Gardening Indoors

Tips to help houseplants thrive

• Use soil for indoor plants, not dirt from outdoors
• Give fruits and vegetables at least six hours of direct sunlight daily
• Keep a stable, warm temp – summer fruits and veggies prefer around 75–80 degrees

Gadgets that Help You Grow

Countertop hydroponic garden

Grow up to six plants at once with a convenient countertop garden. Control panels alert you when it’s time to water and feed your plants, and an automatic timer ensures they get the light they need.

Smart soil tester

Digitally check the moisture levels and temperature of the soil. If it’s too wet, too hot or too dry, this tool will let you know and offer solutions for making your soil healthier.

No-leak watering can

Watering is a huge part of successful indoor gardening. This type of watering can has a convenient, narrow spout that helps avoid messes and discourages overwatering.

Garden tower

This vertical, self-contained gardening system uses no soil, little water and can grow up to 300 plants. The tower connects to an app that allows you to conveniently control the amount of light and food your plants receive. Thanks to tech, you can enjoy the benefits of gardening without the dirty hands.

Grow these plants at home.

Flowers and vegetables that thrive indoors:

• Avocado
• Lemons
• Chives
• Basil
• Ginger
• ZZ plants
• Arabica coffee plant
• Red aglaonema
• Rubber plant
• String of pearls

Time to take it outside

Gardening outside can produce results just as beautiful and delicious as growing indoors, as long as you take the weather into account. With so much in season during the summer – dahlias, tomatoes, cucumbers – and nature’s heat and pests, you may need to give your outdoor garden some good old TLC. These simple tips can help keep your summer flora thriving in the heat.

Water smart

• Water flowerbeds twice a week with plenty of water
• Do your heaviest watering in the morning
• Use irrigation hoses with timers for an automated, gentle flow

Mulch and feed

• Place a 3-inch layer of mulch in beds and around plantings in or after late spring; this will help soil retain its moisture and keep plants insulated from high temperatures
• Use a liquid fertilizer that attaches to your hose and feed every two-to-three weeks
• Ask your local nursery which fertilizers are best for your specific plants

Weed and prune

• Pull weeds and trim off dead blooms and old leaves
• Keep all the nutrients and water directed to your plants

Watch the light

• Add shade anywhere your garden gets strong sunlight for too long
• Use large potted plants or string up a sheet or netting to help block direct sun, if needed
• Ensure your garden has a healthy combination of breathing room, sun and shade

These plants can take the heat

Flowers and vegetables that do well in the summertime:

• Madagascar periwinkles
• Lantana
• Petunias
• Marigolds
• Black-eyed Susan
• Tomatoes
• Hot peppers
• Watermelon
• Cucumbers
• Okra

Whether you garden inside, outside or both, a little work can go a long way. Enjoy cleaner air, gorgeous colors, fresh produce and the satisfaction that comes with digging into the world of gardening.