for the flowering of your hydrangeas. Both of these substances together will produce some very large and colorful blooms.

What is also worth noting is that this particular fertilizer is designed with active soil microbes as well as beneficial fungi. 

Both of these things work together to help increase the efficiency of the roots of your hydrangeas. In other words, these ingredients allow for faster and improved nutrient uptake. The more nutrients your plants can take in, the faster they will grow, and the better they will bloom.

What is surprising is how cost-effective this particular fertilizer is. You get a full 4 pounds of it for a very low price. 

Yes, this fertilizer does come in the form of granules, although they are easily dissolved in water. You just have to mix the granules in with the top layer of the soil, and then water the soil. It might not be quite as convenient as liquid fertilizer, but it’s still easy enough to use.

Pros

• Water-soluble
• Fairly cost-effective
• 100% natural and organic
• Ideal for flowering plants and fruits
• Active soil microbes and beneficial fungi
• Allows for fantastic root growth

Cons

• Shelf life is not great

4. Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food

Although plant food might not be specifically designed for hydrangeas, it can certainly be used for these flowers. As you can tell, this is all-purpose plant food. It works well for both vegetative growth as well as blooming. It actually comes complete with a wide variety of benefits.

Review

One of the biggest benefits that you get with this plant food is the convenience factor. As you can tell by the name, these are so-called singles. They are just little packets that you open up and pour right into your watering can. You just pour them into your watering can, add water, and mix it around a little bit. 

These granules will dissolve in the water in just a few seconds. Watering your plants is therefore made quite easy. You don’t have to mix these granules in with the soil to use this product. This convenience factor is definitely something that a lot of people are going to greatly appreciate.

Of course, this is an all-purpose plant food. It can be used for a wide variety of vegetables, house plants, roses, all flowers, shrubs, and trees. This does make it convenient because you only need one type of fertilizer for your whole garden.

What is also worth noting about this particular fertilizer is the fact that it is quite long-lasting. This product is designed to be slow-releasing, which means that your plants get an ideal amount of nutrients over a prolonged period of time. This is also convenient because it means that you don’t have to fertilize your plants all that often.

In terms of the nutrient or NPK ratio, it is fairly balanced. Remember that this fertilizer is designed for a wide variety of flowers and plants. For this reason, the NPK ratio is reasonably balanced. It contains enough nitrogen for healthy vegetative growth. However, it also contains great amounts of potassium phosphorus to get some really big and colorful flowers.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Great for single fertilizing sessions
• Easily mixes with water in your watering can 
• Ideal for all flowers, shrubs, trees, and more 
• Balanced NPK ratio for best results

Cons

• Not overly cost-effective
• Unspecified ingredients – may not be organic

5. BioAdvanced Bayer All in One Flower Care Granules

If you want what is by far the most versatile plant food around, this is probably it. The reason why it is so versatile is that it serves many other functions than just feeding your plants. It’s definitely not the cheapest option around, although it may certainly be the best one on the list today.

Review

First and foremost, this is of course plant food. It is designed specifically for flowering plants, specifically for things like roses, hydrangeas, and more. It contains a relatively balanced ratio of the three main nutrients, NPK. 

It does contain quite a bit of nitrogen, to help with vegetative growth. However, it contains even more phosphorus and potassium, which helps with blooming. In fact, this is one of the best products on the list today when it comes to creating large and colorful blooms. This should of course, be ideal for hydrangeas and much more.

However, this product is also so much more than that. This all-in-one flower care product is also designed for optimal insect control. It helps to prevent and get rid of aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and much more. This is beneficial because it means that you won’t have any pests eating your plants or infesting your garden.

Next, this product also serves a third purpose, which is disease control. This product contains special ingredients that have the ability to control black spot, powdery mildew, southern blight, and rust blight too. 

Now, what does need to be said is that in order to serve all of these purposes, there are some pretty strong ingredients. No, not all of these ingredients are totally natural. 

What is really cool, however, about this product is the fact that it can last for up to six weeks. This means that you don’t need to feed your plants very often at all. This does of course help might life easier. It also features rainproof protection, so it won’t all dissolve and wash away with heavy rainfall. 

Do keep in mind that this product comes in the form of granules that have to be dissolved in water before you can feed your plants. It’s definitely not the cheapest product around, although still fairly cost-effective. You do get a full 4 pounds for a fairly reasonable price.

Pros

• Great flower food
• Works for most flowers and plants
• Ideal for large blooms
• Protects against disease
• Protects against pests 
• Rainproof protection
• Easy to use

Cons

• More expensive than most others reviewed today
• Contains some chemicals – not for use with edibles 

Buyers Guide

Before you go out and buy the best fertilizer for hydrangeas, there are some important things that you need to know. Here is all of the information you need to choose the best possible hydrangea fertilizer out there.

1. NPK Ratio

One of the most important things to look out for when choosing hydrangea fertilizer is the NPK ratio. NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are the three most important nutrients that all plants need. 

Now, as far as hydrangeas are concerned, nitrogen is not all that important. Nitrogen is beneficial when it comes to vegetative growth, or in other words for growing big leaves. 

That said, the two most important nutrients for hydrangeas are potassium and phosphorus. Therefore, when it comes to the NPK ratio, looking for a slightly smaller first number, and larger second and third numbers is recommended.

2. Organic Ingredients

You do also then want to look for a product that contains mostly organic ingredients. After all, this is something that you are putting into the soil, and into the earth. It’s always best if you can limit the amount of chemicals and toxins that you put into the ground. 

Now, this might not be 100% necessary for hydrangeas, because it’s not like you are going to eat them. With that being said, being a bit eco-conscious and environmentally friendly is always good. This is especially the case considering the dire situation on earth is currently in.

3. Time Release

What is also beneficial is if you can find plant food for hydrangeas that feature some kind of time-release action. This means that the fertilizer will release its nutrients slowly over a certain period of time. 

This is much better than the full amount of the nutrients being released into the soil at once. A slow-release formula will ensure that you don’t need to feed your plants all that often. It can also help prevent your plants from being burned by the nutrients.

4. Granules vs. Liquid Food

You then also want to consider if you want to get liquid plant food or granules. Generally speaking, liquid plant food is easier to deal with, although you risk burning your plants. Granule plant food is generally the better of the two, especially because it also allows for that slow-release action to take place.

5. Pest & Disease Control

There are then also certain plant foods that serve more purposes than just feeding your plants with nutrients. For instance, some of the products we have reviewed today also contain ingredients that are designed to help control both pests and disease. Hydrangeas are somewhat susceptible to both pests and disease, so this is a fairly beneficial entry to keep an eye out for, 

6. Beneficial Microbes 

The other thing to look out for here is plant food that also comes complete with beneficial soil microbes. These help to break down the nutrients in the soil. They also allow the roots of your hydrangeas to absorb nutrients faster and more efficiently.

FAQ

1. What is the best nutrient ratio for hydrangeas?

Generally speaking, a very balanced NPK ratio is best for hydrangeas. Of course, the second and the third numbers are the most important ones to look out for. Hydrangeas don’t need as much nitrogen, but they do need a good deal of potassium and phosphorus.

2. What kind of soil do hydrangeas grow best in?

Hydrangeas are well known for liking fairly acidic soil. For this reason, many people add some Epsom salt into the soil. This helps to lower the pH level and to make the soil a bit more acidic. Thoroughly acidic soil will also cause your hydrangea to be very blue.

3. Why is my hydrangea not blooming?

There are a few reasons why your hydrangeas might not be blooming, including incorrect pruning, damage, the weather, and more. However, adding too much fertilizer, or fertilizer that doesn’t have enough potassium or phosphorus may also be the cause.

Conclusion 

If you are looking for the best fertilizer for hydrangeas, it is BioAdvanced Bayer All in One Flower Care Granules we recommend. Not only is this great plant food, but it also assists in disease and best control.

Of course, if you are aiming for the brightest hydrangeas around, getting that Grow More Hydrangea Bluing formula will also come in handy. 

There’s also the fact that when you grow your own herbs, you can rest assured that you are doing so safely. You just never know what you’re getting when you buy groceries from the supermarket nowadays.

That said, growing your own herbs at home is easier said than done. This is especially the case if you live in an area that has a cooler climate. For this reason, something to look into as an indoor herb garden kit. 

Of course, there are many different options to choose from, which in itself makes life a bit difficult. Luckily for you, this is what we are here to help with today. Let’s take a closer look at the top five contenders for the best indoor herb garden kit.

Comparison Chart

AeroGarden Harvest – Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black

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iDOO Hydroponics Growing System Up to 18.7″, 10 Pods Indoor Herb Garden with Grow Light, Plants Germination Kit with Pump, Automatic Timing

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Moistenland Hydroponics Growing System,Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit w/LED Grow Light,Plant Germination Kits 12 Plant Pots for Home Kitchen Gardening (12 Pots)

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FAFAGRASS Hydroponics Growing System, 4 Pods Mini Herb Garden with Pump System, Germination Kit with LED Light, Automatic Timer, Height Adjustable

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Hydroponics Growing System 12 Pods Indoor Garden, Trecaan Smart Herb Garden Kit with 36W Grow Light for Plant Growing Gardening Gifts for Women Mom

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Best Indoor Herb Garden Kit: Reviews

1. AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden Kit

Here we have a really nice indoor herb garden growing kit that comes complete with everything you need to get started. It even comes in at quite a reasonable price as well. 

Review

This is a really neat indoor herb garden kit, thanks to the fact that it is totally hydroponic. This means that it uses water to grow all of your herbs, as opposed to soil. 

Soil can be really messy, and expensive, so that’s a huge benefit. Your herbs and other plants can get all of their nutrients straight from the water to grow. Hydroponics kits like these are also ideal because plants grow up to five times faster than they do in soil.

This unit comes complete with the special seed pods that you insert the seeds into. The seed pods are then inserted into the base, which is filled with water. It’s a really easy way to grow a full herb garden. Simply put the seeds in the pods, the pods into the base, and watch as the herbs grow.

This unit then also comes complete with 20 Watt LED grow lights. These are full-spectrum grow lights. This means that they provide your plants with all of the types of light that they need to grow big and strong. This is true both for the vegetative state and for the flowering states.

These lights are very easy to control using the on-board control panel. There are actually many different brightness levels to choose from here. 

This means that you can provide your herbs with the exact amount of light that they need. There is also a special 15 hour setting. This allows the garden to be on for 15 hours, and then automatically turns the light off.

What is also worth noting is that the height of the LED grow light is adjustable. It can be adjusted vertically by up to 12 inches. This means that you should have more than enough room to grow some fairly tall herbs with ease.

Do keep in mind that the seeds for this kit do also come included. This includes basil, parsley, dill, Thai basil, mint, and thyme. Moreover, it then also comes complete with all-natural plant nutrients. These plant nutrients are enough for a full season of herb growth.

Pros

• Simple design
• No soil needed
• Comes complete with seeds and plant food
• Height and brightness adjustable LED grow light
• Automatic timer function 
• Very easy to use
• Compact and space-efficient

Cons

• Light may flicker at times

2. iDOO Hydroponics Growing System Herb Germination Kit

Here we have an indoor herb garden kit that is designed to quickly germinate your herb seeds. This is one of the fastest, easiest, and most effective ways to germinate all sorts of seeds for indoor growth.

Review

What we have here is another indoor growing kit. To be specific, it is designed for seed germination and plant growth. This means that you can easily germinate a variety of herb seeds indoors. You can then continue to grow them indoors if you see fit, or you can also transplant them outdoors.

Keep in mind that this particular kit comes with enough room to grow up to 10 plants at once. It also allows you to grow plants that are up to 18.7 inches in height.

Yes, this is a hydroponics growing kit. This means that it doesn’t use any soil at all. This is of course convenient because you don’t have to deal with the mess that soil often causes. When you make your purchase, you get ten small containers, 10 grow domes, 20 sponges, and more.

You just have to place the seeds into the grow domes, and then they grow domes into the base of the unit. The base of the unit is then filled with water, which supplies the seeds and the grow domes with moisture and nutrients.

What is cool about this kit is that it is ideal for a variety of herbs and other plants too. It actually comes complete with a special LED light system that features two different grow modes. 

It has one mode for growing leaf plants such as herbs, and it has another one that is designed for flowers and fruits. The one for leaf plants features a blue light, and the one for flowers and fruit features a red light. This means that your plants get the right kind of light for optimal growth at all times.

Keep in mind that this LED light is a 24 Watt light, which is fairly powerful. Moreover, it can also be adjusted for height to suit a variety of plants. Do, however, keep in mind that seeds and plant food are not included.

Pros

• No soil
• Mess-free
• Ideal for germination and growth 
• Red and blue light options
• Adjustable height for the light
• Very easy to use 
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Seeds not included
• Plant food not included

3. Moistenland Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit

Here we have what is likely one of the most functional indoor herb garden growing kits around. It’s definitely not the cheapest, although it does have some really neat features that are worth looking into.

Review

Once again, this is another hydroponic herb growing kit. As mentioned before, this means that you don’t need to use any soil at all. This helps you save money, and it definitely helps cut down on the mess too. 

The base of this unit features a large water reservoir. It also comes complete with a water circulation system. This helps to ensure that the roots of your herbs get enough water and nutrients at all times.

What is really cool is that you get a full 12 planting pods here. These are all made out of biodegradable coco coir. This is a fantastic material for planting seeds in and for growing plants. It makes for a very clean and stable base that all plants should be able to easily grow in. 

It also works really well for regulating moisture. Although these pods do sit in the water, they don’t absorb so much of it that your plants will drown. All you have to do is to put your seeds into the pods, the pods into the base, some water into the base, and you are good to go.

This hydroponics grow kit then also comes with a very efficient 23 Watt LED grow light panel. What’s pretty cool is that this is a full spectrum grow light. This means that it provides your plants with light from all areas of the spectrum for optimal growth. It can therefore be used for herbs and much more.

What is also worth noting is that this light comes complete with two grow modes. It features a veggie mode with lot of blue light, and a fruit mode with a lot of red light. The light is actually also adjustable for height, which makes this unit quite versatile.

You might also like how there is an air fan included. For one, this air fan helps to dissipate some of the heat created by the light. It also helps to mimic the breeze that plants would get in nature. Some good air circulation is always important when it comes to growing your plants.

Pros

• Efficient light
• Adjustable height
• Two light modes
• Automatic timer
• No soil needed
• Very easy to use
• Can fit up to 12 plants

Cons

• No seeds included
• No plant food included

4. FAFAGRASS Hydroponics Growing System and Germination Kit

Here we have what is so far the most affordable indoor herb garden kit on the list today. It doesn’t have all that much room for your herbs, although it doesn’t take up much space either. It’s quite an ideal thing to have right on your kitchen counter.

Review

As mentioned above, this is a very compact unit. It is technically designed to hold up to four small plants, such as herbs. This unit comes complete with four small germination growth sponges. You simply put your seeds into these growth sponges. You then place the grow sponges into the growth basket, and then into the base of this unit.

The base of this unit is then filled with water, and also comes complete with a water circulation system. This helps to ensure that the roots of your plants always have enough water, as well as enough nutrients. This definitely helps to ensure the healthy and fast growth of your plants.

On a side note, although this unit may be very small, we do like the fact that it’s super compact. It looks really nice, and you can put it more or less anywhere in your home.

What you might also like about this particular indoor herb garden growth kit is that it is extremely simple to use. It comes complete with one single button that turns the unit on for 12 hours. Once the light has been on for 12 hours, it will then automatically turn off. 

Now, the grow light here is only 9 watts, which is not all that strong. That said, it is a full spectrum grow light. This means that it provides your plants with light from all areas of the light spectrum. This, therefore, means that this unit can be used to grow a wide variety of herbs and other plants. 

What’s also convenient is that the height of the light can be adjusted to suit a variety of herbs. Keep in mind that although you do get some plant food included here, you don’t get any seeds.

Pros

• Affordable
• Small and compact
• One button – easy to use
• Full spectrum grow light
• No soil required
• Very simple to use

Cons

• Grow light isn’t that powerful
• No seeds included

5. Trecaan Hydroponics Smart Herb Garden Kit

Here we have another reasonably priced indoor herb garden kit. It comes complete with some really neat features that makes it perhaps one of the most versatile options on the list today.

Review

Here we have a very slick-looking indoor garden kit. It just looks very nice and goes well with most modern home decor. Now, once again, this is also a hydroponics kit. 

Yes, this means that your plants grow in water, not in soil. This is generally beneficial, as plants usually grow faster and better when hydroponics are involved.

This kit comes complete with small seed pods that you put the seeds into. You then place these pods into the reservoir, and wait for your plants to grow. It really doesn’t get much easier than that. You just have to put the seeds in little pods, and you never have to deal with soil at all.

The base of this unit can hold up to 3.5 liters of water, so you don’t have to refill it often. Moreover, it also comes complete with a water circulation pump. This helps to ensure optimal root health and nutrient uptake for your herds.

This kit then also comes complete with a very powerful 36 Watt LED grow light panel. What’s also cool is that this is a full spectrum grow light that comes with three different options to choose from. There is a red light for flowering, a blue light for vegetative growth, and a full spectrum option as well. 

Don’t forget that the height of the grow light can also be adjusted to suit some fairly tall plants. This light also comes with a timer that you can use. This timer keeps the light on for 16 hours, and then turns it off automatically. On a side note, this particular grow kit can accommodate up to 12 different plants at once.

Pros

• Affordable
• Looks nice
• Grows herbs quickly
• Powerful grow light
• Three lighting options
• Lighting timer
• Water circulation pump included
• Light is adjustable for height
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Seeds not included
• Plant food not included 

Buyers Guide

Before you go out and buy any indoor herb garden kit, there are a few important considerations for you to keep in mind. Let’s provide you with all the information you need to make the best possible purchase.

1. Size & Capacity

One of the most important things to look out for here is how large the grow kit is, and what its capacity is like. 

As you can see, some of the kits reviewed today can hold as few as four herb plants. On the other end of the spectrum, some of the larger units we reviewed can hold up to 12 herbs. 

How many plants you want to grow is definitely something to consider. That said, you do also want to consider how much space you have to spare. A compact unit is ideal for small spaces such as a kitchen countertop.

2. Hydroponics & Pods

You then also want to pay attention to how the plants are grown. Yes, there are many soil-based grow kits out there. 

However, soil is messy, expensive, and a downright pain to deal with. Hydroponics kits such as the ones we reviewed today are much easier to use. You don’t have to deal with any messy soil. 

Furthermore, plants tend to grow better in hydroponics situations anyway. Plants can grow up to five times faster than in soil. Therefore, you do really want to look for a hydroponics indoor herb garden. 

Moreover, you then also want to make sure that it comes complete with the seed pods included. Of course, seeds aren’t placed directly in the water, but into these pods, which then go into the water.

3. Water Circulation

You then also want to go for a kit that comes complete with a good water circulation pump. Having water movement in the base is important. 

It allows the roots of your plants to get adequate water flow, as well as nutrients. You really don’t want to go for a model that does not have at least a basic water circulation pump.

4. Air Circulation

Although most of these kits are not going to come with an air circulation fan, some do. This can be beneficial because it helps to cut down on the heat created by the grow lights. 

It also helps to mimic the natural breeze that your plants would get in nature. It’s just another thing that will help them grow better.

5. The Grow Lights

Of course, one of the most important factors to then look out for it are the grow lights themselves. At the very least, these lights should have around 15 to 20 watts of power. 

Moreover, they should then also be full spectrum. Full-spectrum lights are needed for plant growth, especially when there is both vegetation and flowering involved. 

That said, even better if you can choose between full-spectrum, blue light, and red light modes. You should also look for grow lights that are adjustable for height, so they can accommodate a variety of herbs and plants. 

Having a grow light that also has a timer is beneficial because you don’t have to pay attention to when you turn it on or off.

6. Included Components 

By included components, what we are talking about here are the seeds and the plant food. Unfortunately, most indoor herb garden kits don’t actually come with the seeds included. However, if you can find a herb kit that comes with the seeds included, then you are definitely on the right track.

7. Durability

Although it’s not something we necessarily addressed today, durability is always something to look out for. You do want a grow kit that comes complete with a solid base that’s not going to break from a few bumps.

FAQ

1. What is hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a special type of growing method that does not involve the use of any soil. To be specific, hydroponics is a Latin word that means working water. Here, seeds are grown in a special material other than soil. Crops are then grown directly in very nutrient-rich water.

2. What are the advantages of hydroponics?

There are actually many different advantages that you get with growing your plants hydroponically. You don’t need any soil, you also don’t need that much water, and space allocation is always easy as well. 

Next, plants tend to grow a lot faster and better in hydroponics setups. There is also the fact that you can easily control the pH level, and there aren’t any weeds, pests, or soil-based diseases. In general, hydroponics is just much less labor-intensive than soil-based growth.

3. Do herbs grow well with hydroponics?

Yes, in fact, hydroponics is the recommended way to grow herbs. This mainly has to do with all of the benefits that we just discussed above.

Conclusion 

If you are looking for the best indoor herb garden kit out there, it’s the AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden Kit that we recommend. The reason for this is quite simple, because it actually comes with seeds and plant food included. Other than that, it’s just an all-around functional and user-friendly indoor grow kit. 

Why settle for wilted shop-bought herbs? When you grow your own, you always have fresh and tasty herbs close on hand. Read on to find out how to start an indoor herb garden.

The right place for your herbs

Herbs like a lot of light and, it is said, that they are more fragrant when they have plenty of it. Before you start your indoor herb garden, you need to find a place in your home where your plants will enjoy six to eight hours of sunlight each day. 

South-facing windows can supply this much light. If you don’t have enough sun, all is not lost. You can invest in grow lights. Grow lights provide full-spectrum light which stimulates plant growth. A word of warning if you use grow lights, your herbs will need between 12 and 14 hours of light a day as the lights are less intense than sunlight. 

Herbs that don’t get enough light will become lanky and become less flavorsome. Turn your pots a quarter clockwise when your water them to ensure even plant growth. 

Herbs like a fairly warm environment. They will thrive in temperatures of 60° to 65° Fahrenheit. Though basil prefers even warmer temperatures of 75° F. If you keep your herbs on a window sill, make sure that the leaves don’t touch the panes. The cold could damage the leaves. 

Choosing the best pots for your herbs

One of the most important features to look for when buying pots for your indoor herb garden is its ability to drain effectively. Herbs don’t like wet feet, so you don’t want the roots saturated in water. Too much water is one of the main reasons why indoor plants fail to thrive.

If you’re unsure about the pot’s ability to drain effectively, you should place pebble or gravel in the base to protect the roots from water. 

Make sure that every pot has a pot tray to catch the water when it flows through the drainage holes. Many a kitchen surface has been damaged by water draining straight out onto the counter. 

Have fun some when choosing pots. You can get plenty of colorful pots at your local garden center. There is also nothing stopping you from getting inventive. Put pots into baskets, or punch holes onto painted cans. Go off to your local garage sale and find old household items that you can convert to planters. 

Plant each herb in its own pot

Putting each herb into its own pot gives you the best chance of helping them to survive and thrive. Some herbs may enjoy a little more light. You may have a combination of herbs, where some are thirstier than others. By planting each herb in its own planter, you can customize the care of the different plants. 

It also means that you can mix and match your pots to ensure that you have the most useful herbs close on hand. You can also substitute plants when the leaves need time to regrow and replenish.

If you decide to plant a mixed herb garden in a single container, try to mix herbs with similar needs. Pots must be at least six inches tall to give them space to stretch their roots and prevent the soil from drying out too much.

You should give each of your herbs about four inches of space all around to ensure that they have enough place to grow. 

Choosing the right soil

As mentioned earlier, indoor herbs need plenty of drainage. When buying the soil for your indoor herb garden, make sure to buy the best soil for potted indoor plants. The soil you choose must be light and loose. It should be rich in organic nutrients and slightly acidic.

If you feel the potting mix is a bit dense, add some vermiculite or perlite to the mix. Nurseries often sell two types of soil for potting. One is called potting soil; the other is potting mix. Potting mix is less dense and is mixed with perlite. This is the one you want for your indoor herb garden. 

It is never a good idea to use soil from your garden in your indoor pots. You’ll end up bringing a bunch of bugs into your home. Inside, the insects and other bugs have no natural enemies, so they will multiply. The soil from your outdoor garden is likely also too dense for use in an indoor garden. 

Consider making your own potting mix by blending coarse soil with peat moss and perlite. When you mix your own soil, you can customize it to suit the moisture requirements of the individual herbs. 

If you’re planting herbs from seeds, you should start in March when the days are long and sunny. 

Looking after your herbs

Herbs don’t like a lot of water, but they do need a regular source. You should water your herbs when the top 25% of the soil is dry. Stick your finger into the soil to determine how dry it is. If your herbs need water, slowly sprinkle water over the soil.

Also, mist the leaves several times a week to keep them clean, healthy, and dust-free. 

Add some plant food to the water every fortnight to keep your herbs well-nourished. You should also give your herbs a low dose of plant food after you have harvested leaves. 

Harvesting your herbs

Don’t harvest your herbs until they are well established. Once they are mature, your herbs will benefit from a regular harvest as this encourages the growth of new, young leaves. You can dry herbs like rosemary and thyme for later use. Liquidize basil with a bit of water and pop it in an ice tray for later use. 

That being said, you shouldn’t take more than a third of the leaves on a single harvest. Basil and chives are exceptions, so you can help yourself to more of the leaves from these plants. Cut chives down to about an inch of the soil. It will quickly grow back up again.

Choosing herbs 

When planning your garden, choose herbs that suit your lifestyle and palette. If you’re new to growing indoor herbs, start with one or two. Then, grow your collection as you become more comfortable with looking after them. 

Herbs like thyme, parsley, cilantro, basil, rosemary, and chives are present in so many tasty recipes, and they aren’t difficult to grow. Mint grows like a weed and makes tasty, healthy tea and cool cocktails like mojitos. 

The bottom line

Indoor plants bring nature right into your home. When you start an indoor herb garden, it’s about so much more than just gardening. Your herbs will coax you into cooking delicious meals with fresh and fragrant aromas. They will have your family and friends wondering which great chef taught you to cook. 

Bonsai takes its signals from nature. Miniature plants grow naturally all over the world in cracks and crevices, in cliffs and buildings. Still, the ancient art of bonsai requires some knowledge and attention to detail. 

In Japanese, bonsai means grown in a container, and it refers to any tree that is trained to remain miniature.  Read on to find out how to care for a bonsai tree inside.

Growing a bonsai tree indoors

Trees belong outside, so many bonsais won’t thrive in an indoor environment. If you love the art of bonsai and you really would like to grow one in your apartment, there are a few tropical or subtropical plants that can make the transition from outdoor living to indoor life.

We’ve listed below a number of tree species that make good candidates for indoor bonsai

• Ficus
• Carmona
• Dwarf jade
• Serissa
• Schefflera

It isn’t possible to grow evergreen trees like pine, spruce, and juniper inside. These species need the sunlight and temperature changes of outdoor living to thrive and grow. Many trees undergo periods of dormancy during the winter, and this is an essential part of the annual growth cycle. 

If you are moving a bonsai tree from the outside in, bear in mind that it will take several weeks to acclimatize your bonsai to indoor conditions. As the tree adjusts, it may lose up to 20% of its leaves. Still, if you create the right indoor conditions, the leaves will grow back.

Light requirements

Trees are outdoor plants, so they need plenty of light. Place your tree where it gets at least eight hours of light a day. Still, hours of direct light could overheat the tree, so a south-facing windowsill in the summer just won’t do. 

Trees won’t die immediately if they don’t get enough light, but the plant will become weaker with time. You will also need to keep your bonsai trees away from cold drafts and the direct heat from radiators. 

Humidity

Bonsai trees need plenty of humidity. Indoor environments are often very dry. Place your bonsai pot in a humidity tray. This is necessary to catch the excess water that runs out of the bottom of the pot. Humidity trays contain decorate rocks that keep the water away from the roots.

The water in the tray creates a small amount of humidity around the pot. This will help to protect it from the drying effects of indoor heating and air conditioning. 

Spray a fine mist of water onto the tree daily to ensure that the leaves stay dust-free, cool, and healthy. 

Watering your bonsai

Like most plants, bonsai trees don’t like their roots to lie in water, so you must ensure that your tree has well-drained soil. The pot must have holes in the base. 

Because bonsais have very little soil, diligence in watering your plant is essential. Check the soil twice a day to ensure that it is still moist. If the soil is light brown and only slightly damp, it’s time to give it water. 

When watering your bonsai, soak the soil thoroughly until the water runs out into the tray. Your bonsai must never get too dry. Rather ensure that it moves from wet to damp between waterings. Most indoor bonsais will need water every two to three days. 

If you place your bonsai outside at any time, it will need water more frequently. It is worth noting that indoor bonsais will thrive if they are placed on a deck or veranda from time to time during the summer months. 

If the leaves start turning yellow or the tips turn black, you may be watering your bonsai too often. Stop watering it until the soil is completely dry, and then try watering it again. If the problem continues, there may be a problem with the soil drainage, and you will have to repot the plant.

Make sure that the pot has drainage holes because if it doesn’t, your bonsai will fail. 

Your bonsai will also need fertilizer. Find a slow-release fertilizer and feed your bonsai once a week when new growth starts to appear in the spring.

How to repot bonsai trees

You will have to repot your bonsai every three to five years as its roots will become pot-bound over that period. When a plant becomes pot-bound, its roots take up all the space in the pot, leaving the plant with no space and few nutrients. If you take no action, the tree will weaken and eventually die. 

Potting isn’t routine. In spring, check your bonsai roots if you see the roots encircling the pot. They’ve run out of space. Plan the repotting for spring.

Choose a bonsai soil for the task as regular soil doesn’t drain enough. Akadama, pumice, and lava rock in an equal ratio is all you need. 

Once you’ve taken the bonsai out of its pot, cut the longest roots. Don’t remove more than 30% of the roots, or your tree will battle to recover. Fill the pot up with soil, and your bonsai should be good for a few more years. 

Choosing your indoor bonsai 

Though there are not many indoor bonsai trees, those that manage indoor living are all beautiful in their own right.

Ficus Bonsai

The Ficus or fig tree is, by far, the easiest bonsai to grow indoors. These hardy trees often grow naturally in crevices and cracks. They’re indigenous to South East Asia. They are able to tolerate a lot less light and humidity than most other trees. Still, they don’t like full afternoon sun and tolerate changes badly.

There are many varieties of Ficus. Some of them bear colorful fruits and flowers, so they are a delight to cultivate. Their banyan root systems are perfect for growing in a root over rock style. 

Carmona

Also known as Fukien Tea, Carmona is native to Japan, Taiwan, China, Australia, and Indonesia. Traditionally this is an indoor bonsai, and it’s popular because it blossoms year-round. It has tiny white flowers and little red or black berries. The leaves are small, shiny, and dark green in color. 

It likes a warm environment so keep the temperature at 70° F. Make sure that this bonsai isn’t exposed to cold breezes in the winter months. 

Dwarf Jade

Originating in the dry areas of South Africa, Dwarf Jade has green, oval succulent leaves and is also traditionally an indoor plant. Dwarf Jade likes plenty of sunlight and will signal its displeasure at a lack of light by turning red at the tips.

The succulent leaves of the Dwarf Jade ensure that it is more tolerant to dry conditions than other plants, so don’t overwater it. 

Serissa

The Serissa or Snow Rose is a beautiful, delicate tree native to the woodlands of South East Asia. It is an evergreen with small, shiny leaves. It blossoms in early spring to late autumn with a profusion of flowers, but it is very sensitive to any changes and will drop leaves when it’s unhappy. Sort the problem out, and the leaves will grow again.

Schefflera

Otherwise known as a Hawaiian Umbrella Tree, Schefflera is very popular as an indoor bonsai. Though not considered a true bonsai, Schefflera needs less light, and they are also less finicky than most other bonsai trees. Aerial roots grow from the trunk and stem, making this an interesting tree to prune.

Final thoughts 

Choose the right bonsai to grow indoors, and you’ll have years of enjoyment and perhaps leave behind a family heirloom for the next generation to enjoy.

Many people confuse succulents with cacti. Cactus is a form of succulent but succulents cover a much broader spectrum of plants. Unlike most succulents, cactus have few if any leaves. Cacti have modified buds called areoles, from which spring the spines that characterize the cactus.

Growing succulents indoors starts with choosing the right plants. Most succulents need full sun and outdoor conditions. 

Succulents need light

Succulents thrive in warm, dry conditions. They grow naturally in areas where there is plenty of sunlight and scarce water resources. They are low maintenance so they make ideal indoor plants. Most succulents need plenty of light.

No less than six hours a day will do so south or east-facing windows offer the best locations for your plants. Don’t forget to regularly turn your succulent pot to encourage even growth.   

Succulents that don’t get enough sunlight will become lanky and they won’t look as good as they did when you first bought them. If your plants become leggy, you’ll have to move them to a sunnier spot.

Alternatively, you can use the artificial light provided by LED or fluorescent lights to encourage even growth. Artificial light isn’t as strong as sunlight so you will have to leave the lights on for 12 to 14 hours a day. Attach a simple timer to switch the lights on and off. 

Choosing a pot

Succulents need dry feet. Plant your succulent in a pot with a drainage hole and when you water it ensures that the water runs through the base into the tray. If you’re using an unconventional pot like a teapot or tin can, drill holes in the base before you plant your succulent. 

Succulents thrive in unglazed terra cotta pots. Clay pots are porous, helping the soil to quickly dry and keeping the roots ventilated. Despite this, succulents are often sold in glass planters. This may look good, but glass is the worst material to use for a succulent pot because it won’t drain. 

When it comes to pots, succulent like a snug fit so when it’s time to repot your plant, choose a pot just one size bigger. 

The best soil for succulents

Your succulents need soil that drains well. If their roots are constantly immersed in water, they will weaken and die. Pot your succulents in a coarse potting mix. Most nurseries sell succulent and cactus mix. Alternatively, buy regular soil and make a 50/50 mix with pumice or perlite to aerate the soil.

How to kill your succulent (or not)

Indoors, the single biggest cause of succulent death is too much water. Succulents like a good soak, but they need the water to quickly drain off. The soil should stay dry for a few days until it is soaked again. During the cooler months, succulents go into a dormant stage and they need even less water.  

Succulents store water in their leaves and stems so they can go for weeks without it. It is unlikely that your succulents will need water more often than once a fortnight in summer and once a month in the winter. The top two inches of soil should be dry before you water your succulents again. 

Pest control for succulents

Succulents can attract pests. The most common are scales, spider mites, and mealybugs. Inspect your plants from time to time. Control mealybugs and scales by applying rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball. You’ll need insecticidal soap for the control of spider mites.  

Propagating succulents

If your succulent has grown leggy, you may want to regrow parts of it. Cut a piece off the succulent. Allow the cut piece to dry out for two days. Plant the cut piece and water it. After a few weeks, your cutting will have grown roots and will start to grow. Be patient succulents are slow-growing plants. 

Best succulents to grow indoors

The secret to successfully growing succulents indoors is to choose a plant with a proven track record of successful indoor growth. There is a lovely variety of easy-to-grow succulent plants. We’ve chosen a few as listed below. 

Burro’s Tail

A trailing succulent, commonly called Donkey’s Tail, Burro’s Tail grows long stems that cascade down to the ground. The stems, covered in beautiful light green leaves can grow as long as three feet. This plant looks great in a hanging planter. Burro’s Tail is quite delicate with tiny leaves that may drop when touched. It is native to Mexico. 

Jade Plant

Look after your Jade Plant and it will last a lifetime. These plants, indigenous to South Africa, are often passed from generation to generation. Jade looks like a small tree so this is a very popular succulent. The leaves are green with a reddish edge.

Plant Jade in a sturdy pot that is moderately deep as these plants tend to get top-heavy and could fall over. Don’t water your plant for a few days after potting it as any broken roots will tend to rot. 

Aloe Vera

Well known for its medicinal benefits, Aloe Vera makes a lovely indoor plant. The long upward curving leaves, edged with soft spikes give the plant shape and structure. The leaves are light green with white spots.

While Aloe Vera grows tall yellow and orange blooms in spring and summer, it is unlikely to bloom indoors. Brown leaf tips indicate a lack of water and black spots on the leaves too much. 

Snake Plant

Native to Asia and Africa, Snake Plants look almost artificial. They have beautiful upward curved leaves in variegated shades of green. Often called Mother-in-laws tongue, Snake Plants are said to filter the air. The leaf sap is mildly toxic so keep the plant away from nibbling pets and small children. 

Ponytail Palm

A Ponytail Palm is not a palm at all. It’s a succulent. Native to Mexico, the plant is part of the Agave family. It has a wide grey base that tapers into a thinner stem topped with fine green leaves. These plants tolerate dry ambient conditions making them a perfect choice for indoor planting. 

Zebra Haworthia

This small and dainty succulent is a perfect trial succulent for beginners. It grows to about eight inches tall. The dark green leaves are covered with raised white lines. The Zebra Plant is far more tolerant of low light than most other succulents. They don’t like direct sunlight which makes the leaves change color but they must have some light

Growing succulents indoors

There are hundreds of succulent varieties in different shapes and forms. They are very popular indoor plants and if you make the right choices, they are quite forgiving. If you forget to water a succulent, it has a backup plan.

As long as you can find a warm enough space in your home with enough light, your indoor succulent will offer you years of pleasure.

Despite their beauty, many gardeners prefer not to cultivate orchids. This is because orchids have a reputation as difficult plants to grow. Yet, if you create the right conditions for growing orchids indoors, your plants will reward you with a beautiful show of flowers each year. Read on to find out more about growing orchids indoors.

Learn from nature

In the wild, orchids grow on other objects. They attach themselves to the roots and branches of trees. They sometimes even grow on stones. Many of the orchid species grow in tropical forests prone to heavy downpours. Orchids absorb water and nutrients from the air and the rain. They store this water in their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots.

Some orchids are more particular than others, but there are plenty of rugged easy-to-grow plants in the vast orchid family. Choosing the right orchid for your indoor garden and you’ll have a better chance of success.

Given the right conditions most varieties of Dancing Lady (Oncidium), Moth (Phalaenopsis), or slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum) will happily grow indoors. Many of the other species need outdoor or greenhouse conditions to thrive. 

Caring for your orchids

Unlike other houseplants, orchids don’t grow in soil. They need plenty of ventilation around their roots and they enjoy humid conditions. They prefer temperatures of between 50° and 85° F and they must have lots of filtered light. If you can create these ambient conditions, your orchids will flourish. 

Watering your orchids

The main cause of orchid failure, indeed of most houseplants, is over-watering. Watering your orchids to a schedule won’t work. The amount of water these plants need depends on the species, the potting medium, and the ambient conditions in your home. 

Get to know your orchids better; check the soil. Feel the weight of the pots. Once you get their watering needs right, they will thrive. 

To water your plants, sprinkle plenty of water onto the potting mix so it runs over the roots and through the draining holes in the base of the pot. The water must soak through the roots and fill the pebble tray beneath.

Alternatively, ensure that the roots have a good soak by placing the pot into a basin with water all the way to the brim of the pot. Let the pot soak for up to 20 minutes. Then take it out of the water and let all the surplus water drain off. As a rule of thumb, orchids need a good weekly soak in the summer months.

Leaves that start to turn yellow indicate that your plant is in distress so slow down on the water.

Feeding your orchid

Orchids also need regular feeding. Choose a fertilizer that contains little to no urea. The orchid fertilizer should contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Fertilize your orchid once a month during the growing season which is from March to November. Always water your orchids well before fertilizing them.

No fertilizer is necessary from the middle of December to the middle of February.      

Orchids need light

Orchids like a lot of light, but it must be filtered. Unless your orchid receives enough light, it may fail to bloom. Yet direct sunlight could burn the leaves. 

The leaf color shows how happy orchids are with the amount of light that they receive. Though dark green leaves may look good and healthy, they imply that your orchid needs light. Medium to light green leaves with yellow tones suggest that your plant is happy with the light it receives. 

Windows that face south or east offer the best light for orchids. The afternoon sun in west-facing windows is often too hot. Orchids can get sunburnt. When this happens, their leaves become bleached, turning white and eventually black. 

If your orchid doesn’t bloom, it might be because there is not enough light in your home. Consider investing in grow lights. They come in various shapes and sizes so you can find one to fit your space. Grow lights dispense full-spectrum light onto the plants to encourage growth. You will have to leave your plants under the lights for 10 to 12 hours a day.

Temperature requirements

Ambient temperatures also affect orchid blooms. Orchids enjoy warm daytime temperatures but a drop of 15° F at night promotes better blooms. Many orchids bud in autumn and winter so the drop in temperature is particularly important at this time. 

You can select orchids according to their temperature requirements. They are generally classified as warm, intermediate, and cool growing, though many will manage in less-than-ideal temperatures. The temperature classifications indicate the lowest night-time temperatures. 

Warm growing orchids don’t like night-time temperatures to drop below 60° Fahrenheit. Intermediate growing orchids prefer night temperatures of 55° Fahrenheit and cool growing orchids thrive in night temperatures of 50° Fahrenheit. In general, orchids don’t like temperatures that rise above 90°. 

Humidity

Orchids need high humidity. They thrive when humidity levels of between 50% and 70%. Raise humidity levels around your plants by placing water in a tray beneath the plants. Group your orchids together and mist them daily. Consider using a humidifier in the winter months.  

Potting your orchid

Orchids prefer small pots because they allow the potting mix to dry quickly. Orchid pots are often filled with bark chips or sphagnum moss. Bark drains quickly, so it is a good choice for orchids that need to dry between watering. 

Moss, on the other hand, remains wet so you don’t have to water your orchids as often. Still, if you put too much water in the moss potting mix, it may have a detrimental effect on your orchids. 

Other potting mixes include cork charcoal and sand. Some gardeners mix their own orchid potting mix with a combination of perlite, sphagnum moss, and bark. The orchid species that you’ve chosen to grow should dictate which potting mix is best.

Whatever the mixture, it must give the roots space to breathe and allow water to quickly drain off the roots. Nothing will kill off your orchid faster than drowning the roots in water. When they can’t breathe, they will rot. 

Your potting mix will eventually start to deteriorate. Bark is especially prone to decomposition. Change the bark every year or two and when you do, clip the dead roots off your orchids. You can tell the dead roots from the fresh and healthy ones as they are darker and softer. 

Grow your indoor orchid collection

It may be that orchids are a little finicky. Still, when you’ve learned how to manage your indoor orchids, you’ll look forward to the beautiful show of color during the cold winter months. We’re sure that once you’ve mastered the art of growing orchids indoors, you’ll be adding to your orchid collection.  

Indoor plants need three things, water, light, and warmth. You have to give your plants a constant water supply. Many plants that thrive indoors come from warmer climes so you need to keep them in a warm environment, away from drafts. You will also have to ensure that they enjoy plenty of light. Read on to find out about some easy plants to grow from seed indoors.

Indoor gardening equipment

You don’t need much to start up your indoor garden. Gather some pots and some small gardening tools. A watering can also come in handy, though a jug will do. 

You’ll need plug trays or small pots to get your seeds going along with quality seed mix soil. Most seeds need just a little soil over them. The seed package should give you all the information you need on the depth in which you need to plant. 

It’s normally no more than a half-inch depth. Germinating plants must be kept moist. You can prevent the seedlings from drying out by covering them with a wet paper towel. Just keep spritzing it with water.

Typically seeds like warm temperatures to germinate. Once you’ve prepared your seeds, it’s time to find the pots in which they’ll live. Make sure that you choose pots with enough space to accommodate your growing plants. All containers must have drainage holes and trays to catch excess water. 

When your seedlings have a number of small leaves, they are ready to transplant into their living quarters. If you’ve used plugs, just make plug-size holes and drop the small plant in. If you’ve used small pots, you’ll have to partially fill your bigger pot. Then place the young plant onto the soil and fill it to the top.  

Easy plants to grow from seed indoors

We’ve gathered some ideas to help you to choose the best plant to grow from seed along with information on how to care for them.

African Violets

African Violets are bright and cheery little plants. They like filtered light so keep them about three feet from a south or west-facing window. These plants are a little bit fussy so follow our guidelines to ensure good blossoms and a happy houseplant. 

African Violets use a special soil mix. You can usually find this at a nursery or you can mix your own from equal quantities of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Water your plants from the base with tepid water. Take care not to splash the leaves as water can cause foliar spots.

Mix the fertilizer at quarter strength and feed your plant every time you water it. African Violets will last almost indefinitely so treat them well and you’ll have pretty blooms for years to come.

Peace Lilies 

Known for their easy care and air-cleansing abilities, Peace Lilies are a great choice of indoor plants for darker spaces. They don’t need much light. They also tolerate fluorescent lights so they’re great for cheering up your office space. Peace 

Lilies prefer warm temperatures of between 65° and 80° Fahrenheit, so keep your plant away from drafty windows. Peace Lilies like a lot of water all at once. They also like the soil to dry out a bit before they are watered again.

Your plant will tell you when it is thirsty. Its leaves will droop. Mist the leaves when you water the plant to keep it clean and hydrated. Peace Lilies bloom in the spring. 

Cyclamen

Originating in Turkey, Persian or florist’s Cyclamen are commonly grown indoor plants and they put on a really pretty show. They require two hours of filtered morning sunlight to flourish. Place your pots in a cool room near a north-facing window and they should thrive. 

Cyclamen blooms in vibrant shades of pink, red, and white for up to six weeks during the winter. Most people only keep Cyclamen for one season as the plant goes dormant during summer. With care, however, your plants will bloom again. 

Cyclamen are very sensitive to water on their leaves, so it is best to stand the pot in a saucer of water for an hour until the soil is moist. Let any excess water drain away. Cyclamen seeds take between 30 and 60 days to germinate so plan ahead. 

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen is quite possibly the easiest plant to look after. They can tolerate poor light, low humidity, and drought conditions. These plants prefer indirect sunlight and warm ambient temperatures. 

There is a wide variety of Chinese Evergreens, including those with pretty variegated leaves. These plants enjoy well-drained soil and moderate watering. Fertilize your plants every six months. Chinese Evergreens are prone to spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and aphids so inspect the leaves from time to time and treat them as necessary.

Asparagus Fern

An Asparagus Fern is another easy plant to grow indoors. These plants make a lovely display when put on the edge of a shelf as the feathery leaves cascade downwards. Those leaves hide thorns so be careful when working with your Asparagus Fern. 

Happy Asparagus Ferns can grow small white flowers that will berry afterward. You can use those berries to grow more such plants. These evergreen plants enjoy a humid environment. Provide a pebble tray to add moisture into the air around the plant, especially during winter when the air is dry.

A daily mist will keep your plant happy. These plants like indirect sunlight and will tolerate low light conditions. Fertilize with a half dilute of plant food once a week in summer. Reduce to a monthly feed in winter.

Coleus

If you like patterned variegated leaves in bright colors, you’ll love Coleus. Also known as painted nettle, these plants are so easy to grow. Coleus comes in a number of color combinations that include pink, maroon, red, green, and yellow with leaves of varying sizes and shapes. 

These plants like indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and plenty of humidity. A fortnightly feed with a fertilizer high in nitrogen will keep your houseplant happy. Coleus is a flowering plant. Remove buds as soon as they appear or your plant will go to seed after flowering.  

Pelargonium

Otherwise known as geranium, Pelargonium are excellent indoor plants. Happy geraniums will bloom in a variety of vibrant colors throughout the year. The potting mix should contain equal quantities of peat moss, perlite, and garden loam. Geraniums enjoy a good soak but will also benefit from short periods with dry soil.

Geraniums like plenty of sunlight and will only bloom when they have enough light. Feed your geraniums every second month during spring and summer.

Bring nature in

Bring nature into your home with a collection of potted plants of various sorts. These plants are all easy to grow from seed and if you follow the guidelines provided they should brighten up your home for years to come.