As a beginner, growing vegetables indoors is easy when you have the proper supplies and tools. The vegetables you choose will determine the gardening supplies you’ll need. Below are important supplies and tools that you’ll need to start:
1. Pots and Containers
Container size is an important factor because you don’t want to stunt your vegetables with a pot that’s too small. Other factors to consider are the container’s material and drainage.
Clay pots may hold water insufficiently; therefore, you may have to water your plant more frequently. Plastic and metallic containers hold moisture effectively. They will need proper drainage to eliminate excess water. Drainage holes are a great over-watering fail-safe for beginners growing vegetables indoors.
2. Seeds or Seedlings/Transplants
For a beginner, it is advisable to start out with seedlings instead of seeds. Seedlings/transplants may be more costly, but they have a higher success and yield rate. Once you get the hang of indoor gardening down the line, you can opt to grow seeds.
3. Growing Medium
Growing medium refers to the material in which your indoor vegetables will grow. You have the options of soil and non-soil growth mediums. Non-soil growth mediums comprise peat moss, expanded clay, perlite vermiculite, gravel, and coco coir.
One benefit of non-soil growth mediums is that they contain more nutrients to help your vegetables thrive. On the other hand, they require more maintenance than soil mediums. Soil as a growing medium is easier to maintain.
Go for organic potting soil or mix for your indoor newbie vegetable garden. Garden topsoil may introduce pests and diseases to your indoor project. It also drains poorly in indoor spaces.
4. Fertilizer
Indoor plants that you grow in containers may need more fertilizer than plants grown outdoors. Fertilizer will help provide necessary nutrients including potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. These are needed to cultivate healthy plants. There are a wide variety of options, including organic compost, liquids, slow-release pellets.
5. Grow Lights
Plants need enough light to photosynthesise (make their food). Sufficient lighting is a major challenge for beginners cultivating indoor vegetable gardens. Your light needs will depend on the vegetables you choose to grow. For instance, spinach needs about 3 hours of light while tomatoes require at least 8 hours.
Check the transplant bags or seed packets for information regarding light requirements for specific vegetables. Fortunately, there is a wide range of grow light options available online if you have little natural light. Grow lights come in all shapes, sizes, price ranges, types, and spectrums.
Having the right gardening tools will help your indoor project flourish and also make for an enjoyable experience. Below are some tools that you will need:
Transplanter – has a large surface allowing you to easily scoot potting mix and transplant plants of all sizes.
Garden Shears – you can use shears to cut containers, make health cuts on your plants, and cut garden twine.
Watering Can – get one with a single spout to help you control watering.
Growing Vegetables Indoors for Beginners: Your Complete How-To Guide（二）
What Will I Need to Get Started?
As a beginner, growing vegetables indoors is easy when you have the proper supplies and tools. The vegetables you choose will determine the gardening supplies you’ll need. Below are important supplies and tools that you’ll need to start:
1. Pots and Containers
Container size is an important factor because you don’t want to stunt your vegetables with a pot that’s too small. Other factors to consider are the container’s material and drainage.
Clay pots may hold water insufficiently; therefore, you may have to water your plant more frequently. Plastic and metallic containers hold moisture effectively. They will need proper drainage to eliminate excess water. Drainage holes are a great over-watering fail-safe for beginners growing vegetables indoors.
2. Seeds or Seedlings/Transplants
For a beginner, it is advisable to start out with seedlings instead of seeds. Seedlings/transplants may be more costly, but they have a higher success and yield rate. Once you get the hang of indoor gardening down the line, you can opt to grow seeds.
3. Growing Medium
Growing medium refers to the material in which your indoor vegetables will grow. You have the options of soil and non-soil growth mediums. Non-soil growth mediums comprise peat moss, expanded clay, perlite vermiculite, gravel, and coco coir.
One benefit of non-soil growth mediums is that they contain more nutrients to help your vegetables thrive. On the other hand, they require more maintenance than soil mediums. Soil as a growing medium is easier to maintain.
Go for organic potting soil or mix for your indoor newbie vegetable garden. Garden topsoil may introduce pests and diseases to your indoor project. It also drains poorly in indoor spaces.
4. Fertilizer
Indoor plants that you grow in containers may need more fertilizer than plants grown outdoors. Fertilizer will help provide necessary nutrients including potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. These are needed to cultivate healthy plants. There are a wide variety of options, including organic compost, liquids, slow-release pellets.
5. Grow Lights
Plants need enough light to photosynthesise (make their food). Sufficient lighting is a major challenge for beginners cultivating indoor vegetable gardens. Your light needs will depend on the vegetables you choose to grow. For instance, spinach needs about 3 hours of light while tomatoes require at least 8 hours.
Check the transplant bags or seed packets for information regarding light requirements for specific vegetables. Fortunately, there is a wide range of grow light options available online if you have little natural light. Grow lights come in all shapes, sizes, price ranges, types, and spectrums.
6. Indoor Gardening Tools
Having the right gardening tools will help your indoor project flourish and also make for an enjoyable experience. Below are some tools that you will need: