With food costs rising and concerns about the safety of store bought produce, growing your own vegetables might seem quite appealing. Of course, people who live in apartments have limited options for a real back-yard garden. Colder climates also create a short growing season. Indoor gardening provides an alternative and doesn’t necessarily require a lot of space.
Choose an Area
The first consideration for an indoor garden is to pick the garden area. Different requirements and limitations will come depending on the specific area chosen. A window sill can present enough space for an herb garden, but an unused closet might provide more space. That closet, or even a basement, can be turned into a garden, but will require special lighting.
Soil or Hydroponics
Traditionally, plants are grown in soil. While that's the time proven method of growing plants, a more recent concept is hydroponics. Plants grown hydroponically don't require soil. Instead, the plants are grown in water that contains all the nutrients the plant needs. Most types of plants can be grown hydroponically and it reduces problems associated with dirt inside the home. In addition, plants usually don't need as much independent space if grown hydroponically.
Types of Plants
Deciding on types of plants to grow involves personal tastes, but is influenced by earlier decisions. For instance, something like cucumbers require a lot of space. Even large varieties of tomatoes take up a lot of room. Many types of vegetables are offered in smaller varieties that are well suited to small areas. Get a general idea of the types of items you'd like to grow, then research the plant varieties. Criteria to consider include space allowed by your indoor garden along with lighting and temperature requirements.
Lighting Options
Unless you use a southern exposure window for your indoor garden, artificial light will probably be required. Not all lighting is created equally. For instance, while incandescent lighting can produce the proper result (and the lights tend to be cheap) the cost of running the lights will be high. Compact fluorescent bulbs are more expensive than incandescent but cost much less to use. Another alternative, HID (or High Intensity Discharge) lights produce even more light, but also create a lot of heat. For that reason, compact fluorescent might be the best option. LED lights are another option, but they are more expensive than the other choices.
Creating an indoor garden can allow you to eat fresh, homegrown produce all year round. The best approach to getting started is the same as it is with all projects. Do your research and planning before you start. It will save money and frustration in the long run. No single indoor gardening plan is perfect for everyone. Find the one that's best suited to your tastes and situation.
Sources:
Fox News: Leisure:How to Build a High-Tech Indoor Garden This Winter
