Top 11 gardening basics you must consider

When we see a garden or a home with indoor plants, we just love it and wish we had one! Once a green lover, you always fall for another plant and you keep adding. Running a community crossing 1 million garden lovers of Plantohlics Gardening Ideas and More (India) we understand the addiction we reach for gardening.

The thing is, time and again lot of people go overboard and purchase so many plants for garden and DAPs, Fertilizers, Manures, Nutrition for Plants, Biofertilizers, special care for succulents and exotic plants – we are flooded with information.

So this is difficult , where to start, which things we need to do as must to do.

Adopting green and plant adoption is an exciting venture that can bring immense joy and numerous benefits. But let us ensure a few pointers which are  essential to consider several factors before diving in.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top 11 things to ponder before adopting plants into your living space.

1. Time : While starting gardening we must consider the most important thing is that we need to look at ourselves, our lifestyle. Do we have enough time in the morning or evening atleast at alternate days ? If we travel a lot, we need to keep few things in mind for gardening. Gardening is a journey, we need to give time to learn, water plants , keep them clean and make them alive.

2. Space Assessment:

Before selecting plants, assess the available space in your home. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, room dimensions, and the overall layout. Some plants thrive in bright, indirect light, while others may require more shade. There are few important tips to learn Indoor gardening. Ensure that your chosen plants align with the space availability of your living area.

3. Understanding Light Conditions:

Please make it very clear, there are no complete indoor plants. Different plants have varying light requirements. Some thrive in full sunlight, others in partial shade, and some can tolerate low-light conditions. Evaluate the natural light available in your space and match it with the light preferences of your chosen plants. This understanding is crucial for their growth and overall well-being.

4. Watering Needs:

One of the most common reasons for plant failure is improper watering. More due to over watering, less due to lack of watering. You need to identify what is called overwatering to plants. Research the watering needs from a good community in your local climate. Talk about the plants you’re considering, taking into account factors like soil moisture, humidity levels, and the specific requirements of each species. Establish a consistent watering routine to maintain optimal conditions.

5. Climate Considerations:

The climate in your region can significantly impact plant health. Consider the local climate conditions, including temperature and humidity levels. Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate or be prepared to create a microclimate within your home to cater to specific plant requirements.

6. Maintenance Requirements:

Different plants have varying maintenance needs. Some are low-maintenance and resilient, while others may demand more attention. Evaluate the time and effort you’re willing to invest in plant care. Choose plants that align with your lifestyle and availability for maintenance tasks like pruning, fertilizing, and repotting.

7. Soil Quality and Composition:

Understanding the soil requirements for your chosen plants is crucial. For example succulents have different soil requirements, flowering plants have different and foliages has different soil quality and composition. Different plants thrive in varying soil compositions, including factors like drainage and aeration. Ensure that your planters have suitable soil, and consider repotting when necessary to provide optimal conditions for growth.

8. Allergies and Child & Pet-Friendly Options:

Certain plants can trigger allergies or may be toxic to children and pets. If you have a kid at home you need to keep plants a little up and in a safe place so that kids do not touch the soil, try to eat the leaves (we don’t know why kids do that!) And for the pets, few plants are not pet friendly. Do proper research. This ensures a harmonious environment for both you and your companions.

9. Budgetary Considerations:

Plant adoption comes with associated costs, including pots, soil, fertilizers, and potentially specialized equipment. Ofcourse, we can have zero budget gardening option too. But as a rule, establish a budget for your indoor garden, factoring in ongoing maintenance expenses. This will help you make informed decisions and prevent overspending on plants or accessories. I must warn you, we often go over board once we visit nursery and go for online shopping.

10. Educate Yourself on Plant Varieties, pests:

Ofcourse, love for plants works best. Love automatically makes you understand the plant more. Trial and error is also part of the game. But knowledge is key to successful plant parenting. Familiarize yourself with the specific needs and characteristics of the plants you intend to adopt. Join good communities with positive vibes on gardening.  Understand growth patterns, potential diseases, and recommended care from experts preferably in your area, state and country. There is no one formula that fits all.

11. Start Small and Grow:

If you’re new to plant adoption, please start with few plants and they all should be easy-to-care-for plants. As you gain experience and confidence, you can expand your collection with more challenging varieties. This gradual approach allows you to develop your green thumb while enjoying the rewards of a flourishing indoor garden.

Let us take it this way, adopting plants and being plant parent for sure is rewarding. Gardening makes your living space is a rewarding, enhances aesthetics, promotes well-being, and connects you with nature. By considering these 11 fundamental aspects before diving into plant parenthood, you set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling journey. Remember, each plant is unique, and understanding and meeting its specific needs will contribute to a thriving and vibrant indoor oasis. Grow plants grow happiness!