Indoor Gardening The Organic Way

As levels of pollution keep rising and deforestation feeds man’s greed, the climate change for the worse is looming large. Without choice, green living has become a way of life and ‘organic’ the buzzword for the future. Organic gardening is the way to choicest of fresh foods and a healthy and more sustainable lifestyle. So, if you want to enjoy all of nature’s pure green delights at home from fresh flowers to restorative herbs and the natural vitamins of garden fresh fruit and vegetables then organic gardening is your answer. Organic gardening is not just a hobby, it is a way of life, and a rewarding one too that pays back with good health and a fine-looking garden. Organic gardening is self-sustainable. When it comes to indoor gardening, the image that comes to our mind is always green lush living room filled with green bougainvillea, beautiful creepers, and exotic cacti. Nobody even gives a thought to the pesticide and harmful chemicals, which permeate the air from the garden, infecting the air, which one sniffs proudly. Indoor organic gardening is crucial as you are in close proximity with your garden and thus in close contacts to the pesticides and insecticides, which is toxic and can cause various ailments. Here are some tips and techniques on organic indoor gardening that will help you to make your garden prosper with a healthy and delicious profusion of organic vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

How To Create An Indoor Organic Garden?

While creating an organic garden there are basically two alternatives to choose from - either you can choose to purchase ready-made garden kits from brick and mortar stores or you can choose to start from scratch. For a novice or someone pressed with time, the first option is always better.
The next important aspect that you should consider is the state of soil, because it is the sole resource that nourishes the plants with nutrients, water, and oxygen. The components for organic potting soil are - two parts peat moss or coconut coir, three parts compost, one part horticultural sand, two part pumice or perlite, one part vermi-compost, and one tablespoon dolomite lime.
Having good mulch protects the soil from drying out and from sudden temperature changes. Besides, it also suppresses weeds. Superior quality well-rotted compost is perhaps the best all-round choice because it adds both fertility and conditioning elements to the soil. Microorganisms are able to flourish and the soil is loaded with plant-friendly life. Animal manures are the next best choice because they are rich in nitrogen and hence help build up fertility of the soil. Other choices include straw, sawdust and wood shavings. However, these should be composted first or they will rob the soil of nitrogen during break down.
There should be adequate lighting for the plants. The acceptable levels are four to six hours of sunlight each day. However, it is better to avoid direct sunlight. If adequate natural lighting is not there then alternative sources should be found. It is beneficial to expose the indoor plants to sunlight during a mild season for approximately two-three weeks in a sheltered location. That will revive them. And once they are restored indoors they should be given a dose of organic fertilizer.
Indoor temperature and humidity should be relatively constant with no extreme changes. Since natural regulation of temperature and humidity is not possible indoors, so, it is better to have a humidifier that would control the humidity and keep it constant.
Water is very essential and it should be given according to the need of each plant. There should be neither under watering nor over watering. It is better to use a container of water at room temperature rather than using tap water (which might shock the plants).
When it comes to selecting the seeds, it is better to go for organic seeds. Same goes for plants as well, and ensure they are the healthiest ones available. It is advisable to keep the plants indoors for a couple of days before transplanting them into new containers. This will help them acclimatize to the new environment, avoid stress and shock, and ensure a healthy start.
Finally, when it comes to choosing the right tools for gardening just keep one thing in mind – it is you who is going to use it. So, pick up one and check the feel of it. Ensure that it is comfortable and not too heavy for you. Only then, buy one.
Always remember not to use chemical pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. Use only organic products or homemade solutions for pest control.

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