Indoor Gardening: A Quickstart

Guide to Growing Herbs and

Vegetables In Your House,
Apartment or Any Small Space
Leta Anderson
©2014 Leta Anderson
Indoor Gardening: A Quickstart Guide to Growing Herbs
and Vegetables In Your House, Apartment or Any Small
Space
Copyright © 2014 by Comnexis, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
without Permission in writing from the author. Reviewers may quote brief
passages in reviews.
Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, including international,
federal, state and local governing professional licensing, business practices,
advertising, and all other aspects of doing business in the US, Canada or any
other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the purchaser or reader.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or
by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying or recording,
or by any information storage and retrieval system, or transmitted by email
without permission in writing from the publisher.
While all attempts have been made to verify the information provided in this
publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility
for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter herein.
This book is for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are those
of the author alone, and should not be taken as expert instruction or
commands. The reader is responsible for his or her own actions.
Neither the author nor the publisher assume any responsibility or liability
whatsoever on the behalf of the purchaser or reader of these materials.
Any perceived slight of any individual or organization is purely unintentional.
Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: How Growing Fresh Veggies and Herbs
Improve Your Life
Chapter 2: Picking Your Edible and Ornamental
Plants
Chapter 3: Mary, Mary What Does Your Hydroponic
Garden Grow?
Chapter 4: Growing Hydroponics: Lights! Air! Soil!
Action!
Chapter 5: Plants With Their Feet in the Dirt
Chapter 6: Decorating with Plants? Why Not Veggies
Too?
Conclusion
Thank You!
 Introduction

You don’t have to live on a farm to enjoy the benefits of having living,
healthy vegetable plants and herbs surround you. You don’t even need to have
a particularly green thumb. Although some plants are more forgiving than
others, they basically only need dirt, light, air and water.
Choose to grow your garden indoors so you can enjoy it all year long. Many
people have lost trust in big business farming and have turned back to the
older ways of organic gardening. Whether it’s herbs, fruit and vegetables or
even a beautiful houseplant, be in control of what you eat and the chemicals
in your home. From an elaborate plan that adds to the beauty of your interior
decoration to the simple concept that a plant generates fresh oxygen, it’s time
to return to the inner gardener in you! Anyone can do it…there are no age
restrictions and you can do it from the top of a ladder to the seat of a
wheelchair. Just follow the tips and suggestions in this book and you will be
living green in no time!
 Chapter 1: How Growing Fresh
Veggies and Herbs Improve Your Life

You live on an Earth that is covered with water, dirt and living plants. Why do
we, as humans, work so hard to keep those things on the outside of our
homes? That’s a question to ponder, isn’t it?
Yet, if you have ever been in a room built of concrete blocks, such as a
garage, nothing can bring it to life more than one, single, green plant. Ask
anyone who works in a cubicle all day if having a plant on their desk makes it
all somehow more comfortable. Chances are, the people who may argue that
point do so on the basis of their not knowing how to care for a plant. While a
healthy, vibrant living thing can raise your spirits, a wilted and burned edge
has quite the opposite effect. In fact, a healthy plant on your desk can make
you actually more productive.
Now imagine that the green plant on your desk will be producing actual food
you can eat! Perhaps it has the intriguing aroma of chives…
Indoor plants bring many advantages. They function as food, interior
decorating, freshen the indoor stale air, reduce stress (both in caring for the
plant and enjoying it visually), can produce food and even medicines. Let’s
take a look at some examples.
Did you know… that when you have plants in the house they act as filters for
dust and increase the humidity, making you 30% less likely to get a cold-
related illness?
Did you know… that too much carbon dioxide can make you drowsy and that
by having live plants, they remove carbon dioxide during their process of
photosynthesis?
Did you know…that not only can houseplants make you feel less stressed and
more optimistic they have actually been known to lower your blood pressure?
Did you know…that the additional oxygen and reduced carbon dioxide levels
a plant provides can contribute to cleaner air and may therefore reduce your
frequency of headaches?
Did you know…that just like the series of allergy shots your child’s doctor
may be administering, that exposing your child to houseplants as they grow
older can have the same effect?
Did you know…that many plants have healing effects? Take the eucalyptus,
for example. It can help by clearing up the phlegm and congestion from your
system, opening the bronchial tubes and is, as a bonus, a natural antiseptic.
Did you know…that your skin can be softer with plants in the house since
they act as a natural humidifier?
Did you know…that you sleep better when nearby plants are giving off fresh
oxygen?
Did you know…that the following plants can actually filter out chemicals
such as those contained in paints, varnishes, car exhaust fumes and tobacco
smoke: dragon tree, ivy, ficus, philodendrons, spider plants, peace lilies, ferns,
chrysanthemums, palms?
So, I’m guessing right about now you’re looking around and wishing you had
a dozen plants in the very room where you’re sitting. You probably feel a bit
intimidated by the idea of taking care of that many, so how about beginning
with one and then “blooming” out from there?
Let’s cover some of the basics and you’ll feel more comfortable with the new
green additions to your family.
 Chapter 2: Picking Your Edible and
Ornamental Plants

Picking out the proper plants for your home is similar to picking out the right
breed of dog to make a pet, although far less work and it is easier to
housetrain!
Veggies and Herbs You Can Grow Indoors
You don’t have to be a frustrated farmer in the big city in order to enjoy
growing your own herbs and vegetables. Having year-round availability of
your favorite fresh greens adds hidden treasure to a cold winter’s day.
Imagine the aroma of your special soups simmering on the stove; the aroma
of fresh herbs filling the house.
Let’s take a look at some ideas.
Peppers
If you have a warm and sunny spot in your home (at least 75 degrees), there
are several variety of peppers you can grow. Grab a 3-5 gallon container and a
handful of sprouts and you can be growing cherry and banana peppers in no
time.
Green Onions
When you’re in the store next time doing your shopping, grab a handful of the
best-looking green onions you can find. When you begin chopping, save the
last 1” of them in a jar of water. Add more when the jar is low and cut as
needed. Or, plant these in soil and keep well watered.
Radishes
Fill your container with a good mix of soil (as mentioned a bit later on in this
book) and a find sunny place where you can plant radish seeds. You will be
harvesting in a few weeks. Tip: In order to guarantee a continual supply of
these red beauties, space the plants at least 14” apart and rotate when you
plant the seeds so they don’t all ripen at the same time.
Basil and other Fresh Herbs
You’ll need a window that gets at least four hours of sunlight a day – kitchen
windows are great because the herbal scent will stimulate appetite and inspire
your cooking. Plant seeds in the container filled with proper soil and be sure
to water thoroughly and often. If the plant wants to flower, pinch off the
blossom as it can make the leaves bitter because the plant dedicates its energy
to the blossom fruit. Herbs that do well include not only basil but rosemary,
sage, mint and chives.
Tomatoes
These red gems add color and flavor to salads and form the base of millions
of recipes. Choose tiny versions such as Small Fry, Pixie, Patio, Tiny Tim and
Roma and plant these in a south-facing, very sunny window. Remember to
water liberally and to turn the plant from time to time so all of the plant get
adequate light.
Lettuce
Have you ever had that craving for a huge salad on a cold winter’s day?
That’s your body telling you it needs fresh vegetables and where better to get
the green than from your own, indoor garden? You can plant lettuce, arugula,
microgrees and swiss chard in a south-facing window in containers that are no
smaller than ½ gallon.
Garlic
When you’re whipping up those Mediterranean meals with tomatoes, what
could be better than having fresh garlic at your disposal? Begin with a large
head of garlic (at least 8”) and plant this in a sunny, well-aerated spot. Don’t
forget to water it daily.
Parsley and Cilantro
That south-facing window is going to get fairly crowded as you will want to
squeeze in containers of parsley and cilantro. Parsley can live a bit more
compactly and both will need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Let the
soil dry out a bit before watering it again.

Houseplants
Houseplants can be broken into a few categories and each of these has certain
needs to be healthy and thriving.
Bromeliads – This family of plants grows best when given medium
humidity and depending upon the member, light needs range from the
low light needed by the Air Plant to the high light needed for the
Pineapple. They all do well in nighttime minimum temperatures
ranging from 50-55°F. The watering varies: Earth Stars (Cryptanthus)
wants to be uniformly moist, Living Vase (Aechmea) and the Pineapple
(Ananas) like intermediate watering which is when you don’t water
until the soil feels dry to the touch. Uniquely, the Air Plant (Tillandsia)
literally loves growing in the air, without soil, so you can’t water it.
Cactus – If you like warm places, the Cactus family may fare better in
your home. With nighttime low temperature minimums of 55-65°F,
most of the members of this family like dry soil, the exceptions being
the Christmas Cacti (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Easter Cacti
(Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) who like a bit more moisture in theirs. All
varieties like low to medium humidity (think of dry as a desert) and do
better in medium to high light exposure (think windows and under
skylights). In addition to those just mentioned, the family members
include Barrel Cacti (Ferocactus), Candelabra Cacti (Euphorbia), Chin
Cacti (Gymnocalycium), Hedgehog Cacti (Echinocactus, Lobivia),
Pincushion Cacti (Rebutia), Prickly Pears (Mammillaria),
Thanksgiving Cacti (Zygocactus truncates) and Torch Cacti
(Trichocereus).
Ferns – You will most likely spot this family in homes across America
as it loves moderation in all things. Moderate watering and humidity,
these plants do well in low to medium light and with lowest
temperatures between 50-65°F. Graceful and stately, these plants are a
decorator’s dream but can be a bit of a chore to keep the fallen leaves
off the floor. Members include Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus),
Birdnest Fern (Asplenium nidus), Staghorn Fern (Platycerium), Sword
Fern (Nephrolepis) and the most often pictured, Boston Fern
(Adiantum).
Figs – This family loves nighttime lows in the 62-65°F range with
medium to high humidity and light. This means they do very well near
large windows with adequate moisture (probably not what you would
want in your office cubicle.) Depending on the member, they tolerate
dry to moderate watering and since they do shed their leaves, putting
the plant in an easily accessed location lets you keep those leaves nice
and tidy. Family members include the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina),
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila), Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata), Indian
Laurel (Ficus retusa nitida) and Rubber Plant (Ficus elastic). These
plants can remain moderate in size with some members and yet grow
to room heighth with others such as the Weeping Fig.
Ivy – If you’ve seen pictures of romantic cottages, it’s difficult to not
remember the ivy clustered over the stone of the building. Ivy climbs
and can plant tiny tendrils of feet into any surface where it can get a
grip. Fairly hearty, outdoor ivy may draw in a hibernation-like breath
during the Winter, but in late Spring it bounds again, growing in feet
rather than inches. Indoor ivy likes temperatures no lower than 45-
60°F, likes intermediate watering, moderate humidity and moderate to
high light exposure. Their family reunions include Grape Ivy (Cissus
rhombifolia), English Ivy (Hedra helix), Kangaroo Ivy (cissus
Antarctica), German Ivy (Senecio mikanioides) and the Swedish Ivy
(Plectranthus australis). As we mentioned, these plants like to spread
out and do well when staked indoors or on a stand where they can trail
downward and out.
Palms – If you like fairly rapid-growing plants that give you that
tropical mood, this family is for you. Moderate in their watering needs,
the Palms also like a bit of humidity and low to high light exposure.
They also like it a bit warmer on their toes so don’t expect them to do
well in areas where nighttime temps dip below 50°F. Family members
include Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea erumpens), Kentia Palm
(Howea forsternana), Lady Palm (Rhapis excels) and Ponytail Palm
(Beaucarnea recurvate). Graceful and luxurious, these make great
decorations.
Misc. – If the one plant that catches your eye isn’t in one of the
families mentioned above, it may be in the following list. The following
need medium to low light, making them great candidates for interiors
away from windows and for the corner of your desk. These include:
African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadieri),
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum), Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla), Cast
Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior), Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema
commutatum), Dieffenbachia or Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia), Dragon
Lilies (Dracaena), Falso Aralia (Dizygotheca elegantissima),
Hawaiian Ti (Cordyline terminalis), Moses in the Cradle (Rhoeo
spathacea), Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii), Peacock Plant
(Calathea makoyana), Peperomia (Peperomia), Philodendron
(Philodendron), Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura), Schefflera
(Brassaia), Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), Peace Lily
(Spathiphyllum), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum). The rest of
the following need lots of light so open those curtains and let it pour
in! Aloe (Aloe), Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum), Croton
(Codiaeum), Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), Episcia, Flame Violet
(Episcia), Jade Plant (Crassula arborescens), Norfolk Island Pine
(Araucaria heterophylla), Strawberry Geranium (Saxifraga
stolonifer) and the Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa).
 Chapter 3: Mary, Mary What Does
Your Hydroponic Garden Grow?

For those of you who have a bit more space to dedicate to indoor gardening,
there’s no need to stick with a houseplant in the corner. Why not expand to
growing your own hydroponic garden?
Hydroponics allow you to grow most house plants, flowering plants,
vegetables, many varieties of fruits and those wonderful herbs for cooking.
You aren’t reliant on the weather or zoning restrictions—grow and harvest all
the year round. Or, you can choose to grow your seedlings hydroponically and
later transplant to an outside garden space. Ideal candidates for this include
flowers, foliage, corn, cacao, sugar cane, rice, tea, tobacco and cereal grains.
You didn’t think you could become Farmer in the Dell from your own
basement, did you?
Veggies grow faster in a hydroponic and you can avoid the bugs, and
therefore pesticides, that you must fight in an outdoor garden. Enjoy your
own fresh, organic products throughout the winter. Fruits that are water based
do wonderfully in a hydroponic, including watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes,
strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and grapes. Or, why not try
something more exotic such as kiwi or pineapple?
Nothing smells better in your kitchen that food that is seasoned with fresh
herbs. Keep these seconds-to-the-table fresh by growing your own.
Hydroponics involves soaking the roots of your plant in a nutrient-rich
solution that stimulates the growth and keeps the balance of oxygen and food
the plants need.
Perhaps organics are a major goal for you. Organics, as a rule, cost
considerably more than their non-organic counterparts. This is because big
business uses chemicals to increase production per acre and therefore
maintaining an organic plot yields fewer plants; hence they cost more. That
said, when you factor in the cost of the healthcare that may or may not keep
you going, the additional price is well worth its value.
 Chapter 4: Growing Hydroponics:
Lights! Air! Soil! Action!

When deciding to install a hydroponic garden in your home, you’ll have

questions just how to get started.
Let’s begin with the location. If you’re a beginner to this, it might be best to
begin with a location that is the most convenient for you to have plenty of
room to be messy. This is supposed to be a relaxing, therapeutic hobby and
worrying about whether you spilled some water on the hardwood floor, or
whether you will be tracking loose dirt onto white carpet is not very practical.
There are kits available in a variety of sizes and for different plants. Or you
might choose to build your own after you’re more sure what you like to grow
best and the amount of time you have to dedicate to this. For example, you
can buy an AeroGarden, 7-Pod Indoor Garden with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit
made by Miracle-Gro from Amazon.com for about $126.00. This unit is
advertised to grow plants up to ten times faster than their counterparts grown
in soil. There is no soil needed and it’s only about 12x20” in size. That’s
something that could sit on the end of your kitchen counter!
Then there are more sophisticated, closet-like, self-enclosed systems that
features ducts to eliminate any indoor odors and an automatic refilling tank
for when you flush the nutrients. These can cost $3,000 or more, so this is
obviously not your starter kit and it would make sense to be sure you really
enjoy doing this before making that sort of a commitment.
So, decide where to locate your system and take into consideration that this
will have a musty, earthy odor so putting it in your bedroom might not be the
greatest place to begin. Consider a greenhouse, an outdoor patio, the
basement or garage. You’ll want to be sure the floor surface is level since
you’ll need to keep the roots of the plants submerged in the nutrient. If you’re
choosing an outdoor location, your system needs to be portable enough to
bring indoors when the temperature drops. Thus, even if you use your patio,
there will need to be some attributable space indoors as well. When putting
your system indoors, unless it is located directly in front of a sun-favoring
window, expect to have to add grow lights.
Most systems utilize tubes with openings through which your plant can grow.
Their roots are submerged in water with nutrients that is pressurized to
circulate through the system. The aeration of the water ensures that your
plants get plenty of oxygen.
The easiest way to begin your garden is to use purchased seedlings. You
always have the option of growing your own from seed, if you have the time
to monitor them and wait for them to mature to the point that they can be
transplanted.
When you get your seedlings home, rinse their roots in warm water. If the
water is too cold or too hot it could throw your plants into shock. Gently
separate the roots to get all the soil out; any soil left behind on the roots could
clog up the tiny spray holes in your system. Now pull as many roots are you
are able to get through the bottoms of the planting cup. Add some pebbles in
order to secure the plant in place and in the upright position. Expanded clay
pebbles are very light so they won’t damage the roots of the seedlings.
Your kit will most likely include some sort of string and a trellis. You’ll want
to use plant clips and the string to tie the plants to the trellis. This gives the
plant support as you attach one clip to the base and a second somewhere
above, allowing the plant to wind around the string.
Now, all there’s left to do is to turn on the pump which circulates the water
and begin daily monitoring of your new garden! Watch for problems such as
pests and diseases. Telltale signs include little bugs, chewed leaves and signs
of disease on the foliage. If you spot a sick plant, remove and dispose of it
immediately. This isn’t a plant hospital and you can expect what affects one to
affect the others. Hydroponic gardens permit the plants to grow more closely
to one another than in a soil garden since they don’t have to branch out
looking for nutrients in the soil. Since the plant doesn’t have to fight off
disease, it will grow more quickly. Don’t think just because your garden is
indoors that bugs and caterpillars won’t find them. Bugs don’t pay attention to
the locks on your doors.
When growing indoors, you will most likely need to augment your system
with lighting. When plants grow outdoors in your garden, they do best with 4-
6 hours of direct sunlight and an additional 8-10 hours of bright light. You
will need to replicate this as closely as possible indoors. To do this, you’ll
need to plan on providing 14-16 hours of bright artificial light. Your plants
will also need some down time, during which they metabolize and rest; about
8-10 hours of darkness each day. Unless you plan to sit up all night and pull
the plug at the right time, you’ll want to install a timer with your lights.
The first option is a T5 fluorescent light that is hung directly overhead. Don’t
confuse these with the grow sticks you can find at a discounter; these are
much improved. This light is fine for plants such as lettuces.
HID or Hydroponic Light lamps generate a good deal of heat but are the best
bet for indoor hydroponic farmers. It works well for leafy greens, flowers and
even fruit crops. These are a bit expensive, so probably would be best for
someone who has already determined they’d like to expand their first attempt
and garden long-term.
Newest to the lineup are L.E.D. (light emitting diode) lamps that used to lack
the horsepower to be effective, but are now much improved. They now
deliver the full spectrum of lights needed, while consuming half the
electricity. They also generate less heat than the HID. The bulbs last for many
years, while the HID lights must be replaced roughly every two years.
If you’ve ever been in a greenhouse, you will understand that you don’t want
your entire home to have that odor. Therefore, you’ll want to have a
productive filter system. Charcoal filters will work very well to remove 99%
of the odor in the area. Not quite as effective are the ozone generators and
high levels of ozone can burn your skin and damage your eyes.
You will want to serve your plants their preferred drinks. Using water from
the humidifier is not a great idea since there are microbes that can grow in the
waste water and that’s not something you want to introduce to your plants.
Then, moving on to tap water. You may have truly tasty municipal water in
your city, but there are chemicals in it that Nature did not put there. To get
around this, the best source of water for your plants is distilled water. It is
totally pure and the plants will thank you for it.
 Chapter 5: Plants With Their Feet in
the Dirt

Let’s turn now back to the sort of indoor gardening most people are familiar
with—the good old houseplant. We’ve discussed species and by now you’ve
decided you want to give some a try.
Assuming we’re going to work with natural light, your windows with an
eastern exposure are generally going to provide the best light and
temperature. This is due to that location receiving the early morning to noon
light and an eastern room is cooler because it absorbs less heat; the greater
temperatures coming in the afternoon.
That said, come winter and the windows with Southern exposure are going to
make your plants happiest. The Northern windows will have the least light,
and actually for some plants, that’s ideal; the African Violet, for example.
If your plant isn’t getting enough light, one of the following will give you a
clue:
- The plant won’t be growing well
- The spaces between the leaves on the new growth are much longer
than on the older parts of the plant (think of it reaching toward the light)
- The newer leaves will be smaller than the older ones
- The color on the new leaves is lighter than the older ones
- The older leaves have died

While we covered ideal temperatures and humidity in an earlier chapter,

house plants in general do best between 58-76°F range. The more tropical the
origin of the plant, the happier it will be in the warmer areas of your home.
Avoid, therefore, placing a potted palm up against a huge northern window
during the coldest months of winter.
Plants also love humidity, unless they are natively from the desert.
Remember, outdoors it rains from time to time and each morning the dew
collects on the plants’ leaves, giving it a naturally more humid atmosphere.
In addition to proper watering (see the earlier list), be sure the plant is getting
the right kind of water. Using distilled water is best and watch for
environmental contributions to the water. For example, putting a plant on a
shelf in the shower suggests it’s going to get soaped from time to time. Don’t
put plants where you spray your hair, or where your dog sprays his…well,
you get the drift. Think of the cooking fumes in the kitchen and don’t put
plants next to the sink where chlorinated water and mildews from washcloths
can reach it.
Indoor plants need food and that’s where fertilizers come in. Most people tend
to over-water and then additionally over-fertilize. The secret for giving your
plants fertilizer is to add it in small bits as the plant grows. When you have
first potted a plant, don’t mix in a huge helping of fertilizer, thinking it will
need the extra push. You’ll over tax the plant’s system and burn it up. During
the summer months is best because the plant is most active in its growth cycle
then.
Mixing the soil is crucial to plant health. A great potting mix is equal parts of
garden loam or potting soil, perlite or vermiculite and peat moss. You can add
2 to 3 ounces of 20 percent superphosphate and ¾ ounce of either bonemeal
or dolomitic limestone to 4 gallons of potting mix. Be sure to sterilize the soil.
Depending on the type of plant, here are three other mixes:
1 part garden loam or potting soil to 1 part sand or 2 parts peat moss
1 part pine bark to 2 parts peat moss
1 part sand, 1 part pine bark and 1 part peat moss
You can easily sterilize your soil in a bag in the microwave.

Plants are generally raised in a nursery where they get abundance of all the
things they need. Bringing them home is a stressful process and to help them
get acclimated, begin by putting them in the brightest part of the house for
two to three weeks before moving them to their final location. Ask the staff at
the nursery how often they typically water the plant and when it was last
given fertilizer.
Use a pot that has excellent drainage and make sure it is roughly the same size
as the fullest body of the foliage. As plants grow, repotting them is important
and only go up one size at a time. Putting a single, thin plant in a 2-gallon pot
will not give it a chance.
When choosing your plant, look for one that has uniformity in its leaves; not
some brown and not some multi-colored. (Note: a newly bloomed leaf will be
lighter than a mature leaf so don’t hold this against the plant.) It pays to buy
your plants at a reputable nursery and not off the shelf at the discount store
where the only person caring for them was a 16-year-old boy who didn’t
know the difference between a fern and a ficus.
Keep your plant pruned and be sure to pinch off any dead leaves; they simply
drain the strength from the plant. You should dust your plant regularly and
delicately, as dust clogs the pores of the plant that need to absorb sunlight and
oxygen.
Watch for telltale signs of bugs and disease on the plant leaves. If you care
regularly for your plants as you should, you will notice when things go badly.
Don’t let this go unresolved, as bugs and bacteria travel and you soon find
yourself hauling your entire plant family out to the trash. Upon first
discovery, immediately consult your nursery to get the proper solution.
Nothing is more heartbreaking than caring for a plant for a decade only to
have it destroyed in a matter of weeks by a mealy bug. Depending on the
problem, typical cures can include using a cotton swab with alcohol to dab the
leaves, moving it outdoors where nature’s predators will do their honorable
duty, treating it with insecticidal soap or simply giving it a good bath in the
shower.
Life is full of changes and you have probably moved a time or two yourself.
When you have put a lot of love and care into your plants, the last thing you
want to do is to leave them in a dumpster. Of course not! You want to take
them with you!
So, here are some tips.
If you are only moving across town, set your plants gently into an opened
cardboard box and pack newspaper around the bases to keep them upright.
Arrange them according to size, saving the floor behind the front seat for the
taller plants. If you’re moving something too big for the car, perhaps a friend
with a van can help or even add them as the last thing in and the first thing out
of the moving van. If the plant is taller, pack the pot with sphagnum moss and
then wrap the pot with plastic and tie it with string or tape. This will let you
tip the pot and plant somewhat without everything spilling out.
If you’re moving in the winter, wrap your plants with newspaper as insulation
before loading them. Even those few seconds as you run from the house to the
car can traumatize your plant. Think of running through the snow in a t-shirt
and you’ll get the drift.
When travelling long distances, treat your plants as you would a pet. Don’t
leave them overnight in an icy car or to roast with the windows rolled up. If
you can, carry them into your hotel and set them near the window. Using
boxes to keep them upright can help with this. As a last ditch, try to park your
car at the extreme end of the parking lot, backed in and set your plants
beneath the back bumper for the night. Chances are no one will bother them.
When all else fails, plants make excellent gifts to friends and family you’ll be
leaving behind. You can, with some plants, cut off a shoot and root it before
leaving so you’ll be at least taking a grandchild or two along with you! It’s
also worth remembering that if you’re moving from Maine to New Mexico,
the plants may not be as excited about that as you are and actually may prefer
to stay behind in an adopted home.
 Chapter 6: Decorating with Plants?
Why Not Veggies Too?

About the only thing that makes waiting in the dentist’s office pleasant is the
brief time when no one is bothering you and you get a chance to look at the
decorating magazines on the end table. You may even find yourself carrying a
few with you back to THE CHAIR.
So, as you page through the beautiful, pristine kitchen floors, the beds that
look as though they have never been slept in and the bathrooms that certainly
did not see Fido getting his bath last night, you marvel that you, too, could
have a home just like that. So you begin to analyze what makes that home
different from your own.
Besides the fact that it is clean and that the furniture matches and there is an
obvious absence of Fido and the kids, it is that the house has a flow. There is a
cohesiveness that your house lacks. You think of your own home and see it as
chopped up cubicles; without definition and multi-purpose. Sissy’s pink
bedroom flows right into the neutral hall which then leads to Junior’s
fluorescent green and black hole. You know these things will never change.
So, you begin to look for other design tips that might spruce up the place. Oh,
did I say “spruce”? Why, yes, I did.
There on the pages before you are an element you never considered seriously.
Plants in your home. Now, we aren’t talking about the Mother-in-law’s
Tongue your husband innocently bought you last anniversary. We are talking
about using plants as counterpoints to the havoc and mis-matched scheme of
your home life. Why stop with foliage? Why not decorate the kitchen with a
rack of fresh herbs? Of course! Why didn’t you think of this before?
So, how about it? Suddenly your head pops up and you see the plants around
the dentist’s office. He probably has a service that comes in and takes care of
them, right? Well, why not? There’s a huge bouquet of daisies on the
receptionist’s counter—just there to look dainty and harmless as you’re
writing out that check for the two crowns now gracing your mouth. Here is a
place where anxiety and expense reign and what does he have? A whole lot of
plants?
Plants are signs of Nature and that is what makes them calming. Think about
the sound of leaves rustling overhead on a summer’s day; the frenzy as they
kick up in the winds leading in a summer storm. Remember that long, cold
winter you just went through and how you longed for a sign of green and
budding flowers somewhere in your world?
You can have all that.
First of all, take inventory.
- How many windows get good light a major portion of the day?
- What is sitting in front of those windows that could be moved or
perhaps accented by the placement of a plant?
- How deep are your window sills?
- Do you like blossoming plants?
- Does anyone in your home have plant allergies?
- Do you have pets who will tip things over and play in the mess?
- How much time do you have to dedicate to the plants?
- Would your kids enjoy learning more about green, living organisms
(that aren’t in your refrigerator)?
- Are you generally home throughout the year so they don’t have to fend
for themselves for a month at a time?

Ask yourself these questions honestly, because taking on a plant can be like
adopting a pet. You have to work with them constantly for them to fit into
your family and schedule.
We suggest beginning with a few and acquiring more as you are more
comfortable with them. Buy your plants from a good source who takes care of
their stock. No need to pay for bugs.
Shop the rows of pots and plan how these might look in your décor. Is your
living room country? You might look at natural clay and wood containers
here. Are you the sleek and modern type? Consider metals and glass or
polished pottery. Do you want the plant to provide color – or its container?
Remember, there are many containers that are purely decorative and you can
sit the clay pot actually holding the plant inside the container. Be sure you get
pots that drain properly so the roots are not sitting in water. You also want to
make sure that you have trays beneath draining pots so a little spillage doesn’t
stain your carpeting or floor beneath.
Take into consideration that very large plants in very large planters weigh
very large amounts. You won’t want to drag that plant around and the flooring
beneath has to support it. If you intend to get this plant up to the third floor,
be sure you have the manpower to get it there!
Size up the lighting in the house. While the room may appear bright enough
to support plant life with the lights on, incandescent lighting does not benefit
the plant. To support even the most light-thrifty plant, you should be able to
read a magazine in there without flipping on a light. A window that has
controlled lighting is excellent. When the sun is hot and setting, being able to
filter out the heat is a good idea.
Sometimes getting good light means moving a heavy piece of furniture that is
in the way. This is often a good thing for the furniture, as well as the plant,
since direct sunlight bleaches out woods and fabrics. Perhaps you’ll need to
have an arborist come and trim outside bushes and tree branches that will
more light to reach your home windows. You might be surprised what just a
good cleaning will do to open up the light. Do you have heavy drapes there
that you close when the snow blows? It might be warmer, but it will also be
darker. On the other hand, is the window location too cold for the plant in the
winter? How about too hot? Are you planning to set that plant directly on top
of or next to a floor or baseboard heating duct? Are you blocking the cold air
return for your home? How about cleaning up after the plant? If the leaves
shed and you leave them on the carpet behind the heavy chair – rotting leaves
can stain carpets and floors. Plants without proper drain trays can leak and
buckle your wood floor. If your plant needs regular misting – are you also
going to mist your wallpaper and cause it to buckle? How about that
beautifully-carved china hutch? Does it also want to be misted?
Is the plant going to be accessible for you to care for it or will you need to
drag out the sofa each time it needs watering? That fern may look great on top
of the kitchen cupboards but ask yourself, seriously, just how often are you
going to get up there and water it and can you keep it free from kitchen
greases that build up on the walls and cabinets? Don’t forget when the
holidays come around, you may normally put your Xmas tree in that exact
spot and now for two months, minimum, you’re going to need to find an
alternate location for that big plant. That’s not healthy for it, particularly in
the low-light, colder winter months. It deserves a permanent home.
Will the plant be sitting in a safe place, out of the traffic patterns? You don’t
want the kids to play tag and trip over your Boston Fern on its stand. Messy…
tsk, tsk. Remember that plants need to be turned from time to time to get even
light exposure. Will you have the room to do that? How does the plant fit in
that spot now as compared to a few months or even a couple of years from
now? Is this a trailing ivy that will be looking to climb something? Don’t
forget that your plants want to breathe.
Will that certain spot be better served by a variety of plants grouped closely
together? How about combining several small plants into a planter
combination? What sort of items around the house can you re-purpose into
being a planter? How about that old cookie jar? What if you were to sit a clay
pot inside that dried out old paint can; would that have the shabby chic look
you’re so fond of?
You have that huge coffee table in the living room that has a dinged up top
but you can’t afford a new one right now. What about building a plant-scape
using miniature plantings with moss and stone and positioning tiny fairy
characters within its shadows?
What about a huge palm with dramatic uplighting in your front window? All
plants aren’t green, you know. Consider the color and texture of the plant
itself in addition to the container. Does the plant bloom and when? Is there a
focal point in your room you would like to call attention to? Perhaps
positioned next to a lighted painting or in that window seat of the dining
room?
Would plants work well near the aquarium? They won’t work so well on top
of the television, particularly when it comes time to water. Water and
electricity don’t mix well. The TV also puts off a great deal of heat, as do
most electronics and their energy output can conflict with the natural energy
of a plant.
Horticulture was originally an ornamental art. Even the earliest civilizations
sought new and exciting plants from distant lands to decorate their abodes.
Although their fruits brought new tastes, the plants indoors were generally of
a decorative nature. In fact, the earliest recorded botanical expedition was on
behalf of an Egyptian Queen in 1495 BC.
Keep in mind that plants do not live forever. They have a life cycle, just as do
pets and humans. Most do rest from time to time and then experience growth
spurts. Just like humans, the younger they are, the faster they grow. Older age,
brittle structure and depleted nutrients in the soil can age a plant quickly. Take
care of it like a family member.
 Conclusion

By now you’ve made a decision whether indoor gardening is something you

would like to take up. You’ve gotten a fair look at what it takes and at the
rewards. Plants can bring a great deal of beauty and pleasure to your life, and
gardening as a hobby certainly has its rewards. What other hobbies can you
think of that keep you busy year round? How many plants have been passed
down through your family as keepsakes? There are studies that show that
plants respond to the human voice and indeed, prefer classical music as
opposed to rock and roll. No matter what your spiritual beliefs, you have to
recognize that plants are alive and have a logic and a set of preferences. They
know when to hibernate and when to sprout flowers. They breathe in, as well
as out. They don’t argue and are generally content to be appreciated from a
distance. They appreciate good care and reward you with intense beauty, a
pleasant scent and years of memories. Caring for a plant now with your
children is teaching them to be good caretakers of the Earth and its bounty. In
years to come, you will remember back on that, as will they. You don’t need
to buy a tractor; just buy a fern. For that matter, you can name it Betty!
Enjoy your plants! Enjoy everything the Earth has to offer.
 Thank You!

Before you go, I’d like to say “thank you” for purchasing my book. I know
you could have chosen from many books, but you took a chance with this
book and I sincerely appreciate it. So a big thanks for downloading this book
and reading all the way to the end.
*If* you liked what you’ve read then I need your help!
Please take a moment to leave a review for this book on Amazon.
Thank you.