Starting an Indoor Garden
Starting a garden regardless of its location is always an inspired idea, probably because of all the unexpected benefits it provides. In addition to a stylish interior an indoor garden brings, a good selection of indoor houseplants can improve your mood while cleansing the air you breathe.
According to a Dutch study, it is a scientific fact that gardeners have lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol that leads to better sleep, relaxation and an improved general sense of wellbeing.
For me, tending a garden is therapeutic, I find it to be a welcome escape from the usual stress of Lagos in all its forms. You have probably heard the phrase; “Gardening is cheaper than therapy…and you get tomatoes”. Gardening teaches patience, hones your observation skills, improves your hand dexterity, builds self confidence, burns calories and much more. There is a lot to attribute to gardening, but once you get started you will wonder why you never considered it.
If you are keen to get started growing indoors. Here are a few things you need to take note of.
Plants need 3 basic things to thrive. They need fertile soil, moisture and light. Each type of plant needs these 3 things to varying degrees so, ensure you are able to provide these things always to achieve success. The trick to growing any plant successfully is to replicate its natural growing conditions in the wild. So research!
Decide where you want to position your plant. Most plants are very sensitive to where they are placed so it is best to have an idea where you want them before you go plant hunting. The position you choose in most cases will determine the type of plant you acquire.
If you have pets or young children at home, ensure you acquire plants that will not be harmful to them. Alternatively, position the plant in a location difficult for pets and children to reach. A hanging basket or the top of a bookcase is ideal.
Below are 3 plants you can get started with that are newbie friendly and are relatively easy to obtain from your local roadside horticulturist. Or if you are so inclined, you could get a free cutting or babies from someone you know that has these plants.
The Chlorophytum aka Spider Plant is an easy plant to grow that is quite undemanding once its ideal conditions are met.
They prefer bright light but not direct sunlight and infrequent watering.
When happy, it will create several babies which can be turned into new plants.
This plant also absorbs air toxins leaving the air in its vicinity cleaner for humans.
The fleshy leaves of the Aloe Vera Plant makes it an easy plant to take care of and is quite forgiving if you forget to water it.
It makes many babies over time which you can carefully separate to make new plants, and it is very well known for its medicinal benefits including its ability to improve indoor air quality.
It prefers a bright location but best not to put it directly in front of a sunny window.
Water only when the surface of the soil is dry, which should be about 2 - 3 times a month.
This is Pothos aka Money Plant aka Epipremnum Aureum. This is arguably one of the easiest plants to grow and one of the best plants for removing air toxins.
Keep the soil fairly moist by watering at least 3 times a week or once you notice the surface of the soil is dry.
Pothos, is a trailing vine that doesn’t require much attention that can survive in the darkest or brightest corner of a room.
Important: This plant is poisonous if ingested.
Remember: Don’t let our Lagos concrete jungle stop you. #GrowYourOwnLagos
Happy Gardening!
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