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How Do You Care for Succulents? The Key to Thriving Succulents

Was I the only one who was fed this lie, “Succulents are easy! There is no way you could kill them!” My mother, the expert gardener, told me this when I was choosing my first house plants. I then proceeded to kill each one. The truth is, it is easy to care for succulents, but there are rules because, like all plants, succulents have specific needs. If you are armed with these tried and true care tips, succulents can make the perfect cheery, low maintenance house plants.

The Right Soil and Potting Mix

Above all, your succulents crave proper drainage. A wise decision on potting soil will save you so much grief later on. Any ol’ potting mix or soil from your yard won’t cut the mustard. Instead, go for a cactus or succulent mix. You can also add material like pumice or perlite to this mix to increase drainage and aeration. The hope is to create a mix that is course enough to dry quickly and allow water to flow through. Plant succulents in a soil mix they will love, and they will be happy as can be in your garden.

Container Types: Avoid Glass and Pots Without Drainage

Please, please choose a container which allows for proper drainage and avoid glass pots and bowls with no drainage holes in the bottom. Succulents will rot if waterlogged, so give the moisture an escape route. Terra Cotta pots are a great choice because not only do they provide drainage at the bottom, but the porous material will assist in aeration.

We have all seen the glamorous succulents in terrariums made in glass containers. They make beautiful gifts and centerpieces. But, the truth is, because of a lack of drainage and aeration, these containers are not great long-term planting solutions for succulents. If you are creating a terrarium, there are soil choices and watering habits that will help. Adding pine bark shreds and crushed rock to your succulent mix, and spraying the soil lightly to water are a few helpful ways to prevent rot.

Watering Succulents: Soak Soil and Dry

Overwatering is the number one killer of succulents, so watch out. Because succulents are native to climates which experience drought, they have thick fleshy leaves that store water. However, this does not necessarily mean that they require less water, rather they should be watered very thoroughly and less often. The “soak and dry” method is most effective. In short, water thoroughly and allow soil to dry fully between watering. Here are some details and tips for watering:

  • Water directly into soil, avoiding leaves to prevent mold growth. Misting leaves or pouring water directly onto the plant is a common mistake.
  • Water succulents deeply, until water is draining from the bottom, or water from the root up by setting a well-draining pot in water. Allow water to be pulled up to the surface through the base of the pot, until the top of the soil is moist.
  • Allow soil to dry completely before watering again. Depending on your plant and climate, this could mean several days or weeks. As long as the soil is allowed to dry fully, you are most likely in the clear.
  • Slow watering outside of the growing season. This is usually in the winter months (low light months) while your succulent is not actively growing. Keep an eye on your plant. Water frequently enough to prevent withering.

Getting Enough Sunlight

Most succulents require at least six hours of sunlight a day. When growing indoors, this becomes particularly tricky and important. The best rule of thumb is to place them in the sunniest place you possibly can. You may also want to rotate your succulent to make sure each side is receiving the sunshine it needs. If your plant is not getting enough light, they simply won’t grow at a healthy pace and may not flower. They can become stretched and thin as it searches for sunshine.

When shopping for your succulents, keep your growing space in mind. If growing indoors with little direct sunlight, you may want to go for more green-colored plants. Those with more color, like purples and pinks, tend to require more sunlight. Some succulents would love eight hours of full sun a day! So, when growing in shade and indoors, go for the green.

All of that said, there are some succulents that can tolerate shade better than others. Some succulents will even scorch or fade in too much direct sun exposure and heat. So if you don’t have a sunny south-facing window, don’t worry.  You can still grow these juicy little friends! Here are a few of my favorite low light succulents:

  • burn plant (Aloe vera)
  • devil’s backbone (Pedilanthus)
  • string of pearls (Senecio)
  • string of hearts and rosary vine (Ceropegia)
  • Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)

Pests and Houseplant Bugs

If your succulent has ample proper drainage and is not being watered properly, your indoor succulents shouldn’t have too much issue with pests. This is because the majority of pests are attracted to the moisture in your plant’s soil. However, it does occasionally happen.

Gnats love the moisture in your houseplants and can be pretty frustrating as they zoom around your home. The best course of action is to allow your plant to dry out fully. Your succulent plants will benefit from this anyway since they aren’t fans of excess water. You can also try using sticky gnat traps. These have been a lifesaver for my indoor garden.

Mealybugs are another common pest. They are small white fuzzy guys and large numbers of them together can look similar to mold growing on your plant. However, they can sometimes be harder to spot, especially on succulents whose leaves are very layered and close together. So look closely. If you do have a plant with mealybugs, it’s best to separate it from your other plants right away! Those things can spread like wildfire.

Possibly one of the most effective ways to rid your succulents of these little guys, while not harming the plant is with rubbing alcohol. Spray with 70% alcohol. If the mealy bugs die, they will turn red. Then rinse with water to wash them off. Give it some time to make sure you got them all. You may need another round of spray. If that doesn’t work for you, there are some more suggestions for getting rid of mealy bugs.

11 Must-Know Tips To Growing Tomatoes Indoors

There’s something exciting about a fresh tomato grown in a garden. When done correctly, these plants can produce plump, juicy fruits with vibrant colors. Unfortunately, when winter sets in, your sun-loving tomatoes will struggle to thrive. It’s no wonder people have been trying to grow tomatoes indoors. And with the proper care and good artificial light, it’s possible to grow tomatoes indoors. That said, going this route is not for the faint of heart. It’s not as easy as growing leafy greens or herbs indoors.

Can You Grow Tomatoes Indoors?

The short answer is, yes, you can grow tomatoes indoors. However, unlike other houseplants or vegetation, tomatoes never truly acclimate to indoor-living; they need to grow in a way that almost perfectly matches outdoor conditions. At least 8 hours of sunlight (or grow light) is necessary, and a stable, moderately warm environment is ideal. Based on USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, thriving tomatoes fruiting are best in Zone 5,6,7 and 8.

The benefit of growing this fruit (no, not a vegetable) indoors is that the plant is shielded from harsh weather conditions and hungry pests, meaning that you might be trading one challenge for another. If you give them the time and attention needed, your house tomatoes should grow big and strong. But let’s take a look at the process of growing your tomatoes indoors. If you have what it takes, you could have amazing tomatoes all year-round.

red and green tomato plant fruit hanging

How to Grow Tomatoes Indoors

We should start by saying that this isn’t going to be an easy process. Growing tomatoes indoors requires the correct plant variety, proper tending throughout the winter months, grow lights to achieve sufficient growth and development, pruning, and the appropriate airflow. You’ll even need to hand-pollinate your plants. In other words, to do this the right way, it will be a time-consuming project.

If you’re looking for a way to grow tomatoes inside with less of a headache, consider starting with a hydroponic unit. Some, such as the AeroGarden Bounty or Rise Garden, give you a seed starter kit, proper plant food, and even an LED that meets your tomato plant’s sun needs. AeroGarden also comes with a lattice, which works well and, in my opinion, looks nicer than a traditional tomato cage.

Steps for Growing Tomatoes Indoors

Whether you decide to grow in a planter or with a hydroponic system, think of the rewards of tomato growing indoors! A homegrown tomato is typically tastier than anything that ends up in the store, especially during the winter. So if you’re up for a challenge, follow these steps to growing your tomatoes indoors.

Step 1: Pick the Ideal Tomato Varieties for Your Space

When picking which tomato variety, there are a few variables to consider. More than anything else, you want to make sure you choose a variety that has a natural resistance to pathogens. But you also need to decide if you’re going to go with a determinate (bush) or indeterminate tomato plant (vining), which will affect the size of the tomato plant, the amount of time you’ll need to spend on care and maintenance, as well as the preferred harvest season.

How Many Tomatoes Will One Plant Produce?

The amount of tomatoes produced from one plant is dependent on several factors. Light and heat are essential, but the yield will also vary depending on the tomato plant type. 

Generally speaking, there are two varieties of tomato plants: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate plants are more bush-like and tend to yield all of their tomatoes at once–– their yield is more-or-less predetermined. By contrast, indeterminate varieties sprout along an ever-growing vine, producing tomatoes all season long as the plant keeps growing larger. That said, a regular average has indoor tomato plants in ideal conditions yielding about 200 tomatoes, or 10 pounds, per season! For such a haul, I think the attention to detail is well worth it. But that’s the catch; a lot is riding on the perfect conditions you provide for your indoor fruits.

Determinate Tomato Plants 

Determinate tomato plants will only grow to a specific size before stopping. This makes them a good option for container plants or anywhere with just a limited amount of space (like your living room!). With determinate varieties, you have a smaller plant that may not require stakes or a tomato cage. And while its fruits will ripen early, they will often produce all at once, meaning you have a short season. 

Some indoor tomato varieties that are determinate (both hybrids and heirlooms) include the following:

  • Celebrity – a hybrid variety that produces long stems/vines that can hold at least 20 fat and full tomatoes
  • Silvery Fir Tree – Russian heirloom with a slight citrus flavor, growing up to 2 inches around, great for canning and juicing, and eating raw
  • Tiny Tim – a type of cherry tomato that is relatively easy to grow, producing a uniquely small plant, great for window boxes or hanging baskets and small garden spaces
  • Small Fry – another dwarf variety, ideal for small containers
  • Totem – bred for front porches and window boxes, named for stacking up more fruit than leaves, growing just 12 to 18 inches tall
  • Patio – bushy, dwarf variety growing about 2 feet tall, generally sturdy enough to not need extra support.

Indeterminate Tomato Plants

Indeterminate varieties continue to produce fruit and grow throughout their season. In some cases, they can become substantial and end up looking more like bushes than tomato plants. This means you’ll need to spend more time staking and caging – often with metal rebar stakes to keep them supported. The benefit of indeterminate varieties is that you can enjoy their fruit for a longer stint of time than you would with determinate varieties. That said, if you’re planting indoors, it may make the most sense to go with a determinate variety, which can help you save on space. If you use an indeterminate tomato, consider a smaller variety, such as cherry tomatoes. 

Here are some popular indeterminate tomato varieties.

  • Better Boy – Guinness record holder for the amount of fruit produced from a single plant, known for superior flavor, typically ripen in 72 days
  • Yellow Pear – named (quite obviously) for its yellow color and pear-like shape, bite-sized and tangy flavor
  • Tommy Toe – can produce hundreds of perfectly round tomatoes, stands up well to high heat, pops when bitten
  • Big Boy – large and bright red, good for slicing onto sandwiches, harvest midseason
  • Early Girl – medium-sized, popular with indoor gardeners because it ripens quickly
  • Pink Ping Pong – about the size and shape of a ping pong ball, slightly pink color, will need a support system

Step 2: Choosing The Right Potting Mix

You can use a standard starting mix, potting mix, or soil mix for your growing medium. The key is that your growing medium has good drainage. When choosing a potting mix, check the ingredients: an excellent blend has sand, vermiculite, peat moss, and compost. And most importantly, it drains well. 

Here are some recommended commercial options for potting mixes:

Step 3: Potting Your Tomato Seeds

When growing tomatoes indoors, you’ll likely need to grow from seed. According to the University of Missouri Extension, begin with a sterile growing medium – like a soilless potting mix or a pre-moistened seed germination medium. Take your growing medium and place it into a cell tray or a grow disk. Then place one to two seeds in each cell. Bury them each about 1/4 inch deep.

From there, mist your seeds with water and then put a plastic humidity cover over the tray to keep the moisture inside with the seeds as they start to germinate. Germination will take up to two weeks after planting. Temperature is vital during this step, with your seed tray needing to be 62-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Once again, consider using a heat mat if you’re growing them in a colder indoor space.

Once your seedling is about two inches tall, transplanting the tomato seedlings into a container is the next step. A small biodegradable 2″ pot works fine.

When the seedling is five to six inches tall, transplant it again. One common mistake urban gardeners make is putting a mature tomato plant in a pot that’s too small. It’s okay to start with a smaller pot, but once the plant is about a foot or more,  make sure your container is at least 12 inches deep. This allows room for its growing root system.

Step 4: Placement: Sunny Window or Grow Lights

Tomato plants love to be in the sun. You’ll want to place them in whatever part of your home is the brightest, such as a south-facing window, a windowsill, a sunroom, or any sunny window. Our condo is more like a cave with a single-window that receives direct light a few hours a day. For us and most people indoor gardening, you’ll need to invest in fluorescent lights or grow lights to supplement the light.

The type of light your plants receive is important as well. For a tomato plant, it’s best to use a light that has bulbs that are both cool-colored and warm-colored. The warm-colored lights will encourage your plants to produce healthy flowers and begin to fruit.

Along with light, heat is an integral part of tomato development. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can hurt the tomatoes, while temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can harm the fruit. If you’re growing in a place that’s chilly, such as a basement, you may consider using a heat mat beneath the plants.

What Is The Best Lighting For Growing Tomatoes Indoors?

The type of light your plants receive is important, and assuming you don’t have access to 8 hours of direct sunlight indoors each day, a grow light is your next best bet. However, artificial light doesn’t quite count the same as the natural stuff, so plan on giving your tomatoes 16 total hours of light every day. 

Cool-colored lights (about 6500K) are best for stimulating leaves and vines but not great for flowering or fruit yield. 

However, warm-colored lights (about 2700K) will encourage plants to flower and bear fruit but won’t show much leafy growth. For a tomato plant, it’s best to use a light with bulbs that are both cool-colored and warm-colored. The warm-colored lights will encourage your plants to produce healthy flowers and begin to fruit, while the cool colors will keep your vines and leaves growing healthy.

Here are a few options, depending on your setup:

EZORKAS

grow light

growlight

 

Can You Grow Tomatoes Indoors With LED Lights?

LED lights are the standard for indoor grow lights, and they make it possible to grow food indoors all year round since you can fully customize your lighting needs while shielding your plants from the harsh cold of winter and the extreme heat of summer. 

They increase the tomato fruit yield and quality, consuming less energy than the alternative High-Pressure Sodium light. LEDs even increase the tomato fruit yield and quality because of their generally vast range of customization. This combination of UV, white, blue, and red light simulates the sunlight a tomato plant needs. Although LED lights are safer than the sun in terms of heat damage, they will affect your crop’s temperature, which will need close monitoring–– the right temperature is just as important as the proper lighting.

What Color Grow Light Should I Use For Tomatoes?

Tomatoes need a wide range of lighting colors to grow correctly. Both red and blue, warm and cool lights are necessary for development. The cooler light is most helpful in the early germination stages, while the red aids in fruit development.

Many grow lights (utilizing what is known as a full-spectrum bulb) allow for both warm and cool lights, so don’t worry about needing many different devices. In terms of brightness, around 7000 lumens is ideal for tomatoes. Again, upwards of 9 hours of direct light is necessary for optimal tomato growth. The brightness and coloring won’t only affect what the plant is absorbing but also the temperature at which it lives and grows.

gardener's grow light stand products

Along with light, heat is an integral part of tomato development. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can hurt the tomatoes, while temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can harm the fruit. A growing environment of about 70 degrees is best for long-term indoor tomato growth. If you’re growing in a place that’s chilly, such as a basement, you may consider using a heat mat beneath the plants. Here is a selection of a few good options:

VIVOSUN

Seedling Heat Mat

Can I Leave My Grow Light On 24/7?

It might be tempting to leave a grow light on all day, every day, believing that non-stop sunlight will result in continuous growth. However, this is untrue. According to several studies, plants need both light and dark time–– it seems as though they rest in the night, similar to us! 

Too much light will exhaust tomato plants and can result in irreparable damage. In other words, tomatoes need about 8 hours of darkness a day. 

This may then have you wondering how long to leave a grow light on a tomato plant. Typically, it’s recommended that tomatoes receive about 8 hours of natural light daily or closer to 16 hours of artificial light. Most hydroponics system, for instance, run their lights for 16 hours a day.

green bean buddy grow light

Checkout this Fullspectrum Grow LED Light from Green Bean Buddy.

If you’re using a combination of natural light and LED grow lights, you’ll need to do your own fine-tuning to find out just how much light your plant can receive.

Step 5: Water Your Tomato Plants

When growing outside, water your tomato plants at least once a day due to the heat and sunshine. With indoor tomato plants, a good trick is to stick your pointer finger in the soil. If your upper knuckle is dry, you should water your plant. Try to keep your pot consistently moist but not soaked. Too much or too little watering can cause tomato splitting or blossom end rot.

Watering and Humidity

Step 6: Fertilize Your Tomato Plants

Tomatoes like to be fed frequently with small, consistent amounts of fertilizers. An excellent place to start is with a weekly feeding of Miracle-Gro Tomatoes (You can also do a diluted dose of liquid kelp or fish emulsion – but for simplicity, I like to go with Miracle-Gro). A variety of factors can cause you to need more or less fertilizer. If they’re producing more leaves and less fruit, you may have too much fertilizer – or your fertilizer is too high in nitrogen. Similarly, if the leaves start to yellow or your flowers and fruits aren’t developing, you may need more.

Step 7: Hand Pollinate Your Tomato Plants

Tomato plants have all the anatomy to pollinate themselves. So you could grow a single tomato plant in your home, rather than having a pair or more. That said, especially when growing indoors, you’ll need to help pollination to maximize your yields. There are a few ways you can do this. You can rub a small paintbrush, a cotton swab, or even a low-powered electric toothbrush around each of the flowers. Or you can simply tap or gently shake the stems each day.

An easy and more hands-off way to help with pollination is by putting an oscillating fan near your tomato plants. You shouldn’t have the air directly on the plant, but the oscillating action can help the plant move and pollinate itself in the faux breeze. It will also improve the air circulation, helping protect your tomato plant (and other houseplants) from pathogens.

Step 8: Touch Your Plants

You may have heard that you should sing to your plants, but a gentle touch could be more effective. When growing indoors, plants don’t get the same amount of stimulus they would outside. There’s no rain, wind, pesky bugs, etc. And this cushy life could give your tomato plants a weak constitution. As your plants grow, gently run your hands over the leaves and stems regularly. This can help with plant hardiness and potentially improve yields.

close up hands touching red tomato plant

Step 9: Pruning & Other Tomato Maintenance

The primary reason to prune your tomato plants is to redirect energy to your leaves toward producing fruit. Tomato foliage is great, but you can’t eat it. Pruning and removing suckers (which are new shoots) will also improve the airflow. Pruning is essential when working with indeterminate varieties. 

For a complete guide on pruning your tomato plants, start with these resources from the University of New Hampshire.

Step 10: How to Harvest Your Tomatoes 

It’s pretty simple to judge when your tomatoes are ready for harvest. When growing indoors, it will take about 60-70 days to reach maturity. The bottom of the fruit will begin to ripen first. From there, monitor the color of the tomato and test the firmness. If this is your first time harvesting, go to the grocery store and buy some tomatoes. You can test the firmness of these and then compare them to the ones growing in your home. 

To harvest the tomato fruit, grasp it in one hand while the other hand holds the stem. You can break the stalk right above the calyx, the green and pointed leaf-like structure on top of the fruit.

Step 11: General Tomato Plant Questions, Care, And Maintenance

Once you’ve taken care of the germination and the light, you’ll need to focus on regular care and maintenance. While merely keeping a tomato plant alive may not take much care, maximizing its yield potential will require consistent work and attention. Use these tips to maximize your results.

ripe and unripe tomato plants indoor

Can You Grow Tomatoes From Store Bought Tomatoes?

Many people wish they could simply take a store-bought fruit or vegetable, bury it in the ground, and have a beautiful, colorful tree filled with their favorite foods. However, fruits and veggies from your local grocery store, tomatoes included, are typically grown so that they can’t reproduce from themselves. In most cases, they don’t even grow from seeds anymore. So, unfortunately, the tomato seeds left over from your salad are mostly useless. That said, you may be able to use the seeds from heirloom tomatoes or those grown as a small, local crop. Like potatoes, cherry tomatoes can be cut in half and sprouted to yield a budding plant. Nonetheless, we recommend the tried and true method of using the humble seed!

Can Cherry Tomatoes Be Grown Indoors?

While cherry tomatoes might be easier to grow from the store-bought fruit, they are still easier to grow from seed. Similar to other tomato varieties, you can grow cherry tomatoes indoors. Cherry tomatoes work incredibly well in a hydroponic system. Here are a few of our favorites:

Best Hydroponic Systems Of 2021

How Long Does A Tomato Take To Grow?

The time it takes to grow a tomato plant indoors can vary based on several factors. That variance is even more significant when growing tomatoes outdoors, so consider that a benefit of indoor gardening. When grown outdoors, the season in which you plant a crop will change the time it takes to succeed. For example, the early season takes about 70 days, the midseason about 50-60 days, and those grown late season can take more than 80 days. 

However, when grown indoors, tomato plants usually follow the mild, mid-season trends, so you can expect a tomato plant to be ready for harvest anywhere from 50 to 60 days after planting. 

Keep in mind, though, that this estimate does not account for how good of a gardener you are! Poor growing conditions can stunt growth, and different varieties will vary a bit. As mentioned above, determinate plants will yield one batch of fruit, whereas indeterminate tomatoes will be available for harvest over a more extended time.

Should I Cut Dead Leaves Off My Tomato Plant?

Cutting dead leaves off your tomato plant can be a helpful piece of the pruning and maintenance process. Some dead leaves may start to decay in a way that can disease the rest of the plant, so removing them when you see them is best practice. Pruning will help your tomatoes fruiting always.

Too many leaves, especially dead ones, can also block sunlight from the fruit on a bushier variety of tomato plants. And even though the leaves are no longer alive, a dead leaf takes up precious real estate on your homegrown tomato plant. If you make way for more tomatoes, chances are, more will come! Any bit of energy you can redirect toward your flourishing plant is well worth it. 

Can You Keep A Tomato Plant Alive All Year?

At this point, you might be wondering, “How long can you keep a tomato plant alive?” Ideally, the plant would stay alive all year long, continually bearing fruit without needing to replant. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. The bush-like plants will typically give enough fruit for one harvest and then die out but can potentially regrow in the following season. 

The more vine-like tomato plants are more likely to stay alive all year, though bearing significantly less fruit in the winter. Houseplants, in general, won’t grow as much as their outdoor counterparts, but just because the yield has fallen off doesn’t mean the plant is no longer alive or can’t bear fruit in the future.

gardener's grow light stand products

Getting Started With Indoor Tomato Plants

While certainly not as easy as growing outside, it is possible to grow your tomatoes inside. If you live in a city or location with short summers or longer winters (looking at you, Chicago!), then indoor tomatoes may be your best option. They’re a good project, and there’s nothing better than biting into a fresh tomato on a cold winter’s day.

Is the Aerogarden Bounty Worth It? An Aerogarden Review

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. All opinions on Aerogarden however are our own and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

Urban gardening is on the rise and I’m perched on the front seat of that bandwagon! I’ve always dreamed of having fresh herbs at my fingertips year-round and I’m tired of high grocery store prices. I remember my mother’s extensive herb garden, but living in the city, I just don’t have the space. Hydroponics is the answer. Luckily there are a number of different all-in-one, often smart tech-based micro-garden products on the market. These items sport a high powered UV spectrum grow light for year-round gardening, a built-in hydroponic system for ease and convenience, and a small footprint designed to fit in just about any space in your home. 

We needed something that was going to fit right on our countertop, so we tried out the Aerogarden Bounty. I now have fresh basil, dill, and mint growing out my ears! I’m so excited to share how it went, what we loved, what we don’t love so much, and whether this system is a must-buy!

What is an Aerogarden?

Aerogarden is one of the most popular brands of compact hydroponic gardening systems, and in our opinion, it’s also one of the best hydroponic systems out there. Each model sports a full spectrum LED lighting system that enables plants to grow indoors year-round, regardless of the climate and seed growing kit which includes seedpods, nutrients (miracle-gro Aerogarden plant food), and instructions. You are able to choose from several seedpod sets including salad greens, cascading petunias, and heirloom cherry tomatoes and gourmet herbs.

Hydroponic Gardening

If you’re not familiar with hydroponic gardening, it’s a great no-dirt, no-mess method. To put it very simply, a hydroponic system continually runs water through the plant’s roots and a high nutrient plant food is fed into the water to replace the nutrients found in soil.  Aerogarden boasts that their systems grow clean produce (free of pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs) in a super-fast, hassle-free, and compact manner. No green thumb is required. 

To put this to the test, we chose to start with the Aerogarden Bounty and gourmet herb seed kit.

Aerogarden Models

There are a few different options when shopping for your Aerogarden. You will see names like Aerogarden Harvest Elite, Basic, or Tuscan. These mostly refer to the color or style so don’t let this confuse you. What it comes down to, the true differences between the models are esthetic and size. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Keep in mind that each of these comes with an adjustable arm that allows you to change up the height as needed. So the height listed represents the arm extended to its highest point. The “grow height” is approximately the height you can expect your plants to reach at their peak. 

Photo Title Price Buy
AeroGarden Sprout -...image AeroGarden Sprout - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black $47.49
AeroGarden Harvest 360...image AeroGarden Harvest 360 Indoor Garden Hydroponic System with LED Grow Light and Herb Kit, Holds Up to 6 Pods, Black $76.49
AeroGarden Harvest with...image AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit - Hydroponic Indoor Garden, Black $79.95
AeroGarden 901104-1200 In-Home...image AeroGarden 901104-1200 In-Home Garden Harvest Elite LED Grow Light System Kit, Stainless Steel $129.98
AeroGarden 360-Black w/Heirloom...image AeroGarden 360-Black w/Heirloom Salad Gr Harvest 360 Indoor Hydroponic Garden, Black
AeroGarden Bounty Basic...image AeroGarden Bounty Basic - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black $153.00
AeroGarden Harvest Slim...image AeroGarden Harvest Slim with Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit
AeroGarden Farm 24Basic...image AeroGarden Farm 24Basic with Salad Bar Seed Pod Kit - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black $678.99
AeroGarden Farm 24XL...image AeroGarden Farm 24XL with Salad Bar Seed Pod Kit - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black $838.95

Aerogarden Sprout

This is the smallest of the systems, made for growing only 3 plants. This isn’t a bad choice if you are looking to grow herbs or salad greens for a single person. 

  • 10W full spectrum LED light
  • 11″ wide and 15.5″ tall (when grow light arm is fully extended)
  • 10″ grow height

Aerogarden Harvest 

The next step up in size is the Aerogarden Harvest. This unit grows up to 6 plants. 

  • 20W full spectrum LED light
  • 10.5″ wide and 17.5″ tall
  • 12″ grow height 

Aerogarden Harvest 360

The only difference between the Harvest and Harvest 360 is, you guessed it, the 360 model is round. So it may fit into your space more compactly. It also grows up to 6 plants. 

  • 20W full spectrumLED light
  • 9″ wide (round base) and 17.5″ tall
  • 12″ grow height  

Aerogarden Bounty

The Bounty, which we purchased, holds up to 9 plants and is a great midsize option.

  • 30W full spectrum LED light
  • 17.25″ wide and 34″ tall
  • 34″ grow height

Aerogarden Farm

If you’re really going to go for it and want to keep your family in salads daily, the Aerogarden Farm could be your best bet. This is the largest system and while it can fit on a large countertop, floor placement is also an option. Each unit holds 24 plants and utilizes two separate motorized 60W grow lights, so you are able to easily adjust the height of your light for the need of your plants. The Farm Aerogarden comes in three different heights, each with a base width of 36″.

  • Farm –  24″ tall with a grow height of 12″. 
  • Farm Plus – 34″ tall with a grow height of 24″.
  • Farm XL – 46″ tall with a grow height of 36″.

When you purchase the Farm model, you are able to choose two seed pod kits to fill the 24 plant holes. You can also purchase a frame that allows for stacking multiple units. Again, with the Farm Aerogarden, you can create an indoor farming operation as massive as you like.  Fill an entire wall with hydroponic systems… why not?

Our Thoughts: Aerogarden Review

So we chose the Aerogarden Bounty. I’m going to go ahead and say that I’m giving it 5 stars for quality and convenience. Thankfully it didn’t require much effort from me to produce a bumper crop of herbs. Let’s break it down:

Aerogarden Bounty Quality 

For the most part, I would say that we truly got the quality that we paid for. This is on the higher end of countertop hydroponic systems. 

The only quality issue I ran into was mostly my fault. During set up I dropped the LED light arm and the USB connecting cable popped inside the arm. It was a major process to try to get it out and I ended up using super glue to keep it from falling back in continually because the piece meant to hold it in place was broken.  That said, while it broke pretty easily, I don’t think it would have happened if I had dropped it on carpet instead of hardwood. So, I’m calling it equal parts user error and build quality issue. 

Aerogarden Setup

I’m not sure that I could have asked for a more user-friendly setup. The system arrived in three major pieces, the bowl and base (which arrived already attached), the arm, the light, and the plug. Putting these together was pretty self-explanatory and I did it without the instructions. 

Planting was comparably simple. The seed pod kit instructions walk you through seed pod placement and then the touchscreen control panel makes the system set up pretty foolproof. Essentially, just press “quick plant” and the LED screen will walk you through the setup with prompts. This includes, connecting to your wifi, and setting your light and nutrient schedule based on the type of plants you are growing. You can also connect and set up through your smartphone with the Aerogarden App.

Gardening Results With Aerogarden Bounty 

I had amazing results, especially with my dill, Genovese basil and Thai basil. I have to harvest almost every other day to keep it from taking over the entire grow space and I’m making all the pesto that I can.

These plants grew about 2X faster in the hydroponic system than they usually do in dirt.  I’m excited to try salad greens and tomatoes next time to see if the Aerogarden Bounty can truly grow anything.

Aerogarden Bounty Fertilizer & Seed Pods

The Good:

Aerogarden offers a germination guarantee and will replace your seedpods if they do not produce. Each seedpod is labeled with its germination time. This time frame can range from 6 – 21 days and is different for each plant. It was so helpful to know what to expect from each plant.

I’m happy to say that all of our seeds began sprouting within their given time frame. 

The Not So Good:

While they did all germinate, some of our herbs have more or less plant growth than others. For example, the basil just won’t quit but the chives, have had a very small yield. I have only been able to harvest them twice in the two months that they have been growing.

There is also the cost of replacing your seed pods and plant food. Because they are a specialized shape, you really do have to purchase these again from Aerogarden for best results. However, you have several buying options. Plant pods can be found at many stores as well as on Amazon. Some include seeds and others allow you to buy seeds separately, making your garden a bit more customizable, like these Grow Anything Seed Pods. Because of the convenience, it’s not altogether a bad thing. 

Aerogarden Bounty Grow Light

The Bounty model comes with a 60 Watt, full-spectrum LED grow light which, as advertised, did deliver super-fast growth.

 I will say, this light is quite bright. It can fill my entire kitchen with indirect light. While this may be a downside for some, I actually love it. For one thing, the light is a very natural color, like that coming in the windows. Plus, all of my house plants that love indirect light are thriving because of it.

Maintenance Of Aerogarden Bounty

The Good:

Probably the best part about growing with the Aerogarden Bounty is the simplicity. I never have to guess what my plants need because the system prompts me. When the water is low, the LED screen will show a red alert saying, “add water” and the fill line inside the bowl is clearly marked. The same occurs when it’s time to add plant food. These alerts will also appear on your smartphone if you connect via the app. I especially loved the “vacation mode” setting. This will cause the system to use less water for a time, so you can be gone and not refill it.

After setting up, the LED light runs on an automatic timer and the water pump continually moves the nutrients through your root system, so there is zero-day to day hassle and maintenance for me. Looking for more information on nutrients? Check out our guide on organic hydroponic nutrients today!

The Not So Good:

You may need to clean your water pump. Watch that your roots do not overtake the bowl to the point of clogging your water pump or that nutrient residue builds up inside the pump. Aerogarden recommends that you clean your pump between growing cycles or if you start to hear it making a not so good sound. 

This seems like a vague standard to me, and I wish the system would alert me of an issue instead of making me rely on my own, admittedly flawed, judgment. I have had my system for about two months and this has not been an issue yet. Here are some guidelines for cleaning your pump, in case this happens to you.

Also, Aerogarden recommends that you change out the water in your bowl once a month. This can be quite a hassle, especially if you are trying to protect your existing plants at the same time. The bowl is very heavy and hard to move when filled with water. Of course, Aerogarden recommends using a specialized Rinse and Refill Syphon, which you can purchase separately. 

How Does AeroGarden Compare To Other Hydroponic Systems?

AeroGarden is the biggest brand in the personal hydroponic space. That said, several competitors have started popping up in the last few years, including iDOO (which is much more affordable than AeroGarden), Gardyn, and iHarvest.

Our Rating: Aerogarden Bounty Overview

The Aerogarden Bounty is getting 5 stars from me. This is based on the convenience and simplicity of the system. Cleaning and maintenance of the system are only occasional inconveniences, while the plant yield is a daily benefit. It’s 100% worth the minimal amount of work.

What is Fertilizer and How to Pick the Perfect One

What is fertilizer? Fertilizer is any natural or synthetic material added to your soil or another growing medium to increase its growth rate, quality, and yield. There are two main goals of fertilizers. They either change the soil’s aeration and water retention, or they add or improve the nutrients in the ground. 

People have been using fertilizer for ages and were primarily added to increase crop yields to feed an ever-growing population. For instance, it’s believed that both ancient Babylonians and Egyptians used animal manure and minerals on their barley and other crops to improve their growth rate. And in 1842, the entrepreneur John Bennet Lawes patented a new form of manure (who knew you could patent manure?) treated with sulfuric acid and phosphates. Most consider this to be the beginning of the artificial fertilizer industry. 

As a home gardener or urban gardener in the 21st century, you’re probably less concerned about feeding your community and more focused on either supplementing your grocery budget or just experiencing the joys of working in the soil. But with such a rich history of fertilizers across the world, we can use this knowledge to improve the growth, beauty, and productivity of our plants.

Most commercial fertilizers typically provide one or more of three main macronutrients: 

  • nitrogen
  • phosphorus
  • potassium 

Many will also contain secondary macronutrients or soil amendments: 

  • calcium
  • magnesium
  • sulfur

The following micronutrients are often included, as well:

  • zinc
  • molybdenum
  • manganese
  • iron
  • copper

What Is Fertilizer: Understanding NPK Values

When deciding between different types of fertilizers, you’ll likely notice a set of three numbers on the fertilizer bag or bottle, such as 10-8-10. These are the NPK numbers, which stand for (N) Nitrogen, (P) Phosphorus, and (K) Potassium. These specific macronutrients are needed by all plants. Knowing the particular needs of your plants will help you decide what your NPK ratio should be.

Together, the numbers on the fertilizer bag refer to the level of nutrient concentration in the fertilizer. If, for instance, you see a fertilizer with the numbers 10-5-5, then that fertilizer has two times more nitrogen than it has phosphorus or potassium. 

But what does this actually mean for you? Depending on what your plant needs, you should purchase a fertilizer with the appropriate macronutrients. Nitrogen, for instance, helps with leaf development on the plant. At the same time, phosphorus is mainly responsible for flowering, fruiting, and plant root development. And potassium is associated with cellular strength and how nutrients, carbohydrates, and water move throughout the plant tissue. 

So what NPK ratio do your plants need? If you’re gardening with soil, an excellent way to check your ratio starts with a soil test. You can purchase one from your local state extension office. This will tell you the current condition of your NPK and other nutrients. 

When submitting the soil test, you can even list the specific plants you plan to grow, and the extension office can give you the NPK ratio needed to help them thrive. From there, if you’re lacking in any or all of the three main macronutrients, you can add nitrogen fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, and potassium fertilizers.

 If you’re using a soilless mix, it may already have the needed macronutrients to feed your plants for the first few months. And for most plants, an equal analysis fertilizer – or one that has an equal number of NPK (such as 10-10-10) – will usually meet your needs. From there, it can be a bit of trial and error. If the leaves on your kale are starting to yellow, you may need to ramp up the amount of nitrogen fertilizer being applied.

The soil’s pH level can also affect how certain macronutrients are absorbed by the plant. In some cases you may need to consider changing the pH with additives like lime or sulfur. Before doing this, though, speak with your local extension agents for advice. 

What Is Fertilizer: Organic Fertilizer vs. Inorganic Fertilizer

When deciding between fertilizers, people often ask if they should use organic or inorganic fertilizers. Both options provide great benefits, and both come with some potential pitfalls. 

Organic fertilizers are only made up of plant or animal-based materials – compost, leaves, manure, feather meal, blood meal, bone meal, fish emulsion, etc. Inorganic fertilizers are manufactured artificially and can contain minerals – many of which are mined from deep inside the earth and synthetic fertilizers made up of chemicals.

Inorganic fertilizers are usually more affordable than organic fertilizers. Their nutrients are (in most cases) available for immediate use by your plants. As far as cons go, inorganic fertilizers can cause chemical imbalances if misapplied. Inorganic fertilizers have also been known to cause leaching. 

Inorganic fertilizers include chemically processed compounds, such as ammonium nitrate, potash fertilizer, and micronutrient fertilizer, as well as others.

Organic fertilizers will only release nutrients in warm and moist soil, which usually is the appropriate time for a plant to need additional nutrients. That said, they also rely on small organisms to break down the organic material, meaning it can take even longer for the fertilizer to successfully release its nutrients. The cost of organic fertilizers is typically more than inorganic fertilizers. But organic fertilizers continue to improve your soil, even long after you treated it. So this extra cost up front could end up saving you in the long run.

Types of Fertilizer

There’s a wide variety of fertilizers that gardeners can use to cause plant growth, root growth, yields, and hardiness. Often a combination of these fertilizers and techniques is needed for your specific plants. 

Granular Fertilizer

A granular fertilizer is packaged in a dry form and made up of tiny pellets spread over the soil. Depending on the specific type and brand, granular fertilizers will last between one and nine months. Popular granular fertilizers include the Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed All Purpose plant food, which will support root system strength and development and feed your plants for up to three months.

Granular fertilizers come in two primary types: slow-release and quick release. 

Slow Release

Slow or quick-release fertilizers refers to the speed at which nutrients are released into the soil. With a slow-release fertilizer, the nutrients are released steadily as the soil’s conditions and small organisms break them down. 

Quick Release

While slow-release fertilizers release their nutrients over time, quick release fertilizers rapidly release their micronutrients and macronutrients into the soil. These quick-release fertilizers are often water-soluble, meaning they will break down quickly and get to work on your garden.

Organic Granular Fertilizer

An organic granular fertilizer is a dry form of fertilizer made up of small pellets. It’s sourced from natural materials, such as cottonseed meal, blood meal, feather meal, bone meal, manure, and others. It is not made up of any synthetic sources.

Jobe’s Organics 09525 Purpose Granular Fertilizer is a good option when looking for organic granular fertilizer.

Liquid Fertilizer (or Water Soluble Fertilizer)

A liquid fertilizer or a water-soluble fertilizer can be applied to the root system or the plant itself, which is called a foliar application. When added to the roots, there is a slower release, but the effects can last longer. With a foliar application, the plant absorbs the nutrients quickly for near-immediate use. That said, these benefits on a foliar application are not long-lived, though they can be a good way to correct nutrient deficiencies.

Advanced Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer is a great liquid fertilizer option that you can use in your urban garden today.

Looking for urban gardening fertilizer tips? Start with our guide.

Fertilizer Spikes

Fertilizer spikes are compressed spikes made up of macronutrients, micronutrients, and other ingredients. They can either be made up of organic or inorganic materials. To apply them, you’ll need to hammer the spikes into the soil around the plant or tree. From there, the spikes are broken down by activity from either bacteria or fungi. 

The idea behind fertilizer spikes is that they are a slow-release fertilizer that can meet your plants’ needs over a long period. However, it’s difficult to know precisely how much fertilizer you need. Due to the way the fertilizer stakes release nutrients, there is also concern that it may not reach the plants’ deeper roots. Not only this, but they may not distribute nutrients across soil evenly either.

In most cases, it likely makes more sense to use one of the other types of fertilizer, which are typically more cost-effective and easier to distribute evenly. If you would like to try using fertilizer spikes, start by talking to your state extension office, which can give specific recommendations for your situation.

What Is Fertilizer – And What Are My Next Steps?

Many types of fertilizers can and should be used. While the goal of fertilizers is often the same, they each have different methods of releasing and activating the nutrients that your garden needs. Start with a soil test in your garden, and then make the necessary changes to keep your plants thriving all throughout their growing season.

How to Compost at Home and Put Sustainability First

Composting at home goes hand-in-hand with urban gardening so we wanted to go over some composting basics including why it’s worth doing, and exactly how you can get your composting process up and running. Utilizing garbage like eggshells, tea bags, food scraps, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps, you’ll create nutrient-rich fertilizer, eliminate food waste, and create a self-sustaining system to support your home gardening projects!

What is Composting?

Briefly, composting is the process of breaking down organic materials,   creating a natural fertilizing mixture. Compost is often called “black gold.” That’s just how valuable it is for enriching your houseplant or garden soil. 

Green Material

Green material refers to typically wet materials such as food scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds. They can be high in nitrogen, which is a vital element in this process. 

Brown Material

Brown materials are dry and can include dry leaves,  sawdust, and egg cartons. These dry materials help to improve aeration and water flow.  When layering your mix, these dry, brown materials should be under the green, wet compostable materials. 

Composting Benefits

Why compost? For one, the environmental impact of composting goes far beyond the beauty of your home garden. By composting organic waste like yard waste and kitchen scraps, you can limit the amount of garbage your family sends to landfills which minimizes the amount of greenhouse gas released, ultimately lowering your families’ carbon footprint.

Plus, your garden will also see the benefit directly. Compost materials enrich soil without the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and produce beneficial fungi and bacteria that break down organic matter to produce humus, a high nutrient soil that plants just love. That means bigger, more beautiful, and abundant flowers and veggies. 

Composting is a win, win sort of project, creating a renewing cycle between growing and reusing. Now, how do we do it?

How to Start Composting at Home

Let’s dig-in to the composting process! It’s easier than you might think.

1. Choose Your Composting Method

Drop Off Center

Now, this is obviously the easiest way to go. If you don’t have a home garden or much outdoor space, check to see if your community has a drop off-center. Some communities even offer a pickup service and getting-started kits. Check-in with your local municipality and visit Compost Now to find pick up service in your area.  

Worm Composting (Vermicomposting)

My first thought was, I’m going to have critters all over my house! Not the case. Worm composting or vermicomposting is actually a very clean and contained form of composting and is generally low odor and maintenance. Unlike other methods, there is no need to turn or mix your material, and worm composting can easily be done indoors or out. 

Worm Factory is one esthetically pleasing and compact option.  It’s perfect for apartments and small spaces.

Hungry Bin is a bit more pricey, but much larger. 

It’s also pretty easy and inexpensive to set up your own worm composting system. If DIY is your style, the EPA has a super-comprehensive guide to build your own and maintain it.

Aerobic Composting

Aerobic, also called hot turn composting, is possibly the fastest composting system. However, it’s a little higher maintenance because it does have to be turned regularly and temperature must be maintained above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Turning can be done with a pitchfork, but if you want to save your back and keep your yard tidy, you may want to use a tumbler composter.

Check out the Berkeley Hot Composting Method for speedy results. 

Anaerobic Composting

Anaerobic is also known as cold, slow, or no turn composting. Generally, this is the method that requires the least amount of effort, but takes the longest time to decompose. This is because you do not turn the material to heat and aerate.  It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t have the time to devote to their compost. The Oregon Extension Office has a great guide to various forms of cold composting to help you get started.

2. Choose Your Space And Container

Then, the questions you must ask yourself are, indoor or out, compost bin or compost pile? 

If you are composting outside, but still concerned with smell or appearance, a closed bin is a great option. Check out this best selling Tumbling Composter, for example. It is also easy enough to build your own composting bin from items you already have. An old garbage can will do, just make sure to give yourself enough space. Three feet in diameter is ideal. The more space you give yourself, the larger your yield will be.

You can also throw caution to the wind and create a composting pile. Three square feet of space at least. The more space you give yourself, the more you may want to create a perimeter from chicken wire to keep pests out or cover with a tarp to retain moisture. Remember, if properly tended to, your compost should not attract too many pests or release much odor.  

If you are composting indoors, there are many specialized bins. A great choice for beginners is the All Seasons Indoor Composter. Of course, this all depends on the method of composting you choose.

Things You Should Not Compost

This section is really for me because I’ve been wondering about some of these do’s and don’ts. 

Technically, anything that can be grown in the ground can also be composted. This includes paper goods made from natural materials as well as meat and dairy products. However, there are a few tips to ensure that your process is smooth and your finished compost is rich and healthy. 

Animal By-Products

Though it is technically compostable, a good rule of thumb is not to add meat or dairy to your mix. As it decomposes very slowly, the smell can be pretty offensive and attract vermin.

Pet waste and used cat litter is another no-no, while waste from chickens and horses and other farm animals can be beneficial to your compost. Cat and dog feces can add harmful microorganisms and parasites that you really don’t want to introduce to your community garden. Your neighbors won’t thank you. 

Tea and Coffee

You can absolutely compost tea and coffee! However, tea bags, coffee bags, and coffee filters can contain synthetic fibers like nylon. Be sure to check that your packaging is made from fully compostable natural material. 

Citrus and Onions

These natural materials will break down well, so this one surprised me. If you are going to use citrus peels, be sure to grind them up into small bits, because they break down very slowly. Also, be careful! Especially if you are using vermiculture (worms) because the acidity of onions and citrus can kill worms!  Yikes. 

Other Synthetic Materials 

It’s just a good rule of thumb, anything treated with chemicals or synthetics should not go into your compost. This often includes wood chips, glossy or colored paper, and, of course, metal and plastic. Dryer lint is another no-no unless your clothes are made from natural fibers and you are not using dryer sheets. This is all just to be on the safe side and make sure nothing that may be poisonous to you or your plants makes its way into your garden bed. 

That’s it, in a nutshell. Put your next banana peel to good use and your plants will enjoy rich soil and your earth will thank you for your contribution. Or rather, for your lack of contribution… of carbon.  Happy planting! 

Urban Gardening Tips to Start Your Gardening Adventure

Urban gardening and even fully-fledged urban farming is becoming increasingly popular in major cities and the suburbs as more and more people realize that growing your own food is totally doable even in a small space. DIY urban gardening is very accessible and really doesn’t require a major investment, but it can be daunting as a beginning gardener. We’ve put together some useful gardening tips so that you’re ready to tackle that first foray into a gardening project. Whether you want to grow simple plants, herbs, veggies, tomato plants, or delicious leafy greens for a fresh salad, this guide will get you moving.

What Is Urban Gardening?

Urban gardening is growing plants in a small space without necessarily having a dedicated garden as your growing area. It’s possible to grow everything from flowers to food without having a garden or big field. Although the term is most closely associated with growing efforts in cities and suburbs, anyone looking to grow plants in and around the house can benefit from several of the techniques employed by the so-called “urban gardener.”

Be Efficient With Your Small Spaces

The key to urban garden success is maximizing the use of the limited space you’re working with. Some solutions include window boxes, hanging baskets, raised beds, small hydroponics systems, and vertical gardening. All of these items let you grow in non-traditional, adaptive ways to fit your lifestyle.

The single most important thing you can do is plan as much as possible in advance. Having a plan of action will better your chances of being successful at an earlier juncture. That’s not to say you won’t make mistakes or find unique ways to adapt to your personal gardening area along the way – that’s all part of the process – but feeling like you’re following a method will give you a purpose that will keep you going even if you don’t happen to see results right away.

What follows are our top tips for maximizing the effectiveness of your gardening even in a small space.

Consider The Space

When you get started with urban gardening, you’re not doing so because you have wide-open spaces for planting. You’ll have to figure out how big your growing space is and what the environment is. While being indoors may not offer as much natural sunlight, one advantage is that you can control the environment. On the other hand, a rooftop garden might allow you to get more natural sun while exposing your plants to the elements.

Growing in this type of space might seem limiting, but you can actually grow a variety of things, including flowers and your own food. Under the right conditions, you can even grow watermelon with a trellis and a 5-gallon bucket.

You’ll also have unique limitations to confront, whether you’re trying to fit the garden around your living space or sharing a space with many other people in community gardens, these limitations will inform any potential solutions you come up with.

Know What You Want To Plant

Although space is important, knowing what you want to plant should be a major concern. After all, it’s why you’re doing this. You can plant most things in a small space with the right amount of creativity and the right containers, but knowing what you want to plant in advance will give you a leg up on figuring out what you need and a plan for how to go about it.

Consider Containers

One of the first things you’ll want to consider is what kind of containers you’ll need. If you’re starting with a plant you bought from a retailer, the container it comes in will likely work for a while, but you may need to transplant as it gets bigger. Terra-cotta can work well as can a variety of other containers. The real key is to make sure you have a hole in the pot for drainage. This helps guard against overwatering. Your water has a place to escape.

If you’re starting from seeds, you can start them in a variety of materials from trays to plastic bags to peat pots and egg cartons.

Soil Isn’t Always Best

The biggest thing you should know is that with plants, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The soil (or soil mix) can be very important and plants have unique requirements for the types of mix that works best. Furthermore, if you’re doing your gardening indoors, soil has drawbacks because you may not want fungi and bacteria in your house. Sometimes general-purpose potting soil and mixes specially formulated for cacti and other succulents are better at drainage, which can be particularly helpful if you have a tendency to overwater.

Cacti in particular will prefer a potting mix that contains things like pumice and perlite to regulate moisture.

Pay Attention To Timing

If you plan on keeping your plants indoors after growing them from seeds, it doesn’t really matter when you plant them because you’ll be able to control the environment in terms of temperature and light. On the other hand, if you plan on moving them outside, you should generally start your seeds up to six weeks before the move outside. With that said, every plant is going to germinate differently, so follow the directions that came with the seed packet. They should also tell you at what depth to plant your seeds.

Starting From Scraps

If you’re not into starting from seeds, not to worry. There’s no need to start from the ground up, even with fruits and vegetables. You can grow from scraps of food you already have. Don’t throw out those leftovers just yet.

Sometimes this is about removing the pit and at other times, it involves making just the right cut. Check out our article on growing from scraps for more.

Let There Be Light

All plants need light in order to grow, but much like everything we’ve mentioned so far in this article, every species has its own Goldilocks zone. You’ll need to tailor lighting to the plants. If you’re doing this indoors, it can be easier because you can really control how much light the plant gets with grow lights. LEDs are considered the gold standard for their energy efficiency as well as brightness and power.

When you look at grow lights, many are adjustable specifically between the blue and red spectrum. Blue light is about vegetation growth and greenery. On the other hand, red light is what tends to activate flowering and fruiting in plants. A mix of the two is best.

If you’re doing rooftop gardening, you’ll want to make sure that you get plants that are well adapted to your local climate so that you can make sure they are getting the appropriate amount of sunlight for the time of year.

If you’re going to put plants in the windowsill, remember that the most direct sunlight will come from a South or Westward-facing window. After all, the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. You just have to be sure not to give too much sun to a plant that prefers indirect light. You can scorch the leaves.

Watering

As with light, plants can’t survive without water, but some plants prefer more water than others. If you’re unsure how much to water your plant, a good rule of thumb among green thumbs is to stick your thumb in the soil. If your thumb is dry, you’ve got the thumbs-up to water, particularly during the growing season. (Okay, I’m done thumbing my way through this paragraph.)

During the winter when plants aren’t actively in the growing season, they’ll need less water, but follow the guidelines associated with your species. Succulents are among a class of plants that are hard to kill, but one way to sign a death sentence for any plant is to overwater. It can cause root rot, which may be fatal. This is why having a well-drained soil mix can be key.

Plant Food For Thought

You don’t have to feed all plants, but it’s the type of thing that can give growth a real boost. Like water, light and soil, the right food and when to feed it depends on the plant. Succulents have their own food as do more tropical plants. Plants can be as unique as snowflakes, however. For instance, holiday cacti like more magnesium. Therefore, you would give these an alternating regimen of fertilizer and Epsom salts during the growing season. Be sure to do your research.

Temperature Matters

It’s important to determine what your goals are with your plants. The reasoning for this is that depending on what you want to accomplish, temperature is incredibly important. Not only do plants tend to thrive in certain temperature zones, but slight variations in temperature can make a big difference. They may germinate at one temperature, have the best growth at another and flower or bear fruit at a third temperature. Indoors, you may be able to regulate this to create ideal conditions, provided you can bear whatever temperature the plant prefers. With outdoor growing, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature, but you can give yourself the best chance to accomplish your desired results by picking plants that are suited for your climate zone.

Hydroponic Systems Can Make Things Easier

Hydroponic systems are great because all you need is a water source and some light. The light is often included, so it’s typically an all-in-one unit. The real advantage of these is they don’t use soil, and you can use things like clay pebbles or pallets, Rockwool, vermiculite, perlite or peat moss. These are self-contained, with the net serving as a pot so that the roots can extend through whatever medium you’re using for growth and reach the water.

Depending on the system you’re looking at, these can be pricey, so make sure to judge for yourself based on your plans and level of commitment.

Are you an urban gardening enthusiast with tips to share with our readers? Put them in the comments below!

Growing A Cactus Indoors: A Beginner’s Guide

Cacti make great indoor houseplants because they are very low-maintenance. In general, indoor cacti and other types of succulents like aloe vera are known for their easy care. Often, if you forget to water them, they’ll be okay.

Over the course of this blog post, we’ll teach you what you need to know to grow your first cactus indoors.

Types Of Cacti

Before we get into how to care for your cactus, it’s important to note that there are several different types of cacti. What you need to do to let your cactus thrive will depend largely on the species you’re dealing with. With that said, several popular types of cacti can make wonderful houseplants.

Christmas Cactus

This cactus is so named because its followers tend to bloom around the Christmas season. It’s part of the family Schlumbergera, sometimes referred to as holiday cacti because their bloom times correspond with Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas depending on the species. If properly cared for, the flowering of these cactuses can last for anywhere between 7 and 8 weeks. The Christmas cactus and its Thanksgiving cousin flower in a variety of colors from red to purple to white.

You can get several different types of holiday cactus from Amazon.

Saguaro

If you’ve seen a huge cactus with a tumbleweed rolling by in an old western, it’s almost certain the shot was of a Saguaro cactus. At first blush, you might think this has no place indoors. After all, they can grow as much as 45 feet high. However, they can have a lifespan of up to 200 years, and they’re very slow growers. Because of this, they can make good houseplants for many years. The National Park Service even has a resource on how to grow one in your classroom.

You can find several saguaro options, from seeds to plants that have been growing for a couple of years.

Prickly Pear

The prickly pear cactus is known for its edible fruit and variety of bloom colors across various species. Because they are so adaptable, the plant comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and it can be hard to identify individual species.

You only want to eat the prickly pear after the thorns have been removed, so be very careful in harvesting. You can burn the thorns off when it comes time to prepare the food. Use an open flame to burn the thorns off when it comes time to prepare the food.

Here are several prickly pear options.

Sea Urchin

Sounding like something that belongs on a sushi menu rather than in a family of desert cacti, the sea urchin cactus is indeed not a cactus at all, but instead a Euphorbia from southern Africa. It grows in tropical regions of the mountains in its native habitat. The baseball-size plant can expand and contract depending on the amount of rainfall in the area.  The sea urchin has a white, milky sap which some people are allergic to, so it’s something to be aware of.

A plant that looks very much like the sea urchin is the star cactus of South Texas. However, this one is about the size of a softball and has very large and beautiful flowers, which the sea urchin doesn’t, producing only small white flowers.

The scientific name for the sea urchin is echinopsis, with many options available on Amazon.

Ball Cactus

A ball cactus is actually any one of a family numbering between 60 – 70 cacti species. Although a true cactus, it’s similar in shape to the Euphorbia. These species of cacti flowers from the crown and the flowers may be red, white or yellow.

You can get several different types of ball cactus on Amazon.

Cacti Care

Like other succulents, cacti are known for having relatively easy care. Frankly, many of them are in a class of plants that are hard to kill. Still, it can help to understand the growing season for your plants and the best way to make sure that they thrive well into the future along with your other indoor plants.

Cacti Soil

You can get cacti potting mix. This may also be labeled as a mix for succulents. If you don’t have that on hand, a standard soil mix with added sand-like materials such as perlite or pumice to help with drainage can be useful. A well-draining mix will help you avoid excess water. We’ll get into this a bit more below, but with some notable exceptions, cacti don’t need much water. 

If you’ve just repotted, you want to keep the soil very lightly moist in general to encourage the proper development of roots along with new growth. Speaking of potting, let’s get to it.

Potting Your Cacti

Depending on the type of cacti you have, it’ll be easiest to get started from an offset of a parent plant if you don’t already have one. Carefully cut one off the parent plant leaving some stem. Put this on a paper towel to dry for a few days and a callous should form. When this happens, put it in a new pot with potting soil until the roots form. Once this happens, you can put the plant in its regular container. You should generally repot when the plant begins to fill its container. With that said, there are some exceptions, depending on what you’re trying to encourage.

Holiday cactus species tend to be more root bound when they flower best. This means that if you want to see the flowers in their full glory, you need to let things get a little crowded. The holiday cactus should be repotted about once every three years.

In any case, it’s a good idea to make sure your pot has drainage holes because you don’t want too much water and you want to make sure anything not absorbed has a pathway out.

How Much Water Does Your Cactus Need?

In general, your cactus doesn’t need very much water. You can water every week or two. The key here is that you want to make sure the soil is completely dry to a depth of an inch or two before watering again. When it’s time to water, water thoroughly, but don’t let the plant sit in standing water. A well-draining soil will help prevent overwatering. It’s important to watch out for this because too much water can rot the root systems.

The exception to the rule of thumb about letting your soil dry out before watering is the holiday cacti family. Because it’s native to the rain forest, you want to keep the soil wet enough that it never fully dries out without overwatering for best results.

Your cactus will need more water during active growth seasons in the spring and summer. In the fall and winter, you can cut back and water it even once a month, but follow the plant provider’s directions.

How Much Sunlight Does Your Cactus Need?

If you want the quick and dirty version (after all, you have to get your hands dirty to plant most things), succulents in general like lots of bright light. However, let’s give these plants the individual attention they deserve.

For the best possible flowering opportunity for a holiday cactus, you should keep temperatures at about 65°F during the day and get 10 hours of bright or medium sunlight in the windowsill. Then keep it in the dark for 14 hours. You can use a cardboard box or other opaque container. Doing this during October and November will give you optimal conditions for achieving flowering.

You won’t see a saguaro flower for about 40 years, but the cactus is best with as much light as you can give it. If you’re using a grow light, generally get the most powerful light you can.

green bean buddy grow light

Checkout this Fullspectrum Grow LED Light from Green Bean Buddy.

For the prickly care cactus, you want to put it in a South or Western-pointed window so it can get direct sunlight during its growing season in the spring through fall. For the winter, bright, indirect light will do during the rest period. Slowly reintroduce direct light in the spring so as not to burn the cactus.

For the Euphorbia obesa or sea urchin plant, partial shade will be a home run for this plant which grows in forested areas in nature. Fun fact, it’s nicknamed the “baseball plant.” I don’t care if plant parents aren’t supposed to play favorites; I just found mine.

For a ball cactus, it’s best to keep it in partial shade. Direct sunlight during the hottest hours isn’t good for it. Keeping it in indirect sunlight will prevent you from having to fuss with moving it around.

How To Feed Your Cactus

A liquid fertilizer formulated for cacti will work best with a couple of caveats. In general, the real question is how often to feed your cactus plant.

For an indoor saguaro, fertilize every 2 to 3 months during the growing season with a low nitrogen fertilizer (like a 5-10-10 formulation).

If you have a holiday cactus, follow the plant provider’s instructions, but a half strength dissolvable fertilizer is recommended. A 20-20-20 formula will work. Because holiday cacti prefer more magnesium, you should alternate this feeding with Epsom salts at a ratio of 1 teaspoon for every gallon of water. Just don’t do these in the same week as the regular feeding.

For the prickly pear, moisten the soil before feeding and use a balanced fertilizer at half strength. In general, we recommend liquid fertilizer because it’s easiest to use in an indoor setting. For the baseball plant, you can fertilize with a 10/10/10 mixture during the growing season at about a quarter of the strength.

For a ball cactus, use cacti mix during the growing season for best results.

Caring For Your Cactus Plants In The Winter Months

In the winter, your cactus will go into a period of dormancy. It won’t need to be fed. It’ll also require less water than normal. Cut back on watering. Just don’t forget about it altogether.

Pests That Can Affect Your Cactus

Pests don’t generally affect cacti, but some of the more common ones are spider mites and mealybugs. Mealybugs take hold in the roots of plants and literally begin to suck the life out of them. Symptoms include black mold and stickiness. Spider mite symptoms include brown dots and webbing. Like mealybugs, spider mites are parasitic insect.

If you can catch the problem early enough, the easiest thing to do is blast the plant with a strong stream of water to literally flush the bugs out. Just be sure to cover the potting mix with something in order to prevent overwatering.

Conclusion

With very little need for water and a slow growth cycle generally, cacti can be fairly easy to grow even indoors. They may have a reputation as a desert plant, but they can produce some beautiful flowers. In addition, cacti like the prickly pear even produce edible fruits.

What’s your favorite cactus? Do you see any that I missed that we should cover? Let us know in the comments below!

The 18 Best Hydroponic Systems Of 2022

There are so many benefits to growing hydroponically. You can grow plants faster and larger than you could with traditional growing methods, and you can do it with less water. But if you’re considering an indoor hydroponic system, there’s a lot to think about. There’s no one-size-fits-all “best hydroponic system” out there. Each circumstance is going to be different. Here are some questions to consider before we get started:

  • How big should the system be?
    • Are you looking for a small countertop option? Or are you trying to grow large yields to chip away at your grocery budget?
  • Do you care about aesthetics? 
    • Do you want your hydroponics system to look like an accent piece for your home? Or is practicality the most important aspect? Some of the more basic systems look like some buckets connected with tubes. Functional? Absolutely. Pretty? Not at all.
  • Do you have natural light?
    • Plants need light to grow, so you’ll either need to place your unit near a window, buy a grow light, or purchase a hydroponic system that includes a light.
  • How much do you want to spend?
    • The hydroponic systems listed below have a massive range of costs, starting under $100 and going up to $800 or more. Depending on your needs/wants, you may have to doll out some serious cash. That said, many of the larger systems have incredibly generous payment plans.

This article takes a closer look at the best hydroponic systems on the market, so you can make a decision that fits your life and your budget.

Hydroponic Basics

A hydroponic system allows you to grow plants without the need for soil. Most small hydroponic units only require running water and liquid plant food. It is, by far, one of the best (and low-maintenance) ways to grow plants in your home. For several of these systems, you won’t even need to worry about your plants when you leave town – the hydroponic system keeps them happy and healthy while you are away. 

Let’s take a closer look at the top options for home hydroponic systems.

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended.

All opinions however are our own and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

1. AeroGarden

BrandNumber Of PlantsCostGrow Light Included?
AeroGarden3-24$99.95 - $795Yes

AeroGarden products grow between three and 24 plants at a time, depending on the product. Many of the countertop systems can accommodate plants up to 24 inches tall. That leaves plenty of room to grow a towering garden full of fresh herbs and veggies or beautiful flowers. 

Here’s a breakdown of all the AeroGarden models currently available:

Photo Title Price Buy
AeroGarden Sprout -...image AeroGarden Sprout - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black $47.49
AeroGarden Harvest 360...image AeroGarden Harvest 360 Indoor Garden Hydroponic System with LED Grow Light and Herb Kit, Holds Up to 6 Pods, Black $76.49
AeroGarden Harvest with...image AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit - Hydroponic Indoor Garden, Black $79.95
AeroGarden 901104-1200 In-Home...image AeroGarden 901104-1200 In-Home Garden Harvest Elite LED Grow Light System Kit, Stainless Steel $129.98
AeroGarden 360-Black w/Heirloom...image AeroGarden 360-Black w/Heirloom Salad Gr Harvest 360 Indoor Hydroponic Garden, Black
AeroGarden Bounty Basic...image AeroGarden Bounty Basic - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black $153.00
AeroGarden Harvest Slim...image AeroGarden Harvest Slim with Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit
AeroGarden Farm 24Basic...image AeroGarden Farm 24Basic with Salad Bar Seed Pod Kit - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black $678.99
AeroGarden Farm 24XL...image AeroGarden Farm 24XL with Salad Bar Seed Pod Kit - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black $838.95

For the smaller units, the setup time is minimal. You will only need to fill it with water and plant food before plugging it in. Next, you can add seed pods to grow whatever your heart desires. The seeds should germinate within a few days. 

Here’s a quick setup guide to the AeroGarden Bounty, which is our favorite AeroGarden for beginners:

The AeroGarden Bounty offers several useful features to keep your garden growing steadily. First, the water bowl is one of the largest available for countertop models. Second, it provides a dimmer setting on the grow lights, which can be useful if you live in a small space. The Bounty also has a touchscreen control panel with high resolution to help you monitor your plants’ health easily and a water level indicator to notify you when it’s time to refill the basin. Plus, this model has Wi-Fi and Alexa compatibility to help you manage your garden system. The final feature worth noting is the Vacation Mode that will automatically care for your plants even if you aren’t home. 

Here are the full reviews of the different AeroGarden systems:

This is a video review of the Aerogarden Bounty:

2. iHarvest

If you are looking for a larger hydroponic system with better yields, the iHarvest is an excellent option that’s relatively simple to set up. IGWorks, the parent company of iHarvest, claims that you can grow up to $1,000 of food a year on an iHarvest unit, which is enough to recoup this system’s cost.

This beautiful unit looks almost like an in-home art installation, and the setup allows you to grow plants all year round.

BrandNumber Of PlantsCostGrow Light Included?
iHarvest30$849Yes
Lettuce Grow FarmStand12-36$399-699No

Get $50 off iHarvest with the Coupon Code “TwoPeas.”

The main downside of this system is the number of separate parts. Unlike some hydroponics systems, iHavest’s materials mostly come from an assortment of companies, meaning it’s a bit of a hodgepodge unit to put together. This is a small complaint, though, and it’s still a highly recommended indoor garden.

Read the full iHarvest Review.

3. Gardyn

BrandNumber Of PlantsCostGrow Light Included?
Gardyn30$899Yes

Gardyn is a more extensive hydroponic system that grows vertically. You can grow up to 30 large plants at a single time in just two square feet of space. There’s also an app-controlled grow light that gives you the ability to set timers on your LED lights. The app even has a smart assistant called Kelby that takes pictures of your plant growth and makes recommendations along the way.

When you use the discount code TwoPeas, you can get $100 off your Gardyn.

This brand also has fantastic customer service, which is surprisingly uncommon in the home hydroponic system space.

Gardyn is one of the top indoor gardens on the market, but it’s not without flaws. It does seem to have slightly lower germination rates than AeroGarden, and the membership for additional seed pods (called yCubes) is a little pricey. Other than this, though, this system is a contender for top indoor garden units.

See the full Gardyn Review here.

4. iDOO

If you want to try hydroponics – but you don’t want to shell out massive amounts of money – we highly recommend you try iDOO products. iDOO is comparable to other countertop hydroponic systems, except it costs around half as much. 

While iDOO lacks some of AeroGarden’s bells and whistles, it functions remarkably similarly.

We enjoy the iDOO because it’s tiny enough to place on a kitchen counter, allowing you to have a variety of herbs at your fingertips. Check out the pricing options below.

Redeem our promo code: TWOPEAS10 to get 10% off.

The biggest difference between iDOO and other brands is that their products don’t come with seeds. While may seem inconvenient, I promise you’ll still have plenty of savings – even if you have to purchase some seeds from your local hardware shop. iDOO is our recommendation if you’re trying to be budget-concious.

Read the full iDOO Hydroponics Review here.

Photo Title Price Buy
iDOO Indoor Garden...image iDOO Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System 12Pods WiFi Smart Garden Plant Germination Kit with LED Grow Light, 6.5L Large Water Tank, Fan Pump System, for Vegetable Herb Grower Gardening Gift $89.99
iDOO Hydroponics Growing...image iDOO Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden, 12Pods Plant Germination Kit with LED Grow Light, Auto Timer, Fan, Adjustable Height Hydrophonics Planter for Herb Veggies, Grower Gardening $89.99
iDOO Hydroponics Growing...image iDOO Hydroponics Growing System, 10 pods Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, Auto Timer Smart Garden, Water Shortage Alarm, 15'' Height Adjustable, 4.5L Water Tank $79.99
iDOO Hydroponics Growing...image iDOO Hydroponics Growing System, 10 pods Smart Garden with Auto Timer, LED Grow Light, Indoor Herb Garden, Height Adjustable, Water Shortage Alarm for Home Kitchen
iDOO Hydroponics Growing...image iDOO Hydroponics Growing System, 7Pods Mini Herb Garden with Pump System, Germination Kit with LED Light, Automatic Timer, Height Adjustable (No Seed)
iDOO odorless Electric...image iDOO odorless Electric Food Cycler Machine for Kitchen Turn Waste to Soil for Plants

5. Rise Garden

Rise Garden is a newcomer to the world of indoor and countertop hydroponics. Rise Gardens was founded in 2019 by Hank Adams, the company’s founder and CEO. A multi-shelf smart garden the size of a bookcase was their showpiece offering. They introduced a countertop version in 2020 to deliver fresh vegetables to folks who live in limited places.

These easy-to-use indoor hydroponic gardens are straightforward to set up and maintain. These kits include everything you’ll need to get started, as well as access to a sophisticated software that lets you manage the lights and provide you with helpful hints. The countertop garden, a single-level system, a double-level system, and a triple-level garden are the four various Rise Gardens models now available.

Since its inception, the firm has quadrupled its revenues every month and grown at a rate of 750 percent every quarter. They announced in early 2020 that their gardeners had planted 6,000 tomatoes, herbs, vegetables, and other items across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Rise Gardens announced in May 2020 that they had obtained a $2.6 million startup investment led by True Ventures of San Francisco and numerous Chicago executives. We mention this not to boost Rise Gardens’ ego, but to demonstrate that this is a serious indoor gardening company that is sweeping the globe.

Plant TypePlant NamePurchase
GreensAlfresco Mix Lettucehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/lettuce-alfresco-mix
GreensAstro Arugulahttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/arugula
GreensBenefine Endivehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/benefine-endive
GreensBright Lights Swiss Chardhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/swiss-chard-4-pack
GreensBronze Arrowhead Lettucehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/lettuce-bronze-arrowhead
HerbBronze Fennelhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/bronze-fennel
GreensButter Crunch Lettucehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/lettuce-butter-crunch
Edible FlowerButterfly Friend Boragehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/bufferly-friend-borage
GreensCallaloo Amaranthhttps://risegardens.com/products/amaranth-callaloo
GreensCaraflex Cabbagehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/caraflex-cabbage
GreensChina King Cabbagehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/cabbage-china-king
VegetablesChioggia Beethttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/beet-chioggia
HerbsClassic Catniphttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/catnip-common
HerbsClassic Lemon Balmhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/classic-lemon-balm
HerbsClassic Lemongrasshttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/lemongrass-common
HerbsClassic Rosemaryhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/rosemary-4-pack
HerbsClassic Sagehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/sage-common
GreensClassic Tatsoihttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/classic-tatsoi
GreensClio Dandelionhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/clio-dandelion
HerbsDarki Parsleyhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/darki-parsley
VegetablesDragon's Tongue Beanhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/dragons-tongue-bean
HerbsFernleaf Dillhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/dill-fernleaf
HerbsForest Green Parsleyhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/parsley-forset-green
VegetablesFresh Bite Orange Pepperhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/fresh-bite-orange-pepper-4-pack
HerbsGerman Chamomilehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/chamomile-german
HerbsGolden Frills Mustardhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/golden-frills-mustard
HerbsGreek Oreganohttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/oregano-4-pack
HerbsHoly (Kapoor Tulsi) Basilhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/holy-kapoor
VegetablesHot Lemon Pepperhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/pepper-hot-lemon
GreensIceberg Lettucehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/iceberg-lettuce
VegetablesJalapeno Pepperhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/jalapeno-pepper
FruitKitchen Mini Siam Tomatohttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/tomato-kitchen-minis-siam
HerbsLime Basilhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/lime-basil
FruitsLittle Bing Tomatohttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/little-bing-tomato-4-pack
VegetablesMascotte Beanhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/bean-mascotte
HerbsMexican Mint Marigold Tarragonhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/mexican-mint-marigold-tarragon
GreensParris Island Cos Lettucehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/lettuce-parris-island-cos
VegetablesPatio Baby Eggplanthttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/eggplant-patio-baby
VegetablesPatio Pride Peahttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/pea-patio-pride
HerbsPeppermint Minthttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/mint-peppermint
HerbsPurple Basilhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/purple-basil
HerbsRed Baron Bunching Chiveshttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/onions-red-baron-bunching
GreensRed Cloud Tatsoihttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/red-cloud-tatsoi
GreensRed Pac Choihttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/red-pac-choi
HerbsRed Shisohttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/red-shiso
GreensRed Veined Sorrelhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/red-veined-sorrel
HerbsRed-Streaked Mizuna Mustardhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/mustard-red-streaked-mizuna
FruitsSalad Bush Cucumberhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/cucumber-salad-bush
HerbsSanto Cilantrohttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/cilantro-4-pack
Plant AnythingSeedless Podshttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/seedless-plant-pods
VegetablesSnackable Red Pepperhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/snackable-red-pepper-4-pack
GreensStarbor Kalehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/kale-starbor
HerbsSummer Thymehttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/thyme-summer
FlowersSunny Smile Sunflowerhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/sunny-smile-sunflower
HerbsSuper Sweet Genevese Basilhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/basil-super-sweet-genovese
HerbsSweet Leaf Steviahttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/stevia-sweet-leaf
HerbsSweet Marjoramhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/marjoram-sweet
HerbsSweet Thai Basilhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/basil-sweet-thai
VegetableTango Celeryhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/celery-tango
GreensTop Bunch Collardshttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/top-bunch-collards
VegetablesTouchstone Gold Beethttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/touchstone-gold-beet
GreensToy Choy Pak Choihttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/pak-choi-toy-choy
HerbsVicenza Blue Apex Lavenderhttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/lavander-vicenza-blue-apex
GreensWild Rocket Arugulahttps://risegardens.com/collections/hydroponic-garden-seeds/products/wild-rocket-arugula

Read our full Rise Garden review here.

6. Click And Grow

Click and Grow is a reputable hydroponic brand with multiple tiers of products. They currently offer five different units that can grow between three and 51 seed pods at a time.

Here’s a quick breakdown of products:

Photo Title Price Buy
Click & Grow...image Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit with Grow Light | Smart Garden for Home Kitchen Windowsill | Easier Than Hydroponics Growing System | Vegetable Gardening Starter (3 Basil Pods Included), White $80.55
Click & Grow...image Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit with Grow Light | Easier Than Hydroponics Growing System | Smart Garden for Home Kitchen Windowsill | Vegetable & Herb Garden Starter Kit with 9 Plant pods, Gray $229.94

The Click and Grow is unique in a few key ways –   first, you don’t have to add nutrients to the water reservoir. The Smart Soil in the seed pods already has all the nutrients that your plants need to thrive. There are some pros and cons with this that we lay out in the full Click and Grow Review.

Another difference is that it doesn’t have a pump. It uses a wick system of hydroponics, which pulls water upward into the system without electricity. This means that it costs less than most units to run.

7. Veritable Smart Indoor Garden

Veritable is a smart garden designed in France that ships most places internationally. It offers seven types of indoor gardens that fit nicely on a countertop or a coffee table. Their units can grow between two and four plant pods (called Lingots) at a time.

If space is a significant issue in your home, buying a large hydroponic system might not be the right fit. That’s okay! You can still enjoy fresh veggies and herbs through a smaller hydroponic system. If you are looking for a smaller countertop model, the Veritable Smart Indoor Gardens are a good choice. 

Although there aren’t as many bells and whistles on this system as some other models, it is an excellent hobbyist system for indoor gardeners working on hydroponics for the first time.

Photo Title Price Buy
Véritable® Classic (White)...image Véritable® Classic (White) - Indoor Vegetable Garden Made in France - Smart Autonomous Garden Delivered with 4 Ingots®. $199.90
Veritable Smart Indoor...image Veritable Smart Indoor Garden, Soft Black $249.99
Véritable Smart Indoor...image Véritable Smart Indoor Garden Smart Copper - 4 Lingots® Included $248.99
Veritable Connect Indoor...image Veritable Connect Indoor Garden, Infinity Grey $328.99
Veritable Exky Classic...image Veritable Exky Classic Indoor Garden, Arctic White $135.99
Veritable Exky Smart...image Veritable Exky Smart Indoor Garden, Black Copper $169.99

Read our Veritable Smart Indoor Garden Review.

8. Water Garden Duo

The Water Garden Duo offers a fun twist on the traditional hydroponic system called aquaponics. In addition to growing plants, the system functions as a small fish tank. The balance between the two systems allows the fish to thrive in a clean tank and the plants to grow happily. 

With this system, you’ll need to find a sunny place to support the health of your plants. Although it is a relatively low-tech system, you’ll find that keeping the water level right is easy due to the reservoirs’ transparent base. 

Like Veritable or the other small systems, Water Garden Duo is more of a fun project than a method for cutting your grocery budget. You’ll need to purchase a much larger system – such as the larger AeroGarden units, the iHarvest, or the Gardyn – if you want large yields.

9. DreamJoy Hydroponic Grow Kit

If you want to grow an abundance of small plants, then the DreamJoy Hydroponic Grow Kit is a good choice. The utilitarian design offers eight pipes with holes for seedlings. You’ll be able to accommodate up to 72 plants. This is the biggest system we’re reviewing today and would likely work better on a home balcony or rooftop garden.

The setup for this system is somewhat involved. You’ll need to prepare a reservoir tank and connect it to this system and the pump. Plus, grow lights aren’t included, so you’ll likely need to bring your own or place this unit outside or in a greenhouse.

Although this system requires more hands-on maintenance, it provides a wonderful bounty. It’s also unbelievably affordable, costing only $110.99 at retail.

10. eSuperegrow Hydroponics Growing System

If you want to grow plants known to climb, such as peppers and tomatoes, the eSuperegrow Hydroponics Growing System could be a good fit. The system’s design is meant to support plants that grow and climb up to 60 inches tall with the help of a trellis.

Overall, this is a simple but effective hydroponics system, but it requires careful maintenance and access to direct sunlight. If needed, you can use a grow light to give your plants the rays they need.

11. Miracle-Gro Twelve

The Miracle-Gro Twelve houses up to four seed pods. The system is designed to stay on the floor with a functional design that can double as a small accent table. At the base of the system, you’ll find a large reservoir that can hold two gallons of water and maintain your plants with minimal effort on your part.

After you add the water and plant the seeds, you’ll be able to control your garden from your smartphone via Bluetooth capabilities. You can monitor the water level and control it without getting your hands dirty.

BrandNumber Of PlantsCostGrow Light Included?
Miracle-Gro4$245.50Yes

The end result is an endless supply of fresh herbs and veggies contained within a classic accent table.

13. Hydroponics WaterFarm Complete

The WaterFarm Complete system by General Hydroponics is a somewhat basic model. But it is a good choice for a beginner that wants to learn more about hydroponics. The system can support a large plant and hold up to 2 gallons of water. You’ll need to add more water as needed by checking the easily accessible tube. 

The system needs to be placed in sunlight but will work well indoors. You might find that this takes longer to set up than some of the other options.

14. HTG Supply Bubble Brothers 6-Site DWC Hydroponic System

Like the PowerGrow Deep Water Culture System, this bucket system isn’t the prettiest, but it can grow six large plants at a time, and the Bubble Brothers bubble generator is incredibly powerful, so your plants will have proper aeration. This is a good system for beginners, but it’s also a bit noisy.

15. General Hydroponics EcoGrower Drip Hydroponic System

The General Hydroponics EcoGrower  Drip Hydroponic System is a good option for large plants. And you’re able to grow up to eight plants at a single time. This gardening system has a 17-gallon reservoir, so it can go extended amounts of time before needing to refill. 

This system includes a reservoir with a lid, plastic cups, vortex sprayer, CocoTek liners, and CocoTek Caps.

It also comes with Flora nutrients, a plant food that can help your greens and veggies thrive. This hydroponic system works on a drip timer, which feeds your plants at precisely the right time.

This unit doesn’t have built-in LED grow lights, so you’ll likely need to purchase your own

I wouldn’t say this unit is as posh as the countertop units – like AeroGarden, Click & Grow, or Veritable – but it is better looking than most of the bucket hydroponic systems we’ve seen, and significantly better than most DIY options.

16. Lettuce Grow

Lettuce Grow is a hydroponic garden system invented by Zooey Deschanel, the star of the show New Girl and a Hollywood actress. Zooey’s Facebook Watch series “Your Food’s Roots” is co-produced with her co-founder Jacob Pechenik.

Lettuce Grow’s technique was created for people who like gardening and want to harvest their own greens but have limited indoor and outdoor space.

Lettuce Grow has differently-sized plant stands, starting at a 12-plant Farmstand and going all the way up to a 36-plant Farmstand.

You can read our full Lettuce Grow review here.

lettuce grow affiliate link

17. VegeBox

The VegeBox is a simple gardening system that makes maintaining an indoor garden a breeze. Anyone can grow fresh herbs on their kitchen countertops at any time of year. If you choose VegeBox, your plants will be able to experience spring weather all year.

Vegebox relies on a form of hydroponics where electric pumps aren’t needed – so this is a good option if you’re not a fan of bubbling water sounds – or if you’re trying to save on an electricity bill.

Is VegeBox the most effective solution on the market? It all depends on what you’re after. VegeBox appears to be mirroring some of AeroGarden’s products. And VegeBox can produce more plants at once and is less expensive than some of the smaller AeroGarden systems.

AeroGarden, on the other hand, has fewer complaints regarding product malfunctions, and it offers a number of unique features, like an app, that may help you simplify your growing process.

Read our full Vegebox review here.

18. Mr. Stacky Smart Farm

If space is tight in your home, then a vertical gardening system might be a good solution. With a Mr. Stacky Smart Farm, you can grow up to 20 plants with a relatively small footprint. The tradeoff is that you’ll need a space where height is not a problem.

You’ll also notice that this hydroponic system doesn’t come with a lighting system. Because of this, you’ll need to find a sunny spot for this unit. Luckily, the plants can rotate around the center pipe, so you can choose a corner spot and turn the plants regularly. 

When you set up this system, you’ll need to fill each pot with coco peat and perlite. The initial setup can be somewhat messy, but once you plug in the system, you won’t have to worry about it anymore. The reservoir can hold up to 16 gallons of water and sustain your plants for two to three weeks at a time. 

19. PowerGrow Deep Water Culture System

The PowerGrow Deep Water Culture System is heavy on the practical but a little light on the aesthetics – In other words, it’s not the prettiest indoor garden we’ve seen. But if you’re more interested in having a high-performing garden than an accent piece, it’s likely one of the best options for you!

The PowerGrow Deep Water Culture System with bubbler bucket kit (FDA-approved) is an excellent solution for low-cost hydroponics. It would be challenging to build this system for less than the $119 it costs on Amazon. 

The system is essentially a modified 5-gallon bucket with a growing medium and water reservoir. The plants’ roots are able to extend 10 inches into the reservoir.

You’ll find that the system is easy to set up. However, it requires regular check-ins to ensure that it’s functioning properly.  The unit should be placed in an area with adequate sunlight. Plus, the unwieldy nature of a five-gallon bucket may need to stay outside on a patio or terrace to avoid any major spills inside. If you are comfortable with the maintenance required, this could be a good solution for raising larger plants. 

What To Consider In Your Hydroponic System

As you consider your options for the best hydroponic system, you should consider what you want out of this. If you want to enjoy a few fresh herbs and veggies year-round, then a smaller system could make sense for you. If you are seeking to entirely grow your own produce, then investing in a larger system will be critical. 

Here are a few things to consider:

Size

Take a look around your home and determine what size system can comfortably fit. Make sure to weigh the space needs in your home with your desire to grow food at home. You might need to get creative about where you place your hydroponic system. The decision will come with tradeoffs, but that’s okay. For example, my AeroGarden system sits comfortably on my countertop, but I can only grow nine plants at a time. Think about the tradeoffs in your unique situation before moving forward. 

Maintenance

Consider what amount of effort you are willing to put into your gardening endeavor. Also, think back on past gardening attempts and be honest about what you can commit to. 

Personally, I am notorious for letting my houseplants die due to a hectic schedule. With that, I chose an AeroGarden that alerts me when my garden needs more water or plant food. That reminder is beneficial for maintaining my indoor plants. 

Cost

Of course, there is a wide range of costs associated with hydroponic systems. A large and complex system will likely cost you more than a basic setup. Decide what you are comfortable spending on your new garden before shopping around. It is likely that there will be a great system in your price range. 

Types of Hydroponics

The word hydroponics is an umbrella with many categories underneath it. Here are the main ways that you can grow hydroponically.

  • Aeroponics

Like the name suggests, Aeroponic systems use air to help maximize growth. The root systems are mostly suspended in open air, and a nutrient solution is dispersed through a mist. Typically, this system sprayer mists the plants every few minutes. This process is called aeration.

When growing hydroponically, regularly check on the roots of the plants. A healthy root should typically look white and long.

Hydroponics - Aeroponics Illustration
Illustration Credits: Modern Farm
  • Drip Systems

With drip hydroponics, an air pump in your grow system feeds plants with nutrient-rich water. Also called a trickle irrigation system, this process relies on small emitters to drip a water solution on your indoor plants and veggies.

  • Deep Water Culture (DWC)

A DWC hydroponic system relies on nutrient-rich water housed in a reservoir beneath your plants. The roots grow into the water, and a submersible pump with an air stone in the reservoir provides oxygenated water. This keeps your roots from drowning.

A simple DWC system is great for beginners and can be built for $50.

Wick Systems

This is the oldest system of hydroponics and takes the least amount of effort. This watering system has a wick sitting in a reservoir that draws water upward into a growing medium, where your plants’ roots then absorb it. A “wick” is typically made with rope or felt. This basic system is pretty hands-off but isn’t great for regulating the amount of water. It’s not usually an ideal solution for larger plants. 

hydroponics wick systems
Illustration by: Luv2Garden
  • Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

The NFT method relies on an airstone and a water pump in a basin (a gallon reservoir works well for beginners). The water is then pumped above into the channel (like a long dish), where your plants grow in net pots. The track is at a slight angle downward with a hole at the end, so the water circulates back into the reservoir.

  • Ebb and Flow

Ebb & Flow systems have many moving parts, so they’re a tad complex type of hydroponics to pull off. In a plant tray – sometimes called the flood tray – you have your plants in net pots with a growing medium (clay pebbles, for instance). A pump set on a timer sends nutrient-rich water from a reservoir up a pipe and into the plant tray. Gravity then pulls the water from the tray back into another pipe and into the reservoir again, where it is recycled. 

Unlike most other hydroponic growing systems, you only need to flood your plant tray between 10 and 15 times a day for larger plants and even less for smaller plants.

Growing Mediums

While hydroponics doesn’t require soil, you will still need a growing medium to help keep the plant sturdy or send nutrients to the plant. Common types of grow mediums include perlite, vermiculite, clay pellets, Rockwool, and more.

Most of these grow mediums are contained in a net pot with the plants’ roots running through them.

The Bottom Line

A hydroponic garden can be a great way to enjoy fresh veggies and herbs in your home all year round. Although each system will require a little bit of effort on your part, hydroponic gardening generally requires less maintenance than a traditional garden. Plus, you can choose a size that suits your needs and your lifestyle. 

Which hydroponic system will find a place in your home?

Sunflower Success: How To Grow Sunflowers Indoors

Let the Sun Shine!

Now, more than ever, you may be feeling the impulse to bring the sunshine indoors. Indoor sunflowers are a beautiful way to keep your home bright and happy all year long! Outdoor gardeners rely on a warm growing season and plant sunflower seeds after the last frost of the year. When planting outdoors, the sunflower thrives in Hardiness zones two to eleven.  

But, when planting indoors, we’re free to improvise. So, let’s explore some sunflower gardening tips to help you get started on your very own sunshine garden – and excellent cut flowers. And a tasty snack!

The first step will be to choose the type of sunflower plants you want to grow, as the varieties vary in size, look, and seed production.

Why Grow Sunflowers Indoors Vs Outdoors?

There are several reasons to grow sunflowers indoors. The main reason is that you can control some of those pesky growing factors, specifically the temperature. Sunflowers do very well in warm temperatures, but if you live in an area where it’s cooler, or if there’s a risk of frost, putting them outside isn’t a great option. But you can have sunflowers year-round when you grow them indoors!

And if you want to eventually move your sunflowers outside for the world to see, that’s a great option too. Growing them indoors gives you a head start, specifically on some big plants.

Looking for other great plants to grow inside? Start with the beautiful Philodendron Birkin or Hoya australis.

Types of Sunflowers

Of all the sunflower varieties, indoor gardeners generally prefer dwarf varieties. Each of these small varieties can easily be grown in pots and containers. Here are some common types of dwarf sunflowers.

    teddy bear sunflower plant in the garden

  • Teddy Bear sunflowers can grow two to three feet tall and can have multiple blooms on one stalk. Their blooms resemble bright yellow poof balls and lack the flat, dark, seed-filled center usually associated with sunflowers.

Buy Teddy Bear Sunflower Seeds Here

    big smile sunflower plants in soil

  • Big Smile sunflowers produce a single flower and grow up to eight inches tall. They are the perfect indoor sunflower because up to three can be grown in a six-inch diameter pot.

Buy Big Smile Sunflower Seeds Here

    eight pacino sunflowers in garden

  • Pacino sunflowers can reach two feet tall and produce several yellow flowers.

Buy Pacino Sunflower Seeds Here

    helianthus annuus sunflower close-up photo

  • Helianthus annuus is often called the common sunflower. It is a stout annual that stands between 1.5 and 8 feet tall. It has a large flower that’s popular with many growers.

Buy Helianthus annuus Seeds Here

Other popular small sunflowers include Jade, Valentine, Little Becca, Dwarf Incredible, and Topolino. There are many different varieties of sunflower to enjoy!

If smaller flowers aren’t your aim, giant sunflowers and other tall varieties can also be grown indoors if you have enough space and light. The Mammoth Sunflower is an especially popular seed packet that’s known for its seed production. Remember though, taller sunflower varieties may not work as well inside most homes. You’ve been warned!

However, you will need a planter capable of holding at least 5 gallons of soil. Check out this variety pack of sunflowers on Amazon today.

Seed Storage

If you’re new to the seed-starting game, we should point out that seeds are weirdly difficult to store. There are just so many of them that it becomes confusing what each seed is, how old the seed is, and how to organize it from other seeds. Kevin from Epic Gardening recommends using a plastic photo organizer, allowing you to add your seeds by type in each compartment. We definitely suggest this option if you’re trying to stay organized.

Starting Sunflowers Indoors

To start your sunflowers indoors, first plant three seeds in 3- to 4-inch peat pots or seed trays. You’ll want to use a good quality general-purpose potting soil that supports good drainage but retains moisture. Plant the seeds no more deeply than the depth of your fingernail. Lightly water your soil so that it is moist but not overly damp. Sunflower seeds do not need overhead light to germinate, but it will be a requirement once you have sunflower seedlings.

Why Start Sunflowers Indoors?

Even if you plan to eventually move your sunflowers outside, there are still reasons you could want to start your sunflower seeds indoors. The main reason is temperature. If the temperature outside is 50 degrees or lower, it doesn’t create an ideal environment for seed germination. The best option for sunflower seeds is a temperature between about 67 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit. So it may be a good idea to bring your seeds inside if your outside temperature doesn’t fall in this range.

How Long Does It Take For Sunflower Seeds To Germinate?

Indoor germination takes 6 to 10 days on average, and outdoor seeds typically take 10 to 14 days to sprout. The key factors for germination are water (lightly moist) and heat (60-80 degrees Fahrenheit). Sunflower seeds to not need light to germinate.

How Do I Make Sunflower Seeds Germinate Faster?

One method to encourage faster generation is soaking the seeds in water for 6-8 hours. While not required, this option has been shown to speed up the rate at which your young plants sprout. Make sure you don’t soak them for more than 24 hours, which could cause them to rot.

How Long Should I Soak Sunflower Seeds Before Planting

You can soak your sunflower seeds 6-8 hours typically, but be careful not to leave them in water, which can cause the seeds to rot.

Sprouting Sunflower Seeds In A Paper Towel

While you can pretty easily germinate sunflower seeds in soil or a potting mix, a lot of indoor gardeners swear by starting your seeds with the paper towel method. To do this, you’ll need the following supplies:

  • paper towel
  • spray bottle
  • plastic bag
  • seeds
  • a label for the bag (if you’re germinating multiple types of seeds at once)

First, take a single paper towel, moisten it with water, and then lay it on a surface. Evenly spread 10 seeds on the wet paper towel. Cover the seeds with another sheet of paper towel and then use a spray bottle to moisten the top sheet. The top sheet should now cling to the seeds and the lower paper towel, sealing them almost like an envelope.

Take your sunflower envelope and gently slide it into a regular plastic baggy. Seal it most of the way, but leave about a one-inch opening for air circulation. The plastic bag will help create a humid environment, which can support and accelerate germination.

Once your seeds have germinated, transplant the entire peat pot, removing any portion that remains above the soil. This prevents the pot from pulling moisture up and away from the root. 

If you are growing outdoors, it is perfectly acceptable to sow seeds directly into your soil. However, be sure not to plant until any danger of frost has passed. In many climates, this does not take place until mid-summer.

Place the seeds in a place that gets indirect light.

When you see sprouts (which can happen within 3-5 days), transplant your young seedlings to a pot with soil. You can take scissors and cut out 3 seeds for each pot. No need to remove the excess paper towel. It will decompose within about two weeks in the soil.

Sunflower Care

Sunflowers are a member of the asteraceae family. Their giant flower is actually made up of many tiny blooms, which can come in a variety of colors. Check out this full list of care tips for growing sunflowers

Potting 

I’m going to go ahead and say that drainage holes are the most critical feature in a planting pot. No matter how excellent the make-up of your soil, without drainage holes, your sunflower is not going to be sunny or bright… or alive. Drainage and proper spacing can also help to prevent mildew.

For varieties that grow two to five feet tall, you will want to allow about 6 inches between each seedling, while larger types should be placed at least one foot apart. If you plant sunflowers closer together, it may result in smaller flowers (which could be a good thing for some varieties).

After you have transplanted it into your pot, mulch can be added on top of the soil, carefully avoiding the stem. This will help to prevent moisture loss through evaporation.

sunflower in a black vase near window sunlight

Best Soil For Sunflowers

Sunflowers are heavy feeders and fast growers, meaning they need a loose and well-draining soil or potting mix that’s nutrient-rich and full of organic matter. In terms of PH, they should be kept between 6.0 and 7.5. Most general-purpose potting soil, such as this organic potting soil from Valley Garden.

Best Fertilizer For Sunflowers

While sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow, a little fertilizer can go a long way. Slow-release fertilizers such as Mircae-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster or Esponma FT3 Flow-Tone Blossom Booster Plant Food are great options for sunflowers, whether they’re grown inside or out.

Sunlight 

Sunflowers certainly earn their name for their sunny esthetic, but also for their love of sunlight. They enjoy full sun for at least six hours a day. The more direct sunlight, the better for the stem to grow thick enough to support its large flower. So ideally, you want to place your sunflowers in a sunny spot such as a south-facing window.

We don’t all have the luxury of the long warm summer, in which sunflowers thrive. In colder climates, or for year-round, indoor growth, a grow light may be required. You can find many different styles of grow lights on Amazon. Before you buy, take a look at The Best Grow Lights For Indoor Plants And Small Spaces.

While most grow lights would work find for a sunflower, the best long-term solution is likely an LED grow light, which is more energy-efficient and produces full-spectrum light.

Water Needs

During germination, it is vital to keep your sunflower well watered. A mature sunflower requires deep watering until the first six inches of soil is moist, about once a week.

Pollination

The sunflower can self-pollinate between flowers, but it’s not great at doing this on its own. Outside, bees are expert pollinators. 

But inside, you’ll need to “be the bee,” by moving pollen from one flower to another. This is similar to the way that you would pollinate an indoor tomato plant.

You can be an expert pollinator with this fun tool from AeroGarden.

How To Grow Sunflowers Hydroponically

When growing sunflowers indoors, urban gardeners usually start asking about hydroponics. Simple DIY hydroponics – or even a countertop hydroponics system like AeroGarden – are able to grow indoor sunflowers easily. Here’s a quick video on growing your sunflowers hydroponically:

The main problem that growers have is the height of the grow light.

With the exception of some dwarf varieties, you’ll have over 18″ of growth, meaning you need to have a grow light that can grow with your plants. 

Here are some grow light options that may be able to help you:

Shop Related Products

When growing sunflowers hydroponically, you’ll need to add nutrients to your water reservoir. Here are some top brands for general hydroponics:

Sunflower History (More Reasons To Love Sunflowers)

It’s important to know who you’re sharing your home with, even the plants. To know them better, I’ll very briefly touch on the rich history of the sunflower.

The sunflower (Helianthus annus) is one of the few crop species, now grown around the world, that originated in North America. They are thought to have been derived from wildflowers as far back as 1000 BC. 

The sunflower is an annual plant that grew abundantly in the great plains, and Native Americans cultivated their seeds for meal and oil used in medicines and for cooking. When European settlers arrived, the sunflower was brought overseas in time to grace Van Gough’s easel and became a major agricultural crop in Russia in the late 1800s. 

The sunflower has primarily been seen as a crop flower until rather recently. It is now prized for its beautiful cut flowers, it functions as a living bird feeder, and as an ornamental plant. No longer exclusive to the rural countryside, the sunflower has now become a small garden and indoor favorite thanks to the development of many smaller varieties. 

yellow sunflower and harvest seeds

Harvesting Sunflower Seeds

Of course, we don’t only love sunflowers for their cheery disposition and rich history, also for their vitamin-rich, edible seeds.

When growing sunflowers indoors or out, they must receive lots of sunlight. They must also be kept warm. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 70-75 degrees.

Sunflower seeds will naturally dry and fall off of the seed heads as they become heavy and droop toward the ground. However, when you are ready, cut the flower heads off, leaving several inches of stem attached. These sunflower heads can be hung in a dark, dry place as they continue to dry. 

If you are growing your sunflower outdoors, tie a paper bag or netting around the seed head to catch any falling seeds and protect them from rodents and birds. Little critters love to make a healthy snack of sunflower seeds.

Growing A Year-Round Sunshine Garden

When growing indoors, your sunflower knows no growing season. Use success planting to continually have blooming flowers. Either plant multiple varieties with varying days to maturity or plant the same or various types in one to two-week intervals. Final Thoughts

See, it’s easy to plant indoor sunflowers and enjoy your sunflower plants year-round. Either to harvest your own sunflower seeds or just enjoy their sunny disposition, open the windows, prep your pots, and let the sun shine!

Plants That Are (Almost) Impossible To Kill

You’re interested in growing plants, but you have the furthest thing from a green thumb. Maybe you’ve been known among friends and relatives to kill plants in the past. Does greenery tend to turn brown the instant you look at it? I’m here to tell you there’s hope. 

You’re probably looking for some easy starter plants that aren’t high maintenance. You know, the kind that thrive in a variety of light conditions and don’t need bright light but work in indirect sunlight as well. If you forget to water your plants on a regular basis, aloe vera actually might not mind. What follows is a list of plants that are hardy enough to stand up to a variety of treatments. These are the perfect plants to start your DIY gardening career.

Indoor Plants That Are Hard To Kill

All those listed are houseplants that will do well indoors, whether on your windowsill or under a grow light.

Spider Plant

Also known as an “airplane plant” or a chlorophytum, these are very common house plants that come in hanging baskets typically. The spiral plant has long, thin leaves that spread out a bit like a spider’s web. In the fall, a mature plant will show groups of white flowers. After it flowers, small baby plants will appear. These plants can be placed in water or moist potting soil to begin to develop.

As far as care, when the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. Let the plant eat by giving it a fertilizer that dissolves in water once a month during periods of active growth. When you water the plant, do so until a bit of the water goes through the container. Doing this will prevent salts from taking hold in the soil. Less water will be needed in the fall and winter. The plant does best in bright, but indirect sunlight and temperatures between 65°F – 75°F will do just fine. The plant will need to be repotted as it grows.

One cool benefit spider plants provide is that they are among a class of plants that remove toxins from the air, according to a NASA study. Amazon has spider plants as low as $12 as of this writing.

Prayer Plant

A prayer is a tropical evergreen that’s often grown indoors as a houseplant. The name comes from the fact that the leaves will fold perpendicularly at night to look like hands in prayer. You can allow the soil to drain in the winter months as less water is required when the plant isn’t in an active growth cycle. Soil should be kept moist in the spring and summer and it should be kept in a room that’s humidified. Indirect but bright light is best. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

You’ve heard of a red herring, but it’s no trick to say that this plant is also known as the herringbone for its red, patterned veins. You can buy one for as little as $11.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are houseplants that end up being as much as 6 feet tall and grow best as houseplants in a relatively wide range of temperatures between 60°F – 85°F during the day. The plant, known for its beautiful white flowers, should be kept in soil that’s moist without being soggy. You don’t want any standing water here. Bright, but filtered light will make for a peaceful lily. (See what I did there?)

This is pretty easy to care for, but you may have to add the lily to your dusting regimen every once in a while. The plant’s big, broad leaves will attract dust, which can be wiped away with a damp cloth. Although they shouldn’t need much fertilizer, a liquid fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium will work best if you do feed your plant. Peace lilies are going for just over $20 on Amazon.

Sansevieria

This family of plants is appropriate for this list because both of the species sound like the name of something you would try very hard to eradicate. Maybe that’s appropriate, it’s hard to kill these plants. 

Snake Plant (Mother-In-Law’s Tongue)

The snake plant tends to be four feet tall in tropical Western Africa, but indoors, it’ll be around two feet high. It has leaves that are shaped like a sword and they have sharp tips like one. When they are under ideal conditions, flowers of a greenish white can appear along with orange berries shortly thereafter in the spring, although this will rarely happen when the plant is indoors. You can plant this in soil and use a clay pot. It should be kept in a location that is partially shaded. You may also see this listed as Viper’s bowstring hemp.

Dracaena Angolensis

This is so closely related that it’s called the circular snake plant because the leaves grow from a circular rosette in the center of the plant. It needs very little water, so this may be ideal for beginners. You just need to put it in a bright window and let it go.

The common name of this plant is African Spear.

Succulents

Succulents are the plant family that bring us cacti, which thrive in the desert. If they can survive the desert, odds are that they’ll survive the mistakes of a beginning gardener. Let’s check out a couple of different varieties of succulents.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is probably most known for the gel in its leaves. You can squeeze the gel from the leaf skin and use it as a topical treatment to soothe cuts and burns including from overexposure to the sun. It will be a foot or two high and requires 12 inches of initial space to plant. It may need to be repotted as it matures. It grows best in potting mix or regular potting soil to which perlite or sand is added. When it’s time to water it, be generous, but don’t allow it to sit in standing water. Wait until the potting mix completely dries before watering again. 

You can get an aloe vera plant for under $20 . You can put this on a south or westward facing windowsill as these like lots of indirect sunlight.

Jade Plant

The Jade plant is another succulent that does well indoors. It’s a popular variety of plant to use in the art of bonsai and has also been used by African tribes for food and medicinal purposes. When this plant is healthy, it has round leaves with a red tint at the edges. As with other succulents, a well-drained cacti mix or potting soil with perlite is suitable for a growth medium. It’s a good idea to repot these every few years because as the roots strengthen, they can become heavy and cause the plant to tip over. You can prune the plant when new growth starts and repot in the same container so that it retains its shape and keeps a thick central trunk.

This is also known as a money, silver dollar or friendship plant. They can be purchased for about $16. It has glossy leaves.

Golden Pothos

Also called devil’s ivy or variegated philodendron, a golden pothos can be grown in a hanging basket in the home. In nature, it grows as a vine. The golden part of golden pothos comes from the yellow or white coloring that shows up on the leaves and makes them appear almost gold.

Do occasional watering during the growing season from spring to fall allowing the soil to partially dry before watering again. While pothos is easy to grow in any soilless potting mix with indirect light, you should keep it out of reach of animals and children because the plant is poisonous.

Decrease water in the winter and change pots for one the next size up if you see growth decreasing or more water being used.

Madagascar Dragon Trees

Placed in a potting mix that drains well and pruned to a height of 6 feet for growth in the home, the Madagascar Dragon tree is a plant with long thin leaves. These may be a gold-like yellow, green, pink or white and the leaves form a circular pattern around the center. It’ll flower in the wild, but is unlikely to do so in the home. Bright, indirect light is helpful. Use a grow light if you have to. Water when it dries out.

You can get a Madagascar Dragon tree here.

Ponytail Palm

Although the palm is suggestive of a tropical plant, this is actually a succulent. These  can grow up to 20 feet tall on the ground, but they will be much smaller and can be kept as houseplants in containers. It does look like a palm tree with leaves that can get up to 6 feet long that grow out of a single trunk rather than branches. It has a wide base suggestive of an elephant’s foot in mature specimens, which leads to the plant’s other name. It should be kept in bright light. Like other succulents, water generously when you do, but allow the soil mix to dry out between waterings. A potting mix with great drainage will work best.

Prices vary widely, but they start around $30.

Fiddle-Leaf Fig

A fiddle-leaf fig is so named because of the shape of its leaves which are large. In the wild, these can grow up to 39 feet as a tropical tree, but they are commonly grown indoors in containers. They make a good conversation piece in rooms. Soil should be completely dry before being watered and, and they like a lot of light. It’s worth noting that these can be poisonous to animals.

You can pick one of the top four around $25.

Aspidistra Elatior

This plant has broad green leaves that work well in dense shade, meaning that when put in pots indoors, it’s great for low light. It’s commonly known as a cast-iron plant because of its hardiness. It needs highly organic soil, but the leaves can reach up to two feet tall in clumps. Any sunlight it gets should be indirect because the plant thrives in shade.

These plants start around $30 when you factor in shipping.

Rubber Plant

Rubber plants are members of the ficus family. In ideal indoor conditions, it can grow as tall as 6 – 10 feet if there’s enough room, although they can be groomed to fit a smaller space. They like the room temperature between 75°F – 80°F during the day. The leaves are glossy and large with a leather texture. These can be variants from green to yellow, maroon to cream.

During the growing season in the summer, use a houseplant fertilizer that dissolves in water every couple of weeks. If the plant is in lower light, fertilize less. The plant does best in bright light but can handle lower light situations.

Prices vary, but these start around $15.

ZZ Plant

This plant was not named after ZZ Top, although with its broad, glossy green leaves and long chutes, they would probably think it was a sharp-dressed plant. (I’ll be here all week.) It actually stands for Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. I’ll stick with ZZ.

It’s in the same family as a philodendron, which we’ll talk about next, and the piece will lily from earlier. In terms of care, bright light but indirect light is preferred, but very low light is tolerable. The soil should be kept on the dry side, but it can be watered every week or two. Feed the plant once or twice a month during the growing season with diluted fertilizer solution.

You can find ZZ plant online for less than $30.

Philodendrons

Philodendrons are very common houseplants. They have many varieties, but most grow from a vine. Some have leaves that are three feet long while others have small heart-shaped leaves. Other leaves are velvet in texture with a pattern and some leaves are red. Instead of having a vine, there are other types which send out leaves from a big region of growth at the bottom of the plant. These leaves tend to be larger.

The plants like indirect light and temperatures between 75°F – 85°F during the day. Soil should be moist, but the plant should never be in standing water. General purpose potting soil works. One thing to know is that this plant generally likes fertilizer, but how often you should do a treatment and what strength will depend on what variant of the plant you have.

There are many options, but these plants start at $11.

You don’t have to be a world-class horticulturist to start growing things and these plants are a good place to start. Let us know what plants you’ve had success with in the comments below!

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