September 2, 2018
Are you growing vining, or indeterminate, tomatoes indoors?You must train vining types of tomatoes onto support cables or trellises that will support their ongoing growth and increased size.
PC: Leslie F. Halleck
Remember that determinate tomatoes typically grow to about 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, while indeterminate tomatoes are vines that can grow to anywhere from 6 to 25 feet tall!
September 1, 2018
Aquaponic systems use water from the tank, and the waste produced by the fish grown in the tank, that are circulated into the grow bed to feed the plants suspended in the water. The plants then filter the water, which is circulated back to the fish tank.
Herbs growing in an aquaponic system. Notice the aquarium beneath the fixture.
PC: Homestead Gardens
Aquaponic systems also add the complication of maintaining animal life. They are fascinating, and excellent for growing plants indoors.
August 31, 2018
Many compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) do not require a special ballast, so you can simply use them in your standard light fixtures such as ceiling, spotlights, or floor lamps.
A large 250 watt CFL lamp with reflector hood.
PC: Sunlight Supply, Inc.
Large CFLs, such as those in the 250-watt range, will require a special fixture and reflector that can accommodate the larger base on the bulb.
August 30, 2018
When it comes to keeping houseplants, not every plant will thrive in the same type of container. Some plants, such as orchids, do best when their roots are exposed to the air.
An orchid planted in a porous pot with a loose orchid bark mix.
PC: Leslie F. Halleck
Porous pots are a must for orchids. In general, most orchids prefer high humidity with a very well-drained and aerated potting mix. Many common orchids are epiphytes (air plants) that can’t survive in a wet, heavy potting mix. Look for pots with holes in them to allow orchid roots to reach the air.
New BOOK! Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers
August 29, 2018
A common newbie mistake is to allow the seedlings or cuttings to remain in their original seed plug or cell for too long. Those tiny 2-inch pots and pods are not meant to sustain your plant indefinitely. Your plants will be most happy when they have room to stretch their roots.
This tomato transplant is filling out its 4-inch container.
PC: Leslie F. Halleck
Once the roots of your seedlings or cuttings have grown to the edges of their seed plug or pot and have sprouted three or more true leaves, it is time to bump them up to larger containers.
August 28, 2018
You can use any sort of fixture for your fluorescent lamps -shop fixtures are just fine - but you need to make sure they will fit T5 or HO T5 lamp tubes.
PC: Sunlight Supply, Inc.
Many home-improvement stores will carry a bevy of basic fluorescent lamps, and some may stock fluorescent grow lights. But don’t rush to the hardware store and grab just any fluorescent tube. You should distinguish between fluorescents used for ambient room lighting and those designed for plant growth.
August 27, 2018
Small self-contained LED growing units aim to provide both ambient full-spectrum and blue or red spectrum light for plant growth. LED lamps produce only about a quarter of the heat that other high-intensity lamps emit because they can convert more watts into light.
PC: Leslie F. Halleck
Low heat output also means you can place LEDs close to your plants without the risk of scorching foliage or damaging young seedlings. LED units like this one can be used to grow small succulents, tropicals, or low-growing herbs.
August 26, 2018
Plants that are fast rooters, such as angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia sp.), usually do just fine rooted directly into potting soil. They root before they rot.
PC: Leslie F. Halleck
While you can root your cuttings directly in potting soil, you can also use inert media (peat, coir, soil-less potting mixes). Bioactive soils may contain pathogens that can rot the stem of your cutting before it has a chance to produce roots.
