Indoor container gardening

I’ve never seriously tried container gardening, but it is high thyme. Actually, herbs are the easiest to grow in a container. Of course cherry tomatoes do well too, except in the winter.

 This fall, I brought in the lemon balm from my raised garden, it grows like a weed, so it should do well on the south-facing window sill, next to The Oakland Press plant, that I rescued. Offices aren’t conducive to good plant growth, unless placed by windows and assigned waterers.

  I’m thinking about buying a basil plant at the grocery store, because the crop I planted, never came up, probably because I didn’t water it enough the first few days after planting. Ever since I tried the recipe, “Thai Basil Eggplant with peppers,” I have been hooked on basil. 

Indoor container gardening

Among the requirements, you definitely need a container. It needs to have holes in the bottom or a layer of rocks to permit excess water drainage. Use a five gallon container for large vegetables such as tomatoes.

For best results, use a peat-based mix of soil with vermiculite. If you really get serious, add one part compost to two parts peat mix.

As the plants mature, the roots expand requiring increased water. Check the moisture level every few days.

Lettuce, herbs, carrots and radishes are fairly easy and low maintenance. Lettuce seeds sprout quickly. I’m going to start a flower pot of lettuce.

A common problem to watch for are spindly plants which fail to flower. This is caused by inadequate light. 
Even though the plants are indoors, they are still subject to pests. Pepper and tomato plants can be attacked by whiteflies and aphids. Watch for damage and treat if needed.