Healthy Living

For most of us the gardening season is coming to a close and we are starting to dream of spring gardens, but you may be overlooking some valuable growing space you can use this winter. Sure you may not get a lot of fruits and veggies from an indoor garden but. You will find a few amazing benefits to convince you that you should grow plants indoors too. Choose plants that grow well indoors and enjoy the benefits of growing plants indoors. Why you should grow plants indoors. Grow plants indoors to purify the air. The process of photosynthesis takes in bad air and lets the good air out into the space around the plant. Bringing plants like Aloe, palms, herbs, and lilies into the house cleans the toxins out of the air. From smoking to just having plants in your home toxins are released. Growing plants indoors is a natural way to filter the air for your family. Growing plants indoors reduce illness Indoor plants balance out humidity levels, filters germs from the air, and gives your family an immune boost. Think of them as natural indoor air filters and your own fresh supply of oxygen. The more plants within your home the better they can help protect you by filtering out the germs and pollutants in the air. Try a potted Mayer lemon tree in the bathroom or a potted orange tree in the kitchen. Give your mood a boost by growing plants indoors. Studies have shown that growing green plants indoors has great effects on stress levels. Think about how you feel less stressed after going outside. It is all those fresh green plants. The colors and scents do amazing things to perk us up mentally. Lavender is perfect for growing in bedrooms to reduce stress and help you sleep at night. Bright flowers bring joy and make the perfect addition to a teens room to fight depression. Provide Fresh Produce If you choose to grow edible plants like herbs, fruits, or vegetables, you can have a source of fresh, organic produce right at your fingertips. While you can not grow everything your family eats in your home but you can grow a lot of food with just a sunny window sill. From fresh basil to baby spinach the possibilities are endless. With the help of grow lights you can grow even more food in your home all year round allowing you to enjoy some fresh produce even in the dead of winter. Fosters Learning and Curiosity Growing plants at home can be an educational experience, especially for children. It provides an opportunity to learn about biology, ecology, and the natural world. Whether you are homeschooling or not there is so much your kids can learn by watching plants grow in your home where they have an up close look at the life cycle of plants. Reduces Noise Levels Some plants can absorb and deflect sound waves, helping to dampen noise pollution. While they won't replace proper soundproofing, they can contribute to a quieter environment. If you have a large open floor plan try adding in some large leafy plants to help bring down the noise in your space. Growing plants indoors boost concentration and memory. Want your kids to do better in school? Bring the garden indoors. Exposure to plants calms allowing your and your child to focus better. Remember we are meant to be out in nature so bringing nature into our world helps balance us out. Bringing nature inside to us helps us function mentally and physically the way we are meant to. Bring in the green ferns and cacti for this one. Building a terrarium is a great project for your kids to do and leaves them with the perfect indoor environment for plants Have a ready to go natural first aid kit by growing plants in your home From aloe vera to lavender many medicinal plants can be grown in your home. Teach your family proper use for these medicinal plants and ever worry about running out of Neosporin or burn cream again. Aloe can be used for everything from healing and medical to beauty. Growing lavender indoors can great a relaxing environment and aid in general well-being. Tips for growing plants indoors Choose the Right Plants: Select plants that are well-suited for indoor growing and match the conditions in your home (e.g., light levels, temperature, humidity). Some popular indoor plants include snake plants, pothos, spider plants, and succulents. Provide Adequate Light: Light is crucial for photosynthesis. Identify the light requirements of your plants and place them in locations where they'll receive the appropriate amount of light. Most plants can grow indoors with the right light source and you can even swap light bulbs to help plants thrive. You can even get LED grow bulbs that fit your standard sockets so you can turn any room of lamp into the perfect place for growing plants. Water Properly: Overwatering is a common mistake. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering. Make sure the pots have drainage holes, and use saucers to catch excess water. Monitor Humidity Levels: Some plants prefer higher humidity levels. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves, placing a humidifier nearby, or grouping plants together. Provide Adequate Drainage: Ensure that your pots have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. Use Well-Draining Soil: Choose a potting mix that provides good aeration and drainage. Avoid using garden soil, as it can become compacted and lead to drainage problems. Maintain Proper Temperature: Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid placing plants near drafts or heating/cooling vents. Rotate Your Plants: Turn your plants occasionally to ensure they receive even light exposure on all sides. This helps prevent them from leaning or growing lopsided. Fertilize Appropriately: Indoor plants don't need as much fertilization as outdoor plants. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (usually spring and summer). Repot When Necessary: If a plant outgrows its current container or the soil becomes depleted of nutrients, consider repotting it into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil. Keep an Eye Out for Pests: Even indoor plants can be susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Check your plants regularly for signs of infestations and treat them promptly. Prune and Trim: Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers. This encourages healthy growth and helps prevent the spread of diseases. Be Patient and Observant: Plants may take time to adjust to their new environment. Pay attention to their growth patterns and any signs of stress or distress. Avoid Drastic Changes: Plants can be sensitive to sudden changes in their environment. Gradually acclimate them to new light levels or temperatures to prevent shock. Gardening may be limited due to the weather but inside your home can be climate-controlled to help you grow your favorite plants all year round.