Beans are relatively easy to grow indoors. But standard bean vines can grow 15- to 20-feet tall! Not exactly an easy fit for the indoor garden. Dwarf or bush beans, on the other hand, will typically grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, but can be planted densely and trained upright. This makes bush beans perfect for growing indoors. Use 6- to 10-inch diameter or 2- to 5-gallon containers.

Plant bean seeds in loose, well-draining, rich with organic matter. Add coir to loosen the mix. Plants are suited to hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic systems.

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To date, LEDs may still not be quite as efficient for growing plants as other types of grow lamps (such as high pressure sodium lamps -HPS) - but the technology is getting better all the time. Newer LED lights, depending on the wattage, claim to be just as intense as traditional HPS lights in terms of the amount of PAR they can produce. I see new LEDs coming out on the market all the time and they are getting more powerful and efficient in terms of the volume of light they deliver to your plants.

Real outputs will vary among different manufacturers, and quality construction matters. As in most cases, you get what you pay for. Look for good quality lamps from companies who will provide you a lot of information about the grow lamp and its light output. Cheap doesn't usually translate to efficiency!

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The dormancy mechanism helps protect plants during adverse and extreme environmental conditions in winter and summer seasons. While dormant, plants drop their leaves and the growth process slows significantly or stops. After warming temperatures break dormancy, plants continue their flowering process.

Florist hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are an example of a plant that sets microscopic flower buds in summer, or when it finishes its spring–summer flowering cycle; these buds sit undeveloped until after plants experience a dormancy period in winter.

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Before you are able to harvest lunch from your indoor veggie garden, you need to experiment. Not all crops are easy and made for indoor growing--but trying is how you learn.

It is important to group together crops with similar lighting and temperature requirements. If you mix plants with different environmental needs, one will likely thrive while the other fails.

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Some ceramic metal halide (CMH) lamps - also known as LECs - come equipped with a built-in reflector and ballast, giving you an easy plug-and-play option that takes up less space. Some of these complete CMH rigs are affordable and produce results comparable to more expensive HID lamps.

CMHs are also a good option if you have limited amps or older wiring and are concerned about your power draw.

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Photoperiodic plants fall into two subcategories: qualitative and quantitative. Plants that require a specific critical daylength to flower are classified as qualitative, or obligate. Without that exact amount (or more) of uninterrupted darkness, the plant will never flower.

Poinsettia plants are a classic example of a qualitative short-day plant. They will not initiate flower buds until the dark period reaches around 11 hours and 45 minutes, depending on the cultivar. Flower initiation is optimal with a 14-hour period of darkness.

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Yellow sticky cards are an easy method for catching and killing many flying pests, such as fungus gnats and whiteflies. The fungus gnats you will catch are the nuisance adults, but the larvae do all the damage by feeding on roots.

If you do not want to use organic or synthetic pesticides on your indoor plants, sticky cards are a good alternative.

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Want to grow kale indoors? Then you'll need to keep it cool! Kale prefers cool conditions, and is normally grown outdoors during the cool season, or in winter in hot climates. Plants will bolt once temperatures reach about 80°F (26°C).

Grow kale indoors in a space that stays consistently cool, such as a basement or a garage. You will need to cool air inside a sealed grow tent, especially if you are using HID grow lamps that generate greater amounts of light and heat. Try growing kale with LEDs, HOT5 Fluorescents, and CFLs to reduce heat.

New BOOK! Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers