| "Oh, how I long for a garden of my own!" Does this | | | | (3) Soil type for indoor vegetable gardening should |
| refrain seem familiar? Many people are cheated of a | | | | match the particular vegetable being grown. For |
| garden of their choice simply because they do not | | | | instance, containers placed on flat surfaces would |
| have enough yard space for growing plants. | | | | require a heavier growing medium as compared to |
| Sometimes, the weather acts like a spoilsport! What | | | | pots hung from the ceiling. |
| can one do then? Just go for indoor vegetable | | | | (4) Soil can be mixed by the gardener himself/herself, |
| gardening like many others are doing! | | | | or bought from a store. What should be kept in mind |
| The advantage to indoor vegetable gardening is that | | | | is that the soil is drainable and light in weight. Clay soil |
| no matter what the weather be like outside and no | | | | is not advisable because it does not drain properly; |
| matter what season it be, fresh vegetables are | | | | also, it is very heavy. Experts suggest having a |
| always on hand! It can turn into a great hobby, | | | | mixture of soil, mulch and sand for beneficial results. |
| especially for the physically handicapped who are | | | | Again, garden soil is not advisable. |
| trapped indoors all the time! The activity itself does | | | | (5) There is a skill involved in placing the soil properly |
| not involve much expense. The only qualities required | | | | into a container. Too tightly-packed soil will inhibit the |
| are a caring attitude and plenty of patience! | | | | development of roots. There should be some space |
| Popular vegetables that flourish indoors include | | | | left at the top for the purpose of easy watering. |
| miniature cabbage, tomatoes, certain types of | | | | (6) How does one select seedlings or seeds for |
| carrots, peppers and lettuce. | | | | indoor vegetable gardening? Seeds are advisable for |
| To get down to the brass tacks of what is involved | | | | the person who wants to do everything from the |
| in indoor vegetable gardening-- | | | | beginning. The others can straightaway start with |
| (1) The basic requirement for houseplants is | | | | seedlings. |
| containers. Now containers can mean | | | | (7) Houseplants also need water, same as the plants |
| anything--readymade pots purchased from the | | | | grown outdoors. There should be no underwatering |
| market, old cans, plastic containers that are no longer | | | | or overwatering, the amount should be approximately |
| in use--anything, in fact. | | | | correct. Where indoor vegetable gardening is |
| (2) Each container must have some holes to allow | | | | concerned, the plants can be given water evey day |
| excess water to drain out. An ice pick can be used | | | | or every alternate day. |
| to bore holes in plastic as well as tin and metal | | | | (8) Other advantages to indoor vegetable gardening |
| containers. Some containers would require drilling with | | | | include minimal weeding and more resistance to |
| tools. The holes should be placed at the sides and | | | | attacks from pests. |
| bottom. | | | | |