As autumn sets in, and the leaves fall, our gardens dwindle and we start to see that winter is just around the corner. We don't have to lose all the pleasures of a summer garden to the seasons, though. Hydroponic vegetable gardening indoors can bring some of the joys of a summer garden to the table throughout the year. Fresh salad with dinner and colorful spinach in the middle of December can be a reality if we follow just a few simple steps:
1. The first thing to consider when considering hydroponic vegetable gardening indoors, is its location. The ideal spot in your home would have a steady temperature of between 55 and 70 degrees. Minimal direct sunlight would be beneficial, as well as choosing somewhere that won't be harmed by frequent spills...a basement perhaps?
2. The second thing to consider would be the containers. Styrofoam boxes are said to work well, because they are cheap, available, and hold water effectively. Smaller containers are needed to hold the seeds as they start to grow. Commercial growing containers are available from web sites such hydra farm.com and interior gardens.com.
3. When preparing for hydroponic vegetable gardening indoors, the third thing to keep in mind is the lighting. There are all types of grow lights on the market, but they are expensive and really not necessary. Normal fluorescent lights in a cool white will work just fine. The plants need plenty of light, so plan to have two 4 ft. bulbs for each container..
4. The water supply is another important issue when planting an indoor garden. The water the plants are going to grow in will need to be oxygenated regularly. An aquarium pump works well for this. Set the pump up with a timer to run about an hour at a time at least 3 times a day. Water level is also important. There must be some are between the water and the plants to ensure that the roots receive an adequate air supply.
5. Lastly is fertilizer. An indoor hydroponic garden will not require any more fertilizer than an outdoor garden, so you can use the same fertilizer as you would in soil. Fertilize as directed on the package.
When planning an indoor garden, you must start small. Growing the produce inside can be a totally different experience than planting a garden in the yard, so starting small will give you the chance to see what methods work well for you. Once you get the hang of a small indoor garden, expansion will be simple. As you become comfortable with what you are growing, you can add different varieties as you go along, Edible flowers, cucumbers, and different types of lettuce are simple to grow while you get the hang of hydroponic vegetable gardening indoors. After you've got the technique down, the options are limitless!
Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about hydroponic vegetable gardening indoors, please visit Gardening Now for current articles and discussions.
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