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During the winter, the weather often prevents us from gardening outdoors. However, there are a number of ways to garden indoors that can keep us occupied. Here is a selection of indoor gardening projects to keep you gardening until it gets warm again. 
Having fresh herbs to cook with makes all your dishes taste better. You can place pots of herbs on a south-facing windowsill and have them all year. Herbs like rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley grow well indoors. Use gallon pots of potting mix and water regularly and you can have herbs any time you wish.
You can grow many vegetables indoors in the winter. Cherry tomatoes are a popular choice and grow well on a windowsill. Greens like lettuce and spinach grow well, as do peas. For tomatoes and peas, use a small trellis inserted into the potting mix for the plants to climb on. Pick pots that are at least twelve inches deep so the roots will have plenty of room. 
Succulents are a low-maintenance plant group that grows well indoors. Many of them will do well with artificial light and some will even grow in ambient room light. Succulents come in a variety of sizes and colors so a succulent garden can be as colorful as a rainbow. Use a potting mix specifically for succulents and let the soil dry out well between waterings so the roots do not rot.
Terrariums are closed plant communities under glass. A well-designed terrarium rarely needs watering or attention. Choose plants that will not grow too big for the space. Place potting mix and mulch in a glass container like an aquarium or lidded glass box. Put your plants in, water well, and cover. The water evaporates and keeps the humidity high. The water will condense and water the plants for a long time without any action on your part. Terrariums do require light, so use an artificial light as part of the lid or place them in the sunlight. 
If you like flowers, orchids come in an amazing array of shapes and sizes. While some require hot houses, many orchids will grow well inside a typical home. The American Orchid Society has a website with lots of care tips and other information. The Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City has regular meetings where you can learn about growing orchids.
African violets are another flowering plant that does well indoors. They are much easier to grow than their reputation suggests and come in colors from almost white to very dark purple. The African Violet Society of America has good information on growing violets on their website.
Dwarf citrus trees are another indoor possibility. Many dwarf trees do very well indoors even without a conservatory. Most don’t produce fruit, but the fragrance the blooms produce can make your house smell wonderful. 
If you want to grow many of your own vegetables, you can use a vertical garden system to do so. These are hydroponic towers that you plant vegetables or other plants in. Many come complete with artificial lights and instructions on how to grow your favorite vegetables. Just add water and fertilizer and you can eat salads with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers all year.
The garden tower pictured above is a complete system that works well for indoor gardening. Water gives plant roots all the nutrients they require. Grow lights provide light so the plants can thrive. You can grow most plants in the garden tower, including vegetables.
Bonsai trees are a challenging hobby for people who like to garden. They take patience and some specialized knowledge but can produce wonderful trees and country scenes. The trees can live hundreds of years if cared for properly. The American Bonsai Society has a very informative website and local clubs where you can learn more.
Being cooped indoors isn’t as much fun as being able to use your outdoor living space, but a few indoor gardening projects can help you spend the time. While you are inside, remember that Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping is doing hardscapes all winter as well as designing outdoor projects for spring. If you have a project you want us to help you with, schedule a consultation before our schedule fills up.
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