Posted by admin | Posted in Gardening Articles | Posted on 14-01-2010
Tags: Gardening............, I've, Into, Never, Owned, Plant, Should, Start/what, Want, Where
I live in an apartment however, so only potted plants are what i can do at this time, both indoors and out.
Here is a nice older lady to give you some advice LOL
Start out with something simple like a succulent like moss rose one of the hardest plants to kill, or a Bromeliad which are really great. How about an Amaryllis,the varieties are endless. Also try the Schefflera very easy plant for beginners.or the Yucca plant. There are also some herbs that are easy to grow, mint and chives come to mind. All are fine ot grow in a container. Just get a good book to help. like “The House Plant Expert” by Dr.Hessayon. It is good book on container gardening
a regular ole pothos ivy is an excellent starter plant. it was my first and did well. put it where it gets some light from your lamps or indirect from a window. they do not like being in the sun. they will fry and die. when it looks wilty, water it. you can also stick your finger in the dirt to check if it needs water. only water when it feels dry, or you know it has been a couple of weeks since you watered it. then water it well. you may want to put it in the sink to drain until you are familiar with how much to give it. i was a forgetful teenager and still got it to grow. they really do not like pampering. just forget it is there for a couple of weeks at a time.
every plant is different. ficus trees are great on patios but you have to bring them inside during cold weather. a cactus is probably the best for outside since your a newcomer. read the little tags that come with the plants and you will always (almost) do at least fair. good luck. gardening brings alot of joy. if you could only find a nice older lady with a garden, she could give you a hec of an education. that of course, happened for me, and i will always be grateful to her.
First check what “zone” you live in. Check with your local florist/greenhouse. They will have plants that grow well in your area/climate/zone. If your state has a Horticultural Society, you can check with them. Mine has a library to check books out, members who help with good advise, classes to meet people and learn about gardening in your area.
My sugggestion is to look in the library for books entitled container planting or container gardening and indoor gardening. These books will give you a look at the types of plants that will grow well in smaller space and under certain light conditions. You will find that herbs are easy to grow and fresh herbs are very useful in cooking. There are also many flowers ( my favorite are miniature roses and several types of orchids) that can be grown inside if you are willing to give them the proper care. Most mistakes for an inexperienced indoor gardener is not knowing as much about the plants as possible and either not watering or fertilizing correctly or giving the wrong amount of light. BUT TRY IT, it is certainly enjoyable to watch things grow. i have done it with huge outdoor vegetable gardens, with orchids inside, with miniature roses inside and out, and love it.
If you know someone with plants, express your interest to them. Most gardeners like to share plants and information. When someone shows an interest in my plants, I am glad to explain about them and often give them some baby plants.
It is really easy. Start out with inexpensive and easy to grow plants. If one dies, no worries. Just toss it and try something else.
If you were here in person, I would give you a few to get you started. Just go for it!