Besides all these positive contributions, weeds often choke vegetable gardens. Their potential to grow faster increases competition for space and important nutrients, causing a general reduction in crop yield. Controlling weeds requires some bit of knowledge on weed ecology [1] coupled with a little effort, which can be challenging at first. We know that most first-time organic gardeners are always on the lookout for ways on how to get rid of weeds in vegetable gardens naturally.

Well, this article will give you a quick highlight of some of the most effective natural weed control methods for you to use in your vegetable garden today.

Mulch

Mulching refers to the layering of protective materials on top of your vegetable garden soil. This protective layer results in delayed soil warming that slows down the growth of weeds but provides more nutrients for your vegetables.

Research [2] explains that organic mulch hinders weeds from germinating and prevents the emergence of sprouting weeds. Therefore, mulching ensures that your vegetables don’t get unnecessary competition for important resources, and improves overall crop yield naturally.

White vinegar

Apart from salad dressing and cleaning, white vinegar can also kill weeds. Interestingly, this multipurpose solution contains a weed-killing agent[3] called acetic acid .

Unlike the many herbicides out there, this weed-toxic agent does not affect the environment.
However, you will need to be careful when applying it. For best results, simply spray your white vinegar directly on the weed plant just when they are nearly spawning. Killing them at this stage deters seed formation and breaks its generational succession. Be careful not to spray your vegetables, as they will not select and spare.

Boiling water

As dangerous as it always sounds, hot water is another great non-chemical weed management method [4]. Simply bring the water in your kettle to boil then pour it on the unwanted plants in your vegetable garden. As morbid as it might seem, hot water essentially burns the weeds down and destroys their spawns.

However, you should take care and watch out for your vegetables, as this method is highly non-selective, and might harm your crops too.

Salt water

Research [5] touts the use of saltwater as an excellent sustainable weed control measure. This saline solution largely dehydrates the weed and the surrounding soil. This restricts water uptake and thereafter chokes the unwanted plants to death.

As another non-selective yet natural way to control weeds, you might want to apply your salt-water solution in areas where there are no vegetables and to areas along the perimeter of your vegetable garden.

Corn meal

Also known as corn gluten meal, cornmeal is a research-proven non-chemical weed control alternative [6] especially for pre-emergent weeds. This means that a quick spread of cornmeal on your vegetable garden will inhibit the sprouting of weed seeds.

Note that this method only works on seeds and is less effective on growing plants. Apart from helping you control the emergence of weed species, cornmeal guarantees the continuous provision of nitrogen to the soil.

Dig and hoe

Digging and hoeing are some of the oldest ways to get rid of weeds naturally. It is one of the most efficient weed control methods especially for getting rid of recurring weeds. The continual growth of weeds in your garden means that their roots have become more persistent.

To get rid of such annoying plants, you’ll need to dig them out. Hoe is the most common digging tool for this purpose but you can also use a spade or farm fork. During digging, avoid using too much pressure or you might uproot your vegetables in the process.

Weed barrier

Putting down a weed barrier is one of the best ways to hinder the growth of weeds. The two most common types of weed barriers used today include newspapers and cardboards. Once in place, weed barriers usually cut down the supply of water and light [7], making it very hard for weeds to grow.

Before you start layering your weed barriers, make sure that you have prepared your garden bed well, mixed the soil with organic compost, and properly placed the soaker hose.

Mulch is a form of natural weed barrier. Other weed barrier types include fabric and plastic options.

Using Your Hand

As old-fashioned, as it may seem, pulling weeds with your hands, is one of the most successful ways to get rid of weeds from any vegetable garden naturally. This non-chemical method only requires keen attention so that you don’t disturb the soil too much, and a pair of gardening gloves to prevent unintentional weed dispersal. Unlike the other methods that generally suppress weed growth, the by-hand method offers a long-term solution for your vegetable garden.

Practice cover cropping

Cover cropping is a scientifically proven weed control method [8] that effectively suppresses its development and improves vegetable yield. Therefore, consider planting cover crops (plants not for harvesting) the next time you want to get rid of weeds in your garden. This will help protect the topsoil from erosion and can act as mulch when you’re ready to grow vegetables again.

Some common examples of cover crops include millet and buckwheat for hot seasons and crimson clover during cold conditions.

Summary

The occurrence of weeds in your vegetable garden isn’t uncommon. Weeds aren’t picky and they happen to grow alongside other cultivated plants. As natural as it may seem, many often rush to use chemical herbicides to control their growth but end up hurting the environment. To avoid harming the soil or your precious vegetables, use any of the discussed methods to get rid of weeds in your vegetable garden naturally.

Citations

1. https://eorganic.org/node/2314
2. https://eorganic.org/node/4871
3. https://www.thespruce.com/vinegar-as-a-natural-weed-killer-2132943
4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/296011430_Effect_of_hot_water_on_weeds
5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289202827_Use_of_saline_water_for_weed_control_in_seashore_Paspalum_Paspalum_vaginatum
6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237728065_Chapter_35_The_Use_of_Corn_Gluten_Meal_As_A_Natural_Preemergence_Weed_Control_in_Turf
7. https://www.permaculturenews.org/2017/04/19/weed-barriers-can-improve-quality-garden/
8. https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2134/agronj2017.12.0752

Vegetable oil spray

Vegetable oil is one of the best natural insecticides that you can actually find in your kitchen. There is no need to splurge on expensive products because you can make one yourself and it won’t take too much of your time. If you’ve been wondering what to spray on your vegetable garden for bugs, now you have the answer.

Vegetable oil can kill the little pests that are destroying your garden because it covers their bodies and doesn’t let them breathe. The bugs will suffocate and will help you solve your problem without using chemical harmful insecticides. It works great for spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, aphids, and more.

To prepare the vegetable oil spray you should mix one cup of vegetable oil and one tablespoon of soap. Mix the two ingredients very well. Also, you can keep it in a jar for a few weeks, however, make sure that you’re storing it in a dark and cool place in your house. It’s best if you transfer the liquid into a spray bottle for easier use. Moreover, before you spray, mix two teaspoons of the mix with one quart of water. Shake everything together again and spray it on your vegetables.

Soap spray

Soap is another amazing ingredient that can help you get rid of bugs. You don’t want any pests destroying the garden that you worked so hard on! That’s why you should reach for the dish soap that you have at home and prepare a homemade natural insecticide. Soap is extremely useful against whiteflies, aphids, mites, and beetles.

Even if you’re not a big believer in natural pest control, this soap spray will change your mind. You’ll notice that it’s made with the two simplest ingredients, and it’s safe for your whole household. If you’ve been having doubts about harsh chemicals, check out what you can do. Soap works in a way that dehydrates bugs and pests. It coats their bodies, clogs their pores, and prevents them from breathing.

To prepare the recipe, combine five tablespoons of dish soap with four cups of water. It’s best if you pour them into a spray bottle so that you can use the spray right away. Also, don’t forget to mix the two ingredients very well. You can use it whenever you need to, however, it’s better to avoid days that are too hot and sunny and, rather, use it during the morning or in the evening.

Neem oil spray

Neem has been used for a very long time in medicine as an amazing natural ingredient. Now you can fight the bugs in your vegetable garden with neem oil. Thanks to its bad smell and bitter taste, bugs will stay away from the plants, and you will be able to avoid using chemicals.

The oil is extracted from the neem tree that grows mainly in India. Although it can affect pests, it’s not toxic to people, animals, or birds and it can be used for cooking.

This oil is both an insecticide and has antifungal properties. In other words, it can kill pests and kill fungi. It works on mites, aphids, corn earworms, whiteflies, scales, and more, at all stages of their life. When it comes to fungi, it’s effective on rusts, wilts, mildews, rusts, and more. This oil spray messes with their hormones and prevents them from eating your vegetables.

The recipe is quite simple and easy to prepare. Combine one teaspoon mild liquid soap, two teaspoons neem oil, and a quart of water. Mix all the ingredients together and transfer them to a spray bottle. Spray it on your plants and voila! What’s even better is that you can use it as a prevention for the vegetables that you know will probably get attacked by bugs. It will keep them safe for a while, then you can spray again. The average effect of this oil spray is around 20 days. Also, it works best for younger plants.

Use the spray in the morning or in the evening, so that you can protect the bugs that are actually good for your plants.

Diatomaceous earth

Pest control will become much easier once you learn how to use diatomaceous earth. This insecticide comes with a complicated name, but it does an amazing job at keeping your garden safe from bugs. You can use it to get rid of aphids, crickets, snails, centipedes, Japanese beetles, and more. It’s most effective for bugs that get in touch with the garden or crawl on the area where you sprinkle it.

Diatomaceous earth comes from a rock that is created with algae called diatoms. You can find it in many garden stores. This natural ingredient uses dehydration as a mechanism to kill bugs. It strips their lipids, dehydrates them and solves your pest problem. To apply it, you just need to sprinkle it on the soil or on the plants.

Diatomaceous earth does the best work when you add it to a dry area. You should avoid using it right after it’s rained or after you’ve watered the plants. So, apply it when the soil is dry and it will stay on top of the soil. Water can transfer it to the lower parts of the soil, and that’s something you don’t want to happen. First, sprinkle it on the plants while the soil and area are dry. If it rains, you should repeat the process. You should also avoid using it on flowers.

Garlic spray

Bugs hate the strong scent of garlic, so it’s only logical to use this vegetable to fight those little pests. They are so unhappy with it that they decide not to feed on vegetables. This is great news since most of us already have garlic at home. It makes the whole experience effortless, plus cost-efficient. Although it’s still not completely clear whether garlic kills insects or just repels them with the scent, it still does a good job at keeping them away from your vegetables.

To protect your vegetable garden all you need is 10 to 12 garlic cloves, a quart of water, and a blender. Fill the blender with the garlic cloves and blend to get a puree. Next, add the water and mix the ingredients together. Leave the garlic spray overnight and use a strain to transfer it into a quart jar. To finish the recipe, you will need to also add one teaspoon of mild liquid soap and fill the rest of the jar with water.

Before using the garlic spray, you will need to dilute one cup of the mixture with one quart of water. You can fill it in a spray bottle for simple use.

To upgrade the recipe and make it stronger you can add half a cup of vegetable oil or one tablespoon of cayenne pepper. After you add these ingredients, you need to let the mixture sit overnight and strain it again. Dilute with water before using it as we described above. Feel free to use it for several weeks, it won’t go bad. Just keep it in a cool and dark spot.

Chile pepper spray

This is another powder that you probably have in your kitchen cabinets. Hot peppers are hot and can be very irritating to bugs. It’s most effective for squash bugs, aphids, and Japanese bean beetles. Before you start making any recipe make sure that you’re careful because hot peppers can be irritating to the skin, eyes, nose.

If you want to prepare a chile pepper spray, you will either need chile pepper powder or fresh hot peppers. Combine one tablespoon of powder, a few drops of mild liquid soap, and one quart of water. Mix all the ingredients together. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and you’re ready to go. If you only have fresh hot peppers, don’t worry, we’ve got a recipe for you as well. Blend half a cup of hot peppers in your blender with one cup of water. Once you’re done, add one quart of water to the mixture. Let it boil and leave it on the side. Wait for the mixture to cool down and use a strain. Include a few drops of mild liquid soap and transfer it to a spray bottle.

You can apply it in the evening so that it does its magic during the night when the pests come out. The spray is effective for up to one week, after that, you’ll have to reapply it. After picking your vegetables, wash them very well.

All-in-one homemade spray

Okay, now let’s mix many different ingredients that fight bugs that can damage your garden. What better way to keep your plants safe than to combine several natural ingredients that are either insecticides or repellents?

This all-in-one homemade spray includes garlic, onion, cayenne pepper powder, liquid soap, and water. Put one bulb of garlic in your blender together with one onion. Blend them together. Next, combine the mixture with one tablespoon of cayenne pepper and mix everything together. Let it steep for about an hour. When the time is up strain it, and add one tablespoon of liquid soap. Your new insecticide is ready to tackle the bugs in the garden. It can last up to seven days, but make sure that you keep it in the fridge.

Tomato leaf spray

If insects have been all over your vegetable garden, it’s time to spur into action. Did you know that the leaves of tomatoes can help you get rid of these pests? Let’s start with the fact that these leaves contain alkaloids that are successful in the fight against bugs. Tomatine and solanine are the two chemicals that do the job. Another interesting thing is that tomato leaves are rich in nicotine, which is very powerful against bugs and insects. You can both grow plants and use them to fight the bugs that attack them at the same time. Impressive, right?

Now, for the recipe. You will need two cups of fresh tomato leaves and one quart of water. Chop the leaves and add them to the water. Let the mixture stay overnight and use a strain to transfer the water into a spray bottle. You can spray it directly on the plants.

Summary

After reading about all of these choices will you go back to using store-bought chemical pesticides or will you decide to make yours at home? As you can see, ingredients such as soap, chile pepper powder, tomato leaves, and garlic can all be used for pest control. The recipes are very easy to make, and they will save you some money.

States That Allow Home Growing

Growing marijuana is the dream for some people. For others, this dream has come true because many states allow growing these plants at home. In states where it is permitted, strict regulations dictate the number of plants that you can grow. Below are the states that allow growing cannabis at home [1].

Alaska

In Alaska, cultivating weed at home is permitted for persons above 21 years. Each person is allowed to grow a maximum of 6 plants. The maximum number of weed plants a household can have is 12 with 2 or more adults. If you exceed the plant limit, you are charged a heavy fine. Having over 25 cannabis plants is considered a felony with a 5-year jail term and a $1,000 fine.

Arizona

The laws of Arizona allow residents and citizens to grow weed at home. The person cultivating it must be an adult aged at least 21 years old, and the limit is 6 plants. Households with at least 2 adults can grow a maximum of 12 cannabis plants. If you grow marijuana in this state, you must select an appropriate growing area [3] out of reach of minors. The growing space should be enclosed and secured.

California

In California, growing weed at home is legal for adults aged 21 years and above. They can only grow a maximum of 6 plants for personal use. The plants must be grown in a place that is secured and not easy to see.

Colorado

Like California, only adults can grow weed at home, and the maximum number of plants [4] allowed is 6. But after growing weed at home, you cannot sell it to other people.

Illinois

Illinois allows home cultivation of weed for medical purposes only, and a household can have a maximum of 5 plants. A license is required for home cultivation.

Maine

In Maine, adults can grow a maximum of 3 mature weed plants at a given time in their homes. They can have up to 12 immature plants and unlimited seedlings.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts allows adults to grow 6 or fewer marijuana plants at home.

Michigan

In Michigan, households can cultivate weed at home, but the number of plants at any given time should not exceed 12.

Nevada

Adults aged 21 and above can grow weed in their homes in Nevada, but the number of plants must not go beyond 12 per household.

Oregon

In Oregon, adults who are at least 21 years old can grow weed in their homes but must not have more than 4 plants in a household.

Vermont

Vermont allows each household to grow a maximum of 2 mature weed plants and 4 immature ones at a time.

District of Columbia

In the District of Columbia, each household can grow up to 3 mature weed plants and 3 immature ones at a time.

Medical cannabis approved but no home growing allowed

Some states allow the use of cannabis for medical reasons, but growing the plants at home is prohibited.

Alabama

It is illegal to grow weed at home in Alabama, regardless of age. However, people are allowed to use non-psychoactive CBD oil strictly for medical reasons. If one is caught in possession or growing weed for the first time, it may be considered a misdemeanor. But if caught in possession of weed or intent to sell it again, then they are charged with a felony.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, citizens and residents are not allowed to grow weed in their homes. However, weed can be grown for medical uses only, but not in regular households. After being planted and harvested, marijuana is used strictly for medicinal purposes. Marijuana use for medical reasons was legalized on the 8th of November, 2016. If you are caught in possession of weed under 3 ounces, it is considered a misdemeanor in Eureka Springs and Faterreville cities.

Connecticut

The state of Connecticut also allows weed for medical reasons only. However, the residents cannot grow it in their homes. Growing weed is classified as a felony.

Delaware

In Delaware, medical marijuana is allowed. However, the marijuana grown in the state is not done in homes. Instead, it is cultivated by licensed and authorized persons who harvest it to be used for medical reasons. On the 10th of February, 2012, medical marijuana was suspended by Governor Markell. However, on the 31st of August 2016, he signed House Bill 400 that expanded medical cannabis programs, particularly for persons with terminal health conditions.

Florida

In Florida, marijuana can be used for medical reasons, but it cannot be grown at the household level. The weed-grown in this state is for medical use only. Medical weed in Florida was legalized on the 1st of July, 2017. This was after 71% of voters passed Amendment 2.

Georgia

In Georgia, people can use CBD oil with a concentration of less than 5% THC. Low THC CBD oil use was legalized on the 16th of April 2015 but it is illegal to cultivate the plants in households.

Hawaii

Medical weed was legalized on the 15th of June, 2000, by Governor Benjamin Cayetano in Hawaii. In July 2015, Governor David Ige allowed the presence of medical marijuana dispensaries. One year later, he also signed a bill that expanded medical weed programs. But growing weed at home is still prohibited in Hawaii.

Indiana

In Indiana, patients can use CBD oil with a concentration of less than 0.3% THC. It is illegal to grow weed, and that has been the case since 1913.

Iowa

In 2014, CBD oil became legal for use by patients in Iowa. However, it must not exceed a THC concentration of 3%. Cultivating weed plants is a felony.

Kansas

In 1927, weed was prohibited in Kansas. In 2018, CBD oil was exempted from the definition of a weed. Today, CBD oil is legal in Kansas as long as it has a 0.00% THC concentration. Home cultivation remains illegal.

Louisiana

In 1924, Louisiana prohibited the use of weed but in 2015, medical weed was legalized. Under House Bill 819 of 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards expanded access to weed by allowing doctors to prescribe it for any condition they consider debilitating.

Maryland

HB 881 legalized the use of medical cannabis in Maryland, but the residents cannot grow it at home at all.

North Carolina

The use of CBD oil was legalized in 2015 in North Carolina but it is illegal to grow weed at home.

South Carolina

In 2014, Governor Nikki Haley signed Julian’s Law following Senate Bill 1035. The law allowed children with severe epilepsy to use CBD oil, but only if prescribed by a doctor. Medical marijuana, specifically Cannabis oil with less than 0.9% THC, is legal, but cultivating it at home is prohibited.

Texas

It is illegal to grow weed at home in Texas. However, patients are permitted to use CBD oil. The oil should have a maximum of 0.5% THC and no less than 10% CBD. Governor Greg Abbot legalized the use of CBD oil for intractable epilepsy on the 1st of June, 2015. In 2019, the provision for medical conditions was expanded. Today, CBD oil can be used to manage ALS, Parkinson’s disease, spasticity, autism, terminal cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

Utah

It is illegal to cultivate cannabis at home in Utah. In 2014, low-THC cannabis oil was permitted for use in epileptic patients. In March 2018, the laws changed, and cannabis was legalized for use by persons with specific terminal conditions.

Virginia

In Virginia, CBD oil with less than 5% THC is legal, but the residents cannot grow weed plants at home.

West Virginia

Under the Compassionate Use Act for Medical Cannabis, protection was granted for people to use marijuana for medical reasons. No one is allowed to grow weed at home in West Virginia.

Wyoming

CBD oil use for medical reasons is legal in Wyoming, but home cultivation is prohibited.

No medical, No recreation, No home growing allowed

There is only one state in America where weed is not permitted for recreational or medical or home growing.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, it is illegal to use weed for medical reasons as well as to grow at home. It is also illegal to use weed for recreational purposes. But if you are caught using weed for the first use, then it is decriminalized and you get a $300 fine and mandatory drug education. The second time attracts a fine of $500 and a jail term lasting up to 5 days, while the third attracts a fine of the same amount and a jail term of up to one week.

State Home Growing Rules For Recreational And Medical Cannabis

State rules for home growing of weed vary from one state to another. The basic rules cover the following areas:

Number of Plants Allowed

The states that allow weed growth at home have a limit in the number of mature plants allowed. Usually, the maximum number of weed plants a household can have is 6 for one adult. If there are at least 2 adults in the household, the permitted number can be doubled, that is, 12 plants. Some states allow a maximum of 3 mature cannabis plants at a time.

Age

All states that allow growing weed at home permit it only for adults of 21 years of age. This age is considered mature enough to handle weed responsibly.

Severity of Punishment

Over the years, some states have decriminalized the use of weed for medical or recreational purposes. In some states, breaking the state rules on weed attracts a fine, while others consider it a felony. Due to these differences, every weed grower or user must familiarize themselves with their state laws on weed use and growth and adhere to them.

Summary

Growing weed can be done in some American states but not in others. Different states have varying rules surrounding the possession, recreational use, medical use, and home growing of weed. It is crucial to check your state laws before you use weed for pleasure or medical reasons. You must also confirm if you can grow weed plants at home before you decide to grow them. We hope this article has sensitized you about the states where it is legal to grow weed.

Citations

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis_by_U.S._jurisdiction
2. https://norml.org/laws/alaska-penalties/
3. https://schilllawgroup.com/legally-grow-marijuana-arizona/
4. https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/marijuana/home-grow-laws

Disclosure

This information may not be up to date. The status of ever-changing individual state laws makes it difficult to keep current. Please check your state’s laws on any legal matters.

Benefits of growing weed indoors

Like growing any other plant, growing marijuana indoors requires care and love. Weed plants need sufficient amounts of water, light, and nutrients. There are several advantages of growing weed indoors [1] compared to outdoor growing.

High-Quality Marijuana

Growing weed indoors is more labor and resource-intensive than growing it outdoors. However, you get the opportunity to control the growing environment and what you feed your plants with. As a result, you will get better-quality weed that is not contaminated by external factors.

Multiple Harvests

Outdoor weed cultivation is guided and determined by the seasons and the sun. On the flip side, indoor gardening means that you control the factors and grow weed regardless of the season. You can let your weed plants grow as big as you wish. You also have the option of flipping them into flowers, harvesting, and growing another batch immediately. Winter is not an excuse for not growing marijuana indoors.

Adaptability

Growing weed indoors is not limited to people with big houses and backyards. You can grow the plant anywhere, including in apartment blocks or units. The plant does not need plenty of space to grow. In fact, you can grow it in a pot.

Safety from Pests, Bugs, and Animals

Unlike growing weed outdoors, indoor cultivation allows you control over the growing environment. It keeps away animals that may feast on your marijuana plants. Although weed grown indoors can be attacked by pests, bugs, and diseases, the risk is significantly reduced because the environment is controlled. You should have a basic understanding of pest and insect control before growing marijuana indoors.

Security and Privacy

Although it is legal to grow weed at home in some states, you may have nosy and judgmental neighbors. Therefore, you may want to grow weed in private. Privacy will also keep your plants out of thieves’ reach.

Chance to Grow a Specific Chain

One of the biggest challenges facing regular weed users is getting different strains with each purchase. When you grow your own weed indoors, you get the chance to use the strain of weed you love best. If you prefer to use assorted varieties, then you can grow them too.

Designate a cannabis grow room or space

Now that you understand the benefits of growing weed indoors, the first step you should take is deciding the particular area in which you will grow your marijuana plants. The grow room or area should be suitable, and it should be out of reach for pets and children. The space you choose does not necessarily have to be a large room. It can be any place in your home, including a corner in your basement, cabinet, tent, spare room, or even a closet. You can adjust the space as needed to grow your weed.

As you decide on the grow space or room, you should remember to start small and expand your indoor weed garden over time. You will want to start with a small space because it will be cheaper to set up and easier to monitor how your plants are growing. Bear in mind that growing weed indoors does not always guarantee success. Like any other project, you will experience challenges. Pests and diseases, for instance, may attack your plants and cause their decline. Although we recommend that you start small, do not give up your dream of growing more weed plants. You can add more after some time.

The space you choose is not merely a growing area. You should ensure you have adequate space for the number of plants you desire to grow. Consider the amount of natural or artificial light needed, fans, and ducting. Marijuana plants double in size as they start to flower, so you must ensure you have adequate room for each plant, especially the headspace. Let us explore the important considerations to make when choosing the grow room [2] or space.

Cleanliness

The space you choose should be clean and easy to sanitize. All surfaces should be easy to clean. You want to grow your cannabis in a clean and safe environment as this will reduce the likelihood of pest and bug infestation.

Light

Your grow room should be light-tight. If light leaks in during the dark periods, your plants will get confused and produce male flowers. You do not want male flowers!

Convenience

Weed plants need careful monitoring. You should check on them at least once a day, especially if you are a beginner. A growing area that is hard to access will make this difficult.

Temperature and Humidity

If the space you choose is too warm or humid, you will experience trouble regulating the growing environment. Instead, choose a space that is cool, dry, and with access to fresh air.

Stealth

Choose a grow area that hides your plants from nosy neighbors or thieves. Since you will be using fans, ensure the location will not attract attention, especially when the fans are running.

Size

Marijuana plants tend to grow tall. You will need a grow tent at least six and a half feet tall. If the space you choose does not have a ceiling that high, you should get another location. Shorter areas are not ideal.

Exchange of Fresh Air

Indoor weed growing areas are heavily dependent on the exchange of clean and fresh air. Marijuana plants need plenty of carbon dioxide levels. Without a regular air exchange, the plants will run out of carbon dioxide, which will cause their decline or stunting. You can ensure the exchange of fresh air by using an extraction fan.

Pick your cannabis grow lights

The amount and quality of light in the grow room or space you choose will influence your weed quality and quantity. It is always recommended that you invest in the best lighting you possibly can. There are different lighting options [3] to choose from.

HID Grow Lights

HID is an acronym for High-Intensity Discharge, and these grow lights are the most commonly used. They have a good output and are efficient and affordable. HID lights typically cost more than incandescent or fluorescent lights, but they release better quality light. However, they are not as efficient as LED lights are.

To set up HID lights, you need ballast and reflectors or hoods for each light. There are two main categories of HID lights.

Metal Halide Lights

These HID lights produce a bluish-white light and are best used using vegetative growth.

High-Pressure Sodium Lights

They produce a red-orange light and are best used during the flowering stage.
If you cannot afford both metal halide and high-pressure sodium bulbs at the same time, invest in the high-pressure sodium ones because they yield more light per watt.

Fluorescent Grow Lights

Fluorescent grow lights are commonly used by small-scale weed growers. Many people prefer them because they are cheaper to set up. A package comes with a reflector, bulb, and ballast, which reduce the installation costs. Besides, these lights do not need a cooling system because they do not generate as much heat as the High-Intensity Discharge lights do. On the flip side, these lights are less efficient, so you need many of them to get the output needed. It is not always possible to install many of them, especially if the space is limited.

LED Grow Lights

LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode, which is a technology that has been used for a long time now. Recently, this technology was adapted to bulbs for indoor growing. LED lights are very efficient, and they last long, but they are expensive to install. They also use less electricity, generate a fuller light spectrum, and generate minimal heat. If you decide to install LED lights, you should be very careful because there are many counterfeits in the market. You should learn more about the best LED grow lights before clicking the order button or dishing out cash.

Induction Grow Lights

Induction Grow Lights are also known as Electrodeless Fluorescent Lamps. These lights last longer and are more efficient than fluorescent bulbs. However, they are not readily available and are pricey.

Give your cannabis plants air

Marijuana plants need plenty of fresh air to thrive. They need plenty of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, so you have to ensure a steady flow of air in your grow room all day long. You can do this using an exhaust fan that should be placed near the top of the room. The fan will remove warm air. The room should also have a filtered air inlet close to the floor of the room on the opposite side of the fan. Your fan’s size should depend on the size of the grow room and the type and number of grow lights installed. HID lights, for example, generate more heat than LED lights, so the fan should be larger for effective cooling.

The goal should be to maintain temperatures between 70-85°F when the lights are on and between 58-70°F when they are off. It is crucial to know the characteristics of the cannabis variety you wish to grow. Some varieties prefer the colder side of the ranges given above for optimal growth. The best thing to do is ensure the grow space or room has a constant light breeze. The breeze will strengthen your plant systems and discourage mold and flying insects, and pests from attacking your space. Never put the fan directly on your weed plants, as it will cause windburn.

If using a fan and grow lights is not feasible for you, you can build a sealed environment. You create this artificial environment using a dehumidifier, air conditioner, and a supplemental carbon dioxide system. Doing this will cost you more and is not recommended for first-time weed growers.

Pick your climate controls and monitors

As you select your grow lights, fans, and other control equipment, ensure you pick those with automated functions. You do not want to spend the entire day trying to adjust the indoor climate manually. Not only will this be exhausting, but you will also forget to adjust some settings and ultimately cause the decline of your plants. Automated climate controls can be quite pricey, but there are cheaper alternatives if you do not want to dent your pockets.

Beginners need a 24-hour timer for the lights and an adjustable thermostat switch for the exhaust fan. The amount of light you give your weed plants is crucial. They require about 18 hours of light each day in the vegetative phase and 12 hours a day in the flowering stage. You should switch the lights on or off at specific times of the day to avoid stressing the plants.

Decide on a cannabis grow medium

Growing cannabis indoors gives you a wider array of growth mediums compared to outdoor growing. Each medium has its pros and cons. Although there are many options, the main types of media are soil and hydroponics.

Soil

We all know that soil is the traditional medium for growing plants, both indoors and outdoors. Most people grow their first marijuana plants in soil because it is easier and more forgiving to use. You can choose any high-quality potting soil you prefer. However, it should not have artificial slow-release fertilizers as they are not suitable for growing weed. You should always check the label keenly.

If potting soil is not your thing, you can use organic pre-fertilized soil, also called super soil. If you use this option, you will not need to add other nutrients because it is specifically created to support cannabis growth to maturity. You can make your own super soil by combining good quality soil with worm castings, bat guano, and other organic components. Remember that for your plants to thrive, the soil should have a healthy population of soil bacteria and other organisms to convert the organic matter into nutrients. The third soil option is using a regular soil mix. This may not have all the essential nutrients, so you should supplement your weed plants with liquid nutrient solutions.

Hydroponics

In recent times, more people are embracing hydroponics or soilless growing medium for their indoor plants, including marijuana. In a hydroponic system, you feed the plants with concentrated solutions containing mineral salts. These minerals are absorbed directly by the plant via osmosis. Since there is faster nutrient absorption, the marijuana crops grow faster and have better yields. However, this is not guaranteed as it is dependent on precision when it comes to the solutions. Your plants will react very quickly to under or over-feeding that can cause their decline.

In hydroponic systems, different materials can be used to support the plants. These include perlite, clay pebbles, vermiculite, Rockwool, coco coir, and others. Sometimes, these materials are combined for functional reasons and aesthetics. Hydroponic systems cost more than soil mixes, so it is important to do some research and invest in the best hydroponic weed systems.

Pick a container

The type, shape, and size of the container you choose for your weed plant will depend on the system, growing medium, and size of the plant. If you are using a tray-style or flood and drain hydroponic system, small nets filled with clay pebbles are appropriate. If you are using soil and the plants are large, you may require a few 10-gallon nursery pots. The containers you choose should have good drainage because cannabis roots are susceptible to rot from water-logging. All containers should have drainage slots or holes at the bottom.

If you love recycling and reusing containers in your house, you can use plastic bags or cloth bags to grow your weed. The containers you choose should enhance airflow. They should also have good drainage.

Cannabis plants nutrients

The human body requires nutrients from food to thrive, right? As do marijuana plants. If you want high-quality marijuana, you must provide the necessary nutrients, usually in higher amounts than other common crops. The primary nutrients that cannabis plants need are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Others that are needed in smaller amounts are copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium. For beginners, it is advisable to use a pre-fertilized organic soil mix. If you are not using this, you should feed the plants at least once a week using a suitable nutrient solution.

Nutrient solutions for weed are sold in the form of concentrated powders or liquids. They are normally designed for the flowering or vegetative stages of growth because the nutrient demands change depending on the stage of growth. They require more potassium and phosphorus in the budding stage and more nitrogen during the vegetative growth stage. After purchasing the nutrient solutions for weed, ensure you strictly follow the instructions on the packing. Always start with half-strength because these plants are susceptible to burning, and overfeeding them will cause more damage than underfeeding. Besides the nutrients, the plants need a neutral pH of between six and seven in soil and between 5.5 and 6.5 in hydroponic media. Test the pH of your soil before planting marijuana.

Cannabis plants hydration

Do you need special water for your weed plants? Well, watering your weed plants is not different from watering other indoor plants. The same clean water you drink in your household is the same you should use to water your weed plants. The most important thing to remember is not to overwater. If you give your marijuana plants too much water, they will have fungal root rot, which will cause their decline. The frequency of watering your plants should be based on the growing medium used, ambient temperature, and plants’ size.

Although the water you drink in your house is generally safe for watering your weed plants, it is important to have a basic understanding of the kind of water you have in your taps. In some areas, the water contains high amounts of dissolved minerals. These can buildup in the root area of your plants and inhibit nutrient absorption from the growing medium. The water could also contain pathogens that can cause root disease. If you know or suspect the water in your area has high amounts of dissolved minerals, you should filter it before watering your weed plants.

Summary

Learning how to grow marijuana indoors is the dream of some frequent weed users. Before growing it indoors, confirm that your state laws are on the same page. If you are allowed to do it, follow the above steps and tips for successfully growing your own weed. As you grow your plants, remember that they will be a labor of love, so ensure you give them the attention they need to thrive and enjoy the process.

Citations

1. https://www.cannalist.eu/10-reasons-growing-marijuana-indoors-is-better-than-outdoors/#
2. https://keytocannabis.com/how-to-grow-amazing-marijuana-at-home/
3. https://www.leafly.com/news/growing/cannabis-growing-101-everything-you-need-to-get-started

Add compost and organic diet

Adding compost [1] to the soil is one of the most commonly used methods of remedying the soil. Compost improves the soil structure, increases the population of soil organisms, and increases the organic materials the organisms feed on. It is also a buffer pH, and it helps to conserve moisture in the soil. It is important not to add excessive amounts of compost to the soil as it could cause problems, especially with specific plant varieties. For this reason, it is crucial to know the correct soil to compost ratio to reap the benefits of adding compost to your soil.

Before adding compost to the soil, you should ensure it is well-rotted and should not contain weed seeds. In recent times, some experts have been recommending spreading compost on top of the soil instead of digging the soil up to mix it. The baseline of this argument is that digging up the soil disturbs mycorrhizal fungi that help plants get nutrients from deep soil. If the soil in your garden has a good texture, spreading the compost is best. After all, worms, rain, and other natural activities will wash the compost inside the soil for the plant roots to absorb them. As you spread out the compost in the garden, ensure it is not more than 3 inches high. The general recommendation is to use one part compost for one part topsoil and one part each of perlite and peat in your garden.

Besides adding compost, you can greatly improve your garden soil by adding an organic diet [2]. Like the human body, the soil needs water, food, air, and shelter to offer the best plant growth environment. An organic diet for your garden means adding organic materials such as fallen leaves, kitchen scraps, and garden debris to the soil. You can do this by chopping the organic matter on the soil, mixing it up with about 2 inches of the topsoil, and mulching afterward. An organic diet will break down over time and improve the quality of your soil.

Till with worms

Did you know there is an alternative way of tilling your garden besides double digging? You can use the sheet mulching technique that invites worms to do all the hard work for you. In sheet mulching, the gardener builds compost on the soil surface. 2 to 4-inch layers of brown and green compost work well.

Compost is high in food for worms, so these important organisms multiply in the garden. The worms then burrow through the soil to feed and transport food. This burrowing process improves the soil structure and also improves the soil nutrient levels with their droppings.

Sheet mulching and tilling with worms takes time, so you must plan in advance. The process should start several months before the next planting season. When you use the sheet mulching and worm tilling technique, you build new garden soil rich in nutrients for optimal plant growth.

Grow your own soil

The soil in your garden is the foundation of your garden, so you should ensure you have the best quality soil. Did you know that you can grow your own soil [3]? You can do this by building organic matter because this is the richest portion of the soil. Organic matter is sticky, so it holds nutrients and absorbs water for the plants to thrive. Building your own soil is a very slow process that you should be intentional about. Science states that it takes at least 100 years to build one centimeter of soil, so you should not be in a rush to grow your own soil.

Growing your own soil requires a basic understanding of the soil food web. The web consists of numerous organisms. In fact, a teaspoon of soil contains 100 million to 1 billion bacteria. Soil also contains other organisms such as nematodes, protozoa, insects, worms, slugs, and more. Although most of us do not see the positive benefits of these living things because we think they are scary or gross, they are crucial for soil growth. They build organic matter and without them, growing your own soil is impossible.

Some of the practices you can engage in to grow your soil include adding animal manure to the soil, cover-cropping, mulching, reducing tillage, and vermicomposting.

In the off-season, you can plant cover crops such as buckwheat and clovers. These plants improve and grow soil by adding organic matter, losing the soil structure, and enriching the soil with nutrients. They also shelter your garden soil and control weeds. You should chop down these cover crops a few weeks before the growing season.

Test your soil

Soil testing [4] is a must-do for any serious gardener. It is imperative to conduct a soil test if you are about to start a new garden or whenever you notice a decline in your garden health. Soil testing allows you to learn more about your soil. You learn the corrective steps to rebuild damaged soil and the plants to grow in your garden. Also, you should have a basic understanding of your soil’s drainage, mineral density, composition, texture, and acidity. This information will save you from losses that occur when plant health declines due to poor quality soil. There are simple tests you can conduct at home to determine your soil’s health, and these are explored below.

The Squeeze Test

The squeeze test gives you information about soil composition. Soil is mainly classified into three types: sandy, clay, and loam soils. Clay is slow draining, very compact, and nutrient-rich, while sandy soil drains very fast and barely holds nutrients and moisture. Loam is the ideal soil because it does not stay soggy, and it can hold nutrients. To conduct this simple home test, follow these steps:

• Moisten some soil from your garden, making sure it is not wet. Take a handful and firmly squeeze it.
• Open your hand and observe it. If it holds shape and crumbles when you poke it, you have good-quality soil. If it holds shape but does not crumble when poked, your garden has clay soil. If it falls apart the minute you open your hand, you have sandy soil that is not ideal for gardening.

Knowing whether you have clay, sandy, or loam soil will guide you on ways to improve it.

The Percolation Test

The percolation test helps you understand how your soil drains. To conduct this test:

• Dig a hole that measures about one foot deep and 6 inches wide
• Fill the hole with water and let it drain completely, preferably overnight
• Fill the hole again with water and observe how long the water takes to drain
• If it takes over 4 hours to drain, your soil has a drainage problem

This test is important because most roots get root rot if the soil has poor drainage.

The Worm Test

Did you know that worms indicate how healthy your soil is? The presence of worms indicates biological activity. If your soil has earthworms, it likely contains beneficial bacteria and microbes important for healthy plants. To conduct the worm test:

• Ensure your soil is moist but not wet and is warm enough. A warmth of 55 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
• Dig a hole in the garden. It should measure about 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide
• Place the soil on a piece of cardboard
• Using your hands, sift through the soil, making sure you place it back into the hole. Count the earthworms as you do this.
• If you find at least 10 worms, your soil is healthy. If there are fewer, it is an indication that your soil lacks enough organic matter or is too alkaline or acidic.

The pH Test

The pH test measures the acidity level of the soil. The pH scale starts from 0 to 14, with 14 being extremely alkaline and 0 being extremely acidic. Most plants in your garden will thrive in environments with a pH of between 6 and 7. Conducting a pH test at home requires home test kits that are readily available online or in stores. When you use a pH test kit, ensure you follow the instructions indicated in the packaging to the letter. Once you determine if your soil is too acidic or alkaline for plant growth, take the appropriate steps to remedy it.

NB: If you need more information about your soil’s health, you should consult agriculture or soil experts.

Professionals usually have equipped labs to conduct special tests. Check the nearest soil expert online and book a consultation with them. They will require a sample of soil from your garden to conduct advanced tests. It is your responsibility to ensure the expert you choose is qualified and licensed.

Supply what’s missing

Soil tests, especially the advanced ones conducted by experts, will help you know what your soil is lacking. This information will guide you in taking suitable amendment steps. It will come in handy when choosing the kind of fertilizer to add to your soil. It is better to use organic fertilizers in your garden as opposed to chemical-based ones. Always use the fertilizer as per the instructions, making sure you mix from the center of the garden if you intend to plant vegetables. If you have a perennial garden, add the fertilizer without digging up any soil.

Why nitrogen is important

Although there are several essential nutrients for plant growth, we will single out nitrogen because most soils have a short supply. Nitrogen is required to feed both soil organisms and plants. In fact, this essential nutrient determines long-term soil health. Each year, make sure you add enough nitrogen to your garden. Some of the sources of concentrated nitrogen in the soil are seeds, organic fertilizers, and blood. Manure and compost also add some nitrogen to the soil, but not in sufficient amounts.

Pull, Cover, Smother

Weeds are the worst enemy of your plants. Before planting anything in your garden, get the weeds under control to stop them from stealing all the organic nutrients from your plants. One of the simplest ways to control weeds is by mulching. When the garden beds are covered, you get a jump on weeds. At the same time, the mulch feeds the soil with organic material. It is also necessary to pull any weeds that emerge when they are still small and easy to pull out.

Recycle Perennials

Most Americans have beautifully landscaped gardens containing woodlands, hedges, or fruit trees. These plants are beneficial in soil amendment. You can prune the trees, trim the hedges, and use perennial cutting to feed the soil. This is called recycling perennials. The trimmings and cuttings make excellent mulch. When they are still green, they are a source of nitrogen for the soil. Softer perennial cuttings can be used as mulch or sheet mulch compost. You can chop the cuttings into small pieces before mulching.

Let soils dry

Sometimes, letting soil be is the best decision you can make. Every beginner or expert gardener knows about the planting season, which is spring. Before you plant your vegetables or other plants, it is wise to let the soil dry before digging or manipulating it. If you walk or drive on wet soil, you compact it and destroy its structure. The same happens if you dig it up using a rototiller or a hoe. Compacting the soil means that you squeeze out the air that microorganisms need to breathe, and your plants need to grow.

Always check if your soil is ready for digging in the spring before you do anything. Take a bit of soil in your hand and squeeze it. If water comes out, it is not ready for digging or planting. Let it remain untouched for about a week to dry out properly. It is important to mention that clay soil may take longer than a week to dry out because it retains moisture longer than loam soil.

Prevent soil compaction

Compacting your soil is one of the worst things you can do. Compacted soil does not support the optimal growth of plants. It causes stunted plant growth, nutrient deficiency, and poor root establishment. You compact your soil by working it through before it dries out. You can reduce soil compaction by:

• Avoid working wet soil because it is susceptible to compaction. Always check the moisture level of your soil before digging or walking on it to ascertain its readiness.
• Always use the correct equipment when digging or working the soil. After ascertaining that the soil is ready for digging, use equipment that is not too heavy. Weighty equipment increases soil compaction. You should always invest in lightweight and high-quality gardening supplies for the best gardening experience.

Rotate Crops

Crop rotation [5] involves planting different crop varieties during different seasons or years in the same garden. The opposite of this is monocropping that involves planting the same plants in the same garden repeatedly over several seasons or years. Crop rotation offers various benefits, including the following:

Weed Control

Crop rotation ensures you use different herbicides with different modes of action. This ensures the plants do not become resistant to weed-control herbicides and ultimately controls weed growth in your garden.

Insect and Disease Control

Crops from the same family normally have the same insect infestations and diseases. When crops from different families are rotated, this is controlled.

Improved Soil Health

During crop rotation, plants with different root lengths are planted in the same garden at different times. Those with deeper roots mine nutrients from the inner soil layer, while plants with shallow roots get nutrients from the top layers. As a result, the rotation reduces soil compaction by loosening the soil, improves soil structure, and reduces surface crusting.

Improved Crop Yields

Crop rotation leads to improved soil fertility levels that in turn cause improved crop yields.

NB: Although crop rotation is recommended, there is no single formula for reaping all its benefits. Rotation should be based on the size of your garden, budget, and needs.

Add animal manure

Adding animal manure [6] to your garden is one simple way of improving your garden soil. Manure contains plenty of essential nutrients, and it keeps plants green and healthy. Proper application of manure is key for you to reap the benefits of its use. It is best to mix it with compost to prevent the risk of burning your plants.

Alternatively, you can till the manure in the soil during fall or winter as you await the spring planting season. This will allow ample time for the manure to break down.

You can use manure from the domestic animals you have in your home or local garden centers. However, you should not use cat or dog manure in your garden because it is likely to contain parasites. Animal manure supports and promotes plant growth. As the soil and manure interact, the manure releases nutrients into the soil and also conditions the soil, loosens compacted soil particles, and increases the amount of carbon in the soil. All these benefits manifest in green and healthy plants.

Summary

Fertile and healthy soil is a must-have if you want healthy plants in your garden. Not all soils are the same, and some have reduced fertility due to different reasons. You can improve your garden soil regardless of the state it is in right now. The simple tips and techniques discussed above will assist you in remedying and enhancing your garden soil’s fertility and health.

Get a Soil Test Kit to find out for sure.

Citations

1. https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2016/06/improve-garden-soil.html
2. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/dirty-secrets-10-ways-to-improve-garden-soil/
3. https://organicgrowersschool.org/gardeners/library/growing-your-soil/
4. https://www.thespruce.com/easy-diy-soil-tests-2539856
5. https://www.noble.org/news/publications/ag-news-and-views/2013/november/crop-rotation-yields-many-benefits/
6. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/the-benefits-of-manure-in-your-garden.htm#

Determine soil health

Most people think that soil is just a base on which we grow plants. While this is true, there is more to the soil, and not all soils are the same. Some soils will support the growth of your vegetable better than others. This is because the soil is a living system that consists of microorganisms, minerals, plants, water, and air. All these elements should be optimized to support the growth of your vegetables. If this is not done, the soil starts to degrade, causing a decline in your vegetables.

Beginners, as well as experienced vegetable gardeners, should assess their soil’s health to determine if it will support the proper growth and yield of the chosen vegetables. In simple terms, soil assessment means looking at how your soil performs now and how it will perform in the future. Contrary to what many people think, you cannot determine soil health by merely looking at single outcomes such as water quality and crop yield. Much more is involved, and indicators are used to assess soil health because no direct test can be conducted for the same. The most commonly assessed indicators [1] offer insight into how well your soil can perform. Various indicators can be assessed either qualitatively or quantitatively, and these are discussed below.

Chemical Indicators

The chemical attributes of your soil correlate with its capacity to provide the nutrients your vegetables need. In turn, this affects crop yields. Some of the most commonly used chemical indicators are pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient levels. These indicators are normally tested using analytical methods that have been approved. Since the chemical properties of soil affect yield, these tests’ results should guide you in making the necessary steps to remedy the situation.
The minerals that most vegetable gardeners measure are phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, manganese, and copper. It is also crucial to measure the pH level as it directly correlates with the availability of these nutrients.

Physical Indicators

Physical indicators of soil health are properties you can observe with your eyes. However, you need to understand the different types, textures, and properties of different soils. If you lack this knowledge and understanding, you should consult a specialist. The physical indicators of soil health include texture, porosity, bulk density, and aggregate stability. Soil with poor health has slow water infiltration rates, poor cohesion, low aeration, poor root density, and a high rate of surface runoff.

Biological Indicators

There is a complex yet important interrelationship between biological, chemical, and physical indicators that ultimately dictates soil health. Through photosynthesis, plants fix carbon and transfer it along the food web in the form of carbohydrates. After the plant’s life cycle is over, its debris is deposited into the soil. The organic carbon and immobilized minerals in the plant debris are recycled in normal ecosystem processes before other organisms use them. This never-ending cycle is a biological process that is extremely important in maintaining soil health and capacity for the continuation of biological processes such as photosynthesis. If this process is interfered with, the soil’s health declines.

Microbiological and Biochemical Indicators

Flora and fauna in soil and microbial activity are essential for soil health, particularly because they promote carbon and nutrient cycling. Microbial activity in soil is a sensitive matter because the living organisms, including fungi, protozoa, bacteria, and algae, are sources of nutrients in the soil. These organisms affect the microbial biomass and respiration of the soil. Usually, the organic matter in the soil determines the soil’s biological activity, which in turn affects the mineralization rate. A general rule is that soil with more microbial diversity is healthier and is more likely to maintain normal ecological processes even if it is disturbed.

If you choose to use microbiological and biochemical indicators to determine the health of your soil, you should bear in mind that the results vary due to climate, season, geographical area, and other factors. Therefore, it is not unusual to get misleading results. To avoid erroneous results, you should also use other indicators simultaneously with biochemical and microbiological indicators.

Faunal Indicators

In recent times, faunal indicators have become widespread. These indicators mainly deal with the invertebrate organisms that live in soil because they influence soil quality and properties. They facilitate the decomposition and transformation of organic matter in the soil. The soil fauna supplies pre-transformed organic matter to other microorganisms. Faunal activity determines the aggregation of soil particles. Soils with more faunal activity have higher stability of soil aggregates. Besides, faunal action leads to the formation of pores, galleries, and tunnels in the soil, crucial for air and water flow. Soils with low faunal activity are more compact, making it harder for the plant roots to penetrate.

Simple Home Tests to Determine Soil Health

Did you know that you do not have to be an agricultural officer or expert to assess soil health? You can do simple home tests to determine if the soil for a vegetable garden is healthy.

Crumbling Test

To do this test, squeeze some soil in your hands and check if it crumbles easily. You should put on gardening gloves before doing this, especially if you have sensitive skin. When you squeeze the soil, it should form a loose ball that crumbles when you increase the squeezing pressure. If your soil forms a hard ball that does not crumble easily, the soil is too thick for vegetable growth. If it fails to form a ball, you have sandy soil that may not support plant growth very well.

Home Soil Test Kit

You can test your soil in the comfort of your home using commercial soil test kits. Ensure you pick samples from different locations of your vegetable garden and place them in a container. Add a capsule in each container before filling all of them with water. Shake each container well until the water color changes. Next, compare the color of the water using the test kit to determine the nutrient level and pH of the soil. Home soil test kits are available online in physical gardening stores.

Drainage Test

To conduct this test, dig a hole in the vegetable garden. The hole should be 30 centimeters wide and 30 centimeters deep. Fill the hole with water and let the hole drain overnight. The next morning, fill it with water to the top, then measure the water level after one hour. Good soil will drain 5.1 centimeters or 2 inches of water per hour. If it drains too quickly, your vegetables will not get an adequate amount of water. If it drains too slowly, your vegetables will be prone to root rot due to waterlogging.

Soil Texture & Type

Soil texture [2] refers to the amount of silt, clay, and sand in the soil. The soil type and texture influence soil health and fertility. In particular, texture affects the water holding capacity, rate of water movement, and workability of the soil. There are three primary types of soils, and these are the clay, loam, and sandy soils. Sandy soil is well aerated, but it cannot hold much water and is low in nutrients. On the other hand, clay holds a lot of water and has a better nutrient profile.

The texture of the soil in your vegetable garden changes with the depth of the roots. You can easily determine soil texture at home by taking about 2 tablespoons of soil in your hand. To the soil, add water, a little at a time, as you work the soil until it forms a sticky consistency. Next, squeeze the wet soil between your thumb and forefinger and form a flat ribbon. The length of the ribbon you form without breaking will help you determine the texture. The table below will help you determine the texture based on the ribbon length.

Improving the soil

If you find out that your vegetable garden’s soil is not healthy, you should amend it at least 3 weeks before planting. This is because soil requires time to absorb nutrients. Soil improvement [3] should not be a one-time thing. Instead, it should be done regularly. Some of the soil improvement techniques you can employ are explored below.

Adding Compost

Compost refers to decomposed organic matter, and it is excellent for improving soil health. Compost feeds the soil with nutrients, improves soil structure, and promotes good drainage. It also keeps the soil loose for aeration and helps in the maintenance of a neutral soil pH. Besides, compost is a source of food for earthworms and other microorganisms in the soil. Adding compost to your vegetable garden will make the soil healthier for more crop yield. If compost is not available, you can add human-made fertilizers that specifically meet your plants’ needs, for example, tomato fertilizers that have been developed for the tomato variety you pick.

Mulch the Soil Surface

Mulch is used to retain moisture in the soil, keep the soil cool, and inhibit the growth of weeds. Over time, the mulch decays and adds organic matter to the soil. This improves soil fertility.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation simply means growing different vegetables or plants in different locations in the garden every year. It is done to avoid nutrient depletion and to interrupt the cycle of diseases and pets. It is important to rotate the plants in your vegetable garden every year to keep your soil healthy. Before rotating crops, conduct some research to help you determine the vegetable varieties that will have a positive impact on your garden. Knowing the best lettuce nutrients, for example, will help you in deciding the plants to rotate to ensure the soil is healthy for lettuce growth in the coming season.

Grow Cover Crops

Cover crops refer to plants specifically grown to improve soil health, although they may also provide food for you and your loved ones. These crops protect the soil from compacting or erosion by heavy rains, wind, or snow. Kale, peas, legumes, radishes, and turnips are great choices for use as cover crops.

Avoid Soil Compaction

Soil compaction affects soil fertility. Soil that is compacted and hard does not allow water and nutrients to soak in. This leaves the soil dry and barren. Such soil does not promote root growth, so crop production is low. You can prevent soil compaction by avoiding walking in your vegetable garden. Instead, you should plan your garden to include walking paths. It is best to plant your vegetables in garden beds that are 3 to 4 feet wide. This way, you can reach all areas of the bed without stepping on the soil.

Tilling the Garden Rows

Tilling a garden may seem like a simple thing to some people. If done correctly, it can improve your vegetable garden. However, it can cause more harm than good if it is improperly done. Before tilling your vegetable garden [4], ensure the soil is dry and warm enough. Follow these steps to till your garden well.

Plan the rows

Vegetable gardens work very well if they are planted in rows. Plan the garden in a way that allows for at least 30 centimeters or 12 inches between the rows. This allows for adequate space between plants for proper growth. Although this is a standard recommendation, you can adjust the spacing between the rows based on the instructions that come with the seeds you purchase.

Loosen the soil

Using a spade or shovel, loosen the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches or 20 to 25 centimeters. Turn over the soil so that the topsoil goes to the bottom of the garden. Doing this also breaks large clods of dirt and gives the soil a uniform consistency. Ensure you remove all grass or weeds before loosening the soil.

Mulch between the rows

Mulching your garden will protect your vegetable garden from weed growth and help the soil to retain water. As you do this after tilling, avoid mulching the rows because the mulch can interfere with your vegetables’ growth.

3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester Gardening Tool Kits 

Summary

Preparing soil for a vegetable garden is one of the key things to do for healthy crops with impressive yields. This is because soil health can promote or hinder optimal plant growth. Preparing the soil involves determining your soil’s health status, understanding the soil type and texture, and putting effort into soil improvement. After improving the soil, you can till the garden and mulch in between the rows before sowing your seeds or transplanting seedlings in the vegetable garden. We hope that the steps on how to prepare the soil for a vegetable garden discussed above will assist you in starting a successful garden with all your favorite veggies.

Citations

1. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-90162013000400009
2. https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/soil-properties/texture
3. https://growagoodlife.com/improve-garden-soil/
4. https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/soil-preparation/

1. Make a plan

We have all heard from someone else that failing to plan for something you are interested in is simply planning to fail. The same school of thought applies to indoor gardening. You need a plan [1] that will guide you when it comes to the actual gardening work. Planning involves knowing the amount of space you have for the indoor garden. This will assist you in determining the number of plants you can successfully grow in the space. It also involves conducting plenty of research about the climate and weather patterns in your locality. This information will assist you in knowing the plants that will thrive in your garden.

Another critical thing that needs planning is the type and size of the indoor garden and the beds. The size of beds should allow you to reach the center from any side, so your height will matter when planning. Alternatively, you can plan to make standard size beds. Experienced indoor gardeners prefer raised beds because they look more beautiful and are easier to work on. However, they tend to dry out faster. If you reside in a very hot or dry area, plan to make sunken beds to prevent quick dry out.

You should always remember that indoor gardens are small in size, so you should maximize the available space. To do this, plan your rows or grid patterns as this will maximize the available growing space. Each plant should have adequate space to grow and produce optimal yield. If you wish to plant more, you can plan a vertical garden. The final step in the planning process is determining the basic indoor gardening tools you will need. Without the right tools, you will not enjoy gardening. Always choose high-quality tools. Some of the basic tools to include in your shopping list are a garden shovel, garden hoe, leaf rake, dirt rake, and a scuffle hoe.

2. Decide which herbs and vegetables you want

Indoor gardens allow you to grow a wide variety of plants. Many horticulture books also offer a wide variety of plants, but which ones are most suitable for you [2]? Some of the factors that will guide you in determining the plants to grow are discussed below.

Availability of Varieties

Some indoor plant varieties are more popular than others, and this affects their availability. A lesser-known plant variety or a new variety is likely to be challenging to find easily in your region. If the seeds of the plants you are interested in are not readily available in physical stores, you can check online.

If you do not find them online, it is wise to choose other varieties that are easy to find.
Herbs are some of the most readily available plants for indoor gardens. They are compact and easy to grow. Some of the commonly grown herbs are mint, basil, and rosemary. The seeds of green vegetables are also readily available. If you feel that the green vegetables grow too big for your space, you should consider microgreens that are great for salads and garnishing other dishes.

Budget

Usually, seeds are cheaper than plants are. If you are on a limited budget, buying seeds is the best choice.

Light

Most plants require natural light to grow well, but this may be a challenge in an indoor garden. For this reason, it is wise to choose plants that can do well in a bit of shade. Spinach, lettuce, beets, arugula, radishes, carrots, and kale are some of the plants that do well in a bit of shade, and they are perfect for salads. If you still wish to grow plants that demand plenty of light to thrive, you should invest in good quality clip-on grow lights or other grow lights that will work best in your indoor garden.

Size of Plants

It is common knowledge that different plants have different maturity sizes. Avoid planting varieties that sprawl, crawl, spread, or occupy plenty of space in your indoor garden. Varieties such as squash and pumpkins need plenty of room to grow, so it is best to avoid them.

Personal Preferences

Will you consume the plants you are growing? If you or your family members do not consume a specific food crop, you should not grow it. Instead, grow plants that you and your loved ones enjoy eating. If you choose to grow inedible flowers, choose the varieties you like.

3. Choose between a soil-based or hydroponic indoor garden

Many people grow indoor plants in pots filled with soil. The soil anchors the plants act as a water reservoir and allow oxygen to get to the roots. Did you know that growing your favorite indoor plants in soil is not the only option you have? Technological advancement has led to the development and successful use of hydroponics. A hydroponic garden does not use soil. Instead, other materials are used to support plants’ roots, and nutrient-rich water is the most common material. The water provides oxygen to the plants’ roots, and fertilizer is added to supply the required nutrients.

You should decide whether a soil or hydroponic indoor garden is best for you. Your budget will influence your choice. Usually, hydroponic gardens are more costly than soil gardens. If you choose a soil garden, ensure you determine if your soil is alkaline, acidic, or neutral pH. It is also necessary to know the type of soil you have and the number of basic nutrients. You can tell some characteristics of the soil from observation. However, you may require home or professional lab tests to determine other characteristics. Also, your soil should not contain heavy metals. Healthy soil will yield healthy plants to meet your nutritional needs.

If you choose a hydroponic garden, you should also have a basic understanding of your plants’ needs. Having this information will help you to choose the correct fertilizer for the plants. Most indoor plants thrive at a pH of about 7 and correct nutrient levels.

4. Figure out your indoor garden location

Where will you locate your indoor garden? It is important to choose a convenient location. When you first sow seeds, heat should be your primary consideration. After germination, the priority becomes light instead of heat. You can balance these two elements by choosing a good spot within your home. Avoid growing your indoor plants in drafty areas. Choose a location that receives sunlight, and if this is not possible, install artificial lights.

The number one rule in choosing the location for your indoor garden is choosing the spot that receives the best light. You should also consider the climate in your locality and avoid cold windows in winter. Most vegetables and fruits require at least 5 hours of direct sunlight each day, while herbs, root vegetables, and greens do well in partial shade. The location you choose should meet these requirements.

The location you choose should also allow you easy access whenever you want to water or pick your plants. If you choose a hard-to-reach location, your garden will look neglected within a couple of weeks. The spot you select for your indoor garden should also be out of reach of young children and pets. If your dogs or cats play in your garden, especially after sowing your seeds, the germination rate may be poor. Be wise when choosing the location for your indoor garden.

5. Choose your containers to grow in

Indoor gardening is great because you can reuse different containers in your house. Yogurt cups, for example, are perfect for growing small plants. Most indoor plants can grow in small containers that are at least 2 or 3 inches deep. These containers can be used to germinate seeds for transplanting. The containers you choose should be biodegradable to avoid polluting the environment. It is crucial to ensure the containers you choose have outlets or holes to drain excess water because most roots will rot if they sit in excess water. If the containers do not have holes, make some yourself. If you intend to grow bigger plants, get bigger pots. Peppers and tomatoes, for example, require 1 to 2-gallon pots for the smaller varieties and 3 to 5-gallon pots for the larger varieties. Avoid overcrowding the containers.

Once you choose the containers for growing your indoor plants, clean them well to kill any bacteria or disease that could harm the seeds or seedlings. You can clean them with a solution made of one part bleach and nine parts of water for disinfection. If you can, sow your seeds in CowPots. These are containers made of composted cow dung, so you can use them in your outdoor garden after transplanting your indoor plants.

Let’s be honest for a second, not all of us remember to water our indoor plants. If you are forgetful, consider purchasing self-watering containers. These have a water storage area under the plants, and the plant pulls out water from this reservoir when needed. These pots reduce the risk of under or overwatering the plants. Do not forget that it is your responsibility to refill the reservoir when it runs empty.

Tips for choosing the right container

• Plastic containers are a good choice because they retain moisture well.
• Reuse and recycle old cans and plastic bottles to save the planet from further pollution.
• Use rocks to line the bottom of the containers you choose for better drainage.
• If you choose wooden containers, use cedar or redwood containers because they are rot-resistant.
• Never use containers treated with chemicals as they may leech into the planting material and cause your plants’ death.

6. Load it with soil

Now that you have the perfect location for your indoor garden, know the plant varieties you want to grow, and have suitable containers, preparing the soil should be your next step. Getting the perfect soil or growth media for your indoor plants is very easy because indoor gardens are quite small, unlike outdoor gardens. You can load your containers with a store-bought sterile potting mix or a seed-starting mix.

Although some people choose to dig up soil from their backyards or other outdoor spaces for use in their outdoor gardens, potting mix is the best option. High-quality potting mix is light, fluffy, and contains fertilizer. If it does not contain fertilizer, add a suitable one.

7. Plant your seeds or transplant

Purchase the seeds of the plants you decided to plant or transplant seedlings in your indoor garden. Before buying seeds, ensure you find out more about the companies to ensure you pick good brands with a good germination rate. You should also ensure the seeds are dated for the season and not expired. Once you get your seeds, sow them according to the instructions on the packaging. You can choose to germinate and grow the seeds in the same location or transplant the seeds after germination. Plants that grow bigger as they mature should be transplanted before they outgrow small containers. After transplanting, you can harvest one or two leaves regularly to encourage the plant to continue growing.

8. Water your indoor garden

Have you ever killed an indoor plant due to over or underwatering? You are not alone. Numerous people find it challenging to give their plants the correct amount of water. Watering your indoor garden should not be difficult. You should give just enough water to keep the soil moist. The container should have drainage holes to avoid waterlogging that causes root rot. You should also check the soil moisture every day by sticking your finger into the soil. It should be moist all the way. If your finger comes out dry, it is time to water the plant.

Usually, the growing conditions determine how often you should water your indoor plants. If you reside in a warm area where the humidity is low, you will need to water the plant more often. Newly transplanted plants should be watered more frequently than older plants. The topsoil of newly transplanted should remain moist at all times the first couple of weeks.

9. Fertilize your indoor garden

Using fertilizer is important in the growth of healthy indoor plants. If you use potting mix, ensure you know the kind of fertilizer that it contains. Some mixes contain slow-release fertilizers that last a long time before you are required to add more. If you notice your plants look pale and stunted, you should fertilize your indoor garden. You can choose liquid or slow-release fertilizers for your plants. Remember that not all fertilizers are the same, so you must choose a balanced one for the specific plants you have in your garden. When fertilizing your garden, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-fertilizing that reduces the yield.

Summary

Starting an indoor garden is not as difficult as many people imagine. On the contrary, it is very easy, especially if you follow the simple steps on how to start an indoor garden described in this article. You should plan for your garden, decide on the plants to grow, get a suitable location, fertilize the garden, and water the plants regularly. All these activities are simple for both beginner and experienced indoor gardeners. We hope that the steps we have explored will help you start and run a successful indoor garden.

Citations

1. https://www.tomsofmaine.com/good-matters/thinking-sustainably/how-to-start-an-indoor-garden
2. https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/how-to-start-an-indoor-garden

What is a Grow Light?

A grow light is an artificial light that allows you to cultivate a wide range of plants in conditions with insufficient natural sunlight. This could be in poorly lit rooms or during winter. A grow light is designed to mimic natural light and stimulate photosynthesis in plants that don’t receive direct sunlight.

Additionally, grow lights provide the necessary spectrum for plants to flourish. Simply put, it can let you grow sumptuous tomatoes smack in the middle of winter.

There are numerous plant types you can grow indoors using grow lights, so the options are only limited by the space you have and the lights you are willing to get. Like numerous other gardening tools and accessories, grow lights come in several sizes, shapes, features, and materials. Most of these lights are also energy-efficient, making them viable indoor gardening tools.

How to Use a Grow Light

Here is a brief look at some useful tips to keep in mind when it comes to using a grow light.

Lighting Plan for Transplants

Once seedlings have sprouted, they require full-spectrum light to flourish. This means that the young plants thrive when exposed to both blue and red waves. Specially-designed fluorescent and LED lights work perfectly in this stage, but regular tube bulbs will also work. It is important to ensure that the bulb is at least six inches away from the plant’s tender leaves. If you have an adjustable light, make sure to raise it as the plants’ height changes.

Lighting Plan for Flowering Plants

Flowering plants require a lot of red wavelength light than sprouting ones. This light enhances flowering and fruit formation. Once your indoor plants get to this stage, ensure you have LED bulbs designed for flowering plants. Such bulbs are typically labeled ‘grow lights’ and have more red waves than conventional bulbs. Additionally, some manufacturers have high-output bulbs that are also ideal for flowering plants. However, keep in mind that these high-intensity bulbs are best suited for plants native to full-sun climates, such as rosemary, citrus, and cactus. It is advisable to place the light at least one foot away from the plant’s leaves.

How Much Light Do You Need?

The exact amount of light you need varies from one plant type to another, as well as space you need to illuminate. However, as a general rule, you require about 20 to 40 watts for every square foot of space. To start with, divide your bulb’s wattage by 20 and then by 40. For example, if you have an 800-watt bulb, divide it by 20 to get 40 and 40 to get 20. These calculations imply that your bulb can sufficiently illuminate an area measuring 20 to 40 square feet. When getting bulbs, it is important to only fix them into a system that can handle the power rating. For example, you should not use a 500-watt bulb in a system rated 200 watts.

You can always reduce or increase the output intensity by moving the plants or growing light closer or farther from each other.

Tips and Reminders for Using Grow Lights

Using grow lights for your indoor gardening project requires quite some input from your inside. Here is a look at some basic tips and guidelines to keep in mind.

Use a Timer

Plants typically don’t require continued exposure to light and we will discuss this bit a little later in this guide. Most plants require several hours of darkness. To do this, you need to shut off the light if you have one without a timer. However, doing this can become quite tedious, especially if you are frequently out of the house.

The easiest option is to get a grow light with an auto-timing function. This feature lets the light switch on and off in line with some preset conditions.

Adjust the Light Height Accordingly

Most grow lights come with some form of adjustment. This might include an overhead cable, flexible stand, or any other mechanism. Once your plants have sprouted, it is easy to forget to adjust the grow light as the plants grow taller. Failing to do this exposes the plants to a higher light intensity than they may handle. You should, therefore, adjust the light upwards as the foliage gets closer. If necessary, move the entire light farther from the plant.

Have a Rotation Schedule

For most grow lights, the light output from the middle of the bulb is more intense than that from the outer areas. To balance this out, you need to rotate the plants illuminated by the middle section and periodically place them under areas lit by the bulb’s outer sections. Doing this will enhance uniform foliage growth in the plant.

Check the Soil Water Level Regularly

When using grow lights, particularly the high-intensity ones, the potting soil may dry up quite quickly. This accelerated drying comes from the heat emitted by the bulbs. This makes it essential to check the soil water level periodically so that your plant’s roots are not affected. It is also worth noting that the soil might dry even faster in winter due to the heat coming from your house’s warming system.

Watch the Temperatures

While most grow lights do not emit significant heat, some variants, such as those made of metal halides, can get quite warm. This heat can significantly affect the room’s ambient temperature, which in turn affects your plants. If the ambient temperature rises too much, it may create a less-than-ideal environment, especially for young plants.

Maintenance

The maintenance you need to carry out on your grow lights largely depends on the type of bulbs. LEDs, for example, require little to no maintenance. Other lights might require regular inspection and dusting to enhance durability. If the light manufacturer has a suggested maintenance schedule for the bulb, follow it to the letter.

Getting the Right Light for Indoor Seed Starting

If you head over to any online shop and browse growing lights, you will quickly realize there are almost countless options available. While having several options to choose from is a good thing, numerous choices can easily overwhelm you. Here are some of the factors to keep in mind when selecting a grow light.

Plant Type

The crops you intend to farm under the grow light will determine the type of bulb to get. For example, if you intend to farm microgreens, the coverage, spectrum, and intensity requirements will vary significantly from those of a gardener intending to farm flowers or herbs. It is important to research the different lighting requirements for various plant types.

Budget

Like any other gardening accessory, lighting tool prices vary from one manufacturer to another. Sometimes, the price difference reflects the underlying differences in quality but not always. It is important to consider your entire budget before setting up your indoor garden. For example, if you can only afford five grow lights, you need to set up a garden that five or fewer bulbs can sufficiently illuminate.

Bulb types

Grow light bulbs fall into four major categories; fluorescent, LED, incandescent, and high-intensity discharge bulbs. Each class of bulbs has its pros and cons. Fluorescent bulbs, for example, quite affordable but not very durable or efficient. On the other hand, LEDs have excellent spectrum coverage, are highly efficient, and emit almost no heat. However, they tend to be pricier than any other grow lights.

Light Spectrum

Light waves have different colors, often referred to as a spectrum. Most plants require the red and blue ends of the light spectrum with a little bit of green and yellow included. Blue light is essential for plants in the vegetative stages and helps in the development of roots and leaves. Red light is essential for flowering flowers and those in fruit development. In terms of the light spectrum, grow lights come in two distinct types; full-spectrum and targeted spectrum. The former imitates sunlight and provides light waves covering all the colors. The latter emits a specific color, say red or blue, and are better suited for specific growth stages.

Light Intensity

This basically refers to the amount of light that actually falls on the plant leaves. It is important to consider the bulb’s output since it will determine how much light falls on each plant and how much space can be sufficiently covered. A high-intensity bulb can illuminate a wide area even when placed far from the plants. However, keep in mind that a high-intensity bulb will probably produce significant heat and can therefore harm plants if placed too close.

Adjustment

Before purchasing a grow light, it is important to ensure its mount comes with some form of height adjustment.

Having this feature allows you to adjust the light upwards as the plants grow taller. Additionally, you can get lights with some level of portability to allow relocation as plants grow wider. Most high-quality lights come with swivel stands adjustable for height, tilt angle, and direction.

Types of Grow Lights

Here is a look at some of the most common types of grow lights.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent lights are ideal for plants with low light requirements. Keep in mind that incandescent bulbs can get quite hot and need to be placed at least two feet from plant foliage. If your garden has dracaenas, ferns, or vines, you should definitely consider an incandescent light. The total energy output from this bulb is only 10% light and 90% heat. In terms of efficiency, these bulbs might not be your best option, particularly due to the considerable heat output. You may want to avoid using such a light on light-loving plants such as succulent and tropical plants.

Fluorescent Lights

Arguably the most affordable grow lights out there. Newer fluorescent lights have full-spectrum light, making them ideal for virtually any plant type and growth stage. Keep in mind that older models have limited spectrum output and are ill-suited for the vegetative and germination phases of plant growth.

Compared to incandescent light, fluorescent lights produce less heat and are, therefore, more efficient. However, they still lag behind LEDs on this front.

High Intensity Discharge Lights

Commonly referred to as HID lights, these bulbs are typically made from metal halides and high-pressure sodium.

Unlike the highly affordable fluorescent lights, HIDs can be quite expensive to purchase and operate. On the flip side, the high-intensity blue light emitted by metal halide HIDs is excellent for most plants’ vegetative and germination stages. High-Pressure Sodium lights have an orange-red hue, excellent for the flowering and fruit production stages but not ideal for the vegetative stage.

LED (light emitting diode) Lights

LEDs are the new kid on the block when it comes to growing lights and, unsurprisingly, among the most popular.

LEDs emit almost no heat and require very little power to operate. These diodes can be programmed to mimic the sun’s 5700K color temperature. Additionally, LEDs provide full-spectrum light, making them ideal for all plant growth stages. Compared to fluorescent lights, LEDs are still quite pricey, although the prices are gradually dropping.

Keep in mind that while grow lights are quite good at what they do, they are still not a perfect replacement for sunlight. However, choose the light that best suits your preferences and budget, position it correctly, and you will have excellent results.

How Long Should the Grow Light Be Left On

Now that you have purchased your full spectrum grow light, how long should you keep it on? The exposure duration [1] is known as the photoperiod and varies from one plant type to another. Typically, most plants require 16-18 hours of light on each 24-hour cycle. More exposure to light might not have any additional benefits to the plant. While light has immense benefits, most plants also require some darkness to flower and form fruits properly.

It is important to consult your local gardening center if you are unsure about the ideal photoperiod for the plants in your garden. Plants are divided into three categories depending on their behavior when it comes to light. Here is a brief look.

• Day-neutral plants: These plants require 8-12 hours of light each day throughout the year. Prime examples of day-neutrals include African violets, coleus, and geraniums.
• Long-day plants: These plants have the highest light requirements ranging from 14-18 hours of light each day. When placed in an inadequately lit environment, long-day plants become leggy and turn pale. Examples of long-day plants include garden flowers and vegetable seedlings.
• Short-day plants: Plants in this category thrive with less than 12 hours of light per day. Short-day plants often require several days of short-day light before they can form buds and flowers. Examples include begonias, azaleas, kalanchoes, and chrysanthemums.

Once you have established your plants’ light requirements, you will need to set your automatic timer accordingly. If you do not have one of those, feel free to create a schedule to switch the lights on and off manually.

What Color Light Is Best for the Plant Growth

Most full-spectrum grow lights are designed to emit every wavelength of light, including those not visible to the human eye (such as UVB and UVA). However, the light that comes from these lights is more focused on useful waves such as red and blue. Focusing on these lights enhances growth, [2] flowering, and fruit production. Typically, plants use the warmer, shorter wavelengths found in blue light to grow and mature. They then utilize the cooler, longer wavelengths found in orange and red light to flower and produce fruit.

Here is a breakdown of the various light colors [3] and their uses/effects on plant growth.

• Blue light: Ideal for the foliage growth and vegetative stages.
• Orange/red light: Excellent for flowering and fruit production stages.
• Green light: Has little to no effect on plant growth. Chloroplasts found in plant leaves often reflect off green light.
• Ultraviolet light: Plants grow better when exposed to less ultraviolet light.
• Violet light: Enhances the aroma, color, and taste of fruits.
• Yellow light: Yellow light results in slower plant growth compared to blue or red light.
• Infrared light: Enhances the conversion of phytochrome, reducing the time it takes for the plant to enter a night-time state. Consequently, this results in better plant yields.

Summary

Grow lights are undoubtedly some of the most important components of indoor gardening. These lights expand a farmer’s possibilities, allowing crop production in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. By following this guide, you can easily choose the perfect light for your indoor plants.

Citations

1. https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/gardening-under-lights/5080.html
2. https://www.trees.com/gardening-and-landscaping/indoor-grow-lights-kit
3. https://www.grobo.io/blogs/growing/how-different-colors-of-light-affect-plant-growth

What is Potting Soil?

Potting soil is also commonly known as potting mix and is made from a blend of materials intended for growing plants in pots or other containers. The most common materials in this blend include coir, compost, vermiculite, perlite, bark, and sphagnum moss. Yes, the blend does not have soil despite being known as potting soil. The primary reason for excluding soil in this mix is to prevent infections resulting from plant pathogens and fungi present in the soil.

The organic materials in the blend (moss or compost) provide nutrients to the plants, while the perlite or vermiculite enhances drainage by keeping the potting mix loose. This results in a well-drained potting mix that enhances breathability and root health. Additionally, some potting soil varieties contain water-retention crystals and chemical fertilizers. These mixes are available in major online stores and can be ordered for specific plant types such as succulents, roses, orchids, or seeds.

Despite the obvious lack of soil, potting mixes are excellent growth media for herbs, vegetables, flowers, and other plant types. Remember that different manufacturers might have slightly varied usage directions regarding their product, so be careful to follow the instruction label after purchase.

What is Garden Soil?

Garden soil is essentially topsoil that has been enriched with organic matter such as compost so that it’s more nutritious for plants. It’s heavier in texture than conventional soil and thus retains water better than potting soil or regular soil. Price-wise, garden soil is considerably cheaper than potting soil due to the absence of pricey ingredients such as perlite or vermiculite. Still, garden soil has some premium feel to it since it’s sold in packaged and often labeled bags. Keep in mind that the exact enrichment content varies from one supplier to another.

There are numerous garden soil varieties available in today’s market. The variant you choose depends largely on the plants you intend to plant on the soil. If you browse the garden soil section on most stores, you will most probably come across labels such as ‘garden soil for shrubs,’ ‘garden soil for vegetables,’ or even ‘garden soil for trees.’ While the content does not vary too much, it is advisable to get the soil best suited for your plants.

What are the Differences Between Garden Soil And Potting Soil?

Here is a look at the main differences [1] between these two common soil varieties.

• Composition: As the names suggest, garden soil contains naturally occurring soil enriched with organic materials to become more nutritious. Typically, garden soil contains plant matter, composite, natural rocks, loam, silt, and sand. On the other hand, potting soil is intended for potted plants and contains coir, compost, vermiculite, perlite, bark, and sphagnum moss.
• Categorization: Potting soils are categorized based on the materials used in the blend. Garden soil, on the other hand, is classified according to the dominant component. Loam garden soil has a lot of loamy soil, while clay garden soil has a lot of clay soil in the component mix.
• Microbe presence: Potting soil is free of microbes and is often referred to as a non-living medium. Garden soil is a living medium and provides a conducive environment for living things such as nematodes, fungi, and bacteria to thrive.
• Water retention: Garden soil is better suited for outdoor use since it drains water easily and can be watered using regular metal, rubber, or expandable hose pipes. Potting soil retains water better and is more suited for indoor gardens. Potting mixes are best watered using a watering can.
• Texture: The constituent ingredients usually determine soil texture. In this case, garden soil tends to be significantly heavier than potting soil. The light texture associated with potting mixes makes them extremely easy to work with.
• Processing: Potting soil is usually made up of processed components such as perlite, vermiculite, or bark. This processing leaves very few, if any, microbes alive. The manufacturers of potting mixes intentionally sterilize the blends to kill weeds and eliminate any potentially harmful microbes. While the resulting mix is significantly safe for plants, the absence of beneficial microbes affects the plants’ nutrition uptake. On the other hand, garden soil is usually minimally processed and thus has a rich mix of nematodes, actinomycetes, fungi, protozoa, and bacteria. Some of these are beneficial, while others are not.
• Risk to plants and humans: Potting mixes are virtually harmless to plants and humans. This attribute is the result of stringent processing that eliminates most, if not all, living components. The same cannot be said for garden soil which contains numerous microorganisms, some potentially harmful to people and plants.
• Price: Potting soil is considerably more expensive to buy compared to garden soil. The presence of pricey ingredients such as perlite, coir, and vermiculite drives up the price significantly.

When to Use Garden Soil?

Here is a look at instances in which garden soil would be the superior choice compared to a potting mix.

When You Have an Outdoor Garden

If your gardening project is primarily located outdoors, using garden soil will be far more economical than using potting mix. One of the reasons for this is the costs involved. Purchasing sufficient potting mix for an outdoor garden could become quite expensive, even in the short run. Additionally, if your garden is made up of plants that can only thrive outdoors and with deep root systems, potting mix is no longer a choice for you.

When You Need Renewable Soil

Renewing soil means adding components to the soil to make it better-textured, more nutrient-rich, or easier to work with. With garden soil, you can always add compost material or any other organic substances to improve the soil’s quality. With the potting mix, renewal is somewhat complicated due to the nature of materials used in the initial formulation.

When Starting Vegetables on a Seed Bed

Starting vegetables outdoors requires one to have a seedbed, preferably slightly raised. To do this, you will need a significant amount of growth media, something that might be quite tricky when using potting mixes. Additionally, garden soil is extremely easy to adjust in terms of acidity and alkalinity, making it ideal for vegetable nurseries. Unlike potting soil, you can easily enrich garden soil by adding manure or compost. The resulting soil often has better soil structure, porosity, and nutrient content.

Keep in mind that garden soil is unsuitable for use in containers. This is due to the lack of pumice, perlite, vermiculite, or any other drainage-enhancing component. When used as a potting medium, garden soil can easily result in water logging or plant diseases related to excessive moisture.

When to Use Potting Soil?

Despite being significantly pricier than garden soil, there are instances where potting mixes are preferable to garden soil. Here is a brief look.

When Outdoor Gardens Have Fungal Infections

Sometimes, farming outdoors might not be very conducive, depending on the state of the soil. For example, your outdoor space might have a prevalent fungi infection making it unsuitable for gardening. In such a case, you would be better off having several indoor gardening containers and utilize potting mixes as the growth media.

Additionally, you might also prefer using potting soil when dealing with plants that are overly susceptible to soil-borne diseases.

When Your Plants Are Not Resistant to Overwatering

Potting mixes contain perlite or vermiculite that vastly enhance drainage. Compared to garden soil or regular soil, potting mixes have excellent drainage and breathability. If the plants you intend to have in your garden are easily susceptible to excessive moisture or water, then you would be better off planting them in potting soil.

When Your Plants Require Potting Mixes

Some plants thrive under the conditions created by a potting mix. While such plants will still grow in regular or garden soil, they might struggle to reach maturity, flower, or produce fruit. For example, most garden stores have potting mixes made specifically for cacti growth. The target plants, in such a case, perform exceptionally well when planted on the potting mix.

If You Find Garden Soil Too Difficult to Work With

Potting soil has an extremely light texture, making it ideal for working with most beginner and enthusiast gardeners. Garden soil, particularly the clay or loamy variety, can be quite tricky to work with due to the heavy texture. It is also worth noting that potting mixes are designed to be used straight out of the box, unlike garden soil that may require some minor adjustments.

When You Are Considering Soilless Farming

While using a potting mix is nowhere close to using hydroponics, it is still a step on the path to soilless farming. If you have been considering a switch to hydroponics, starting with potting mixes will give you a slight idea of what to expect with soilless farming.

Keep in mind that using potting soil on a large scale can be quite expensive, worth noting if you are on a budget. Additionally, some mixes are unsuitable for organic farming due to the synthetic material content. The significantly low nutritional value of potting mixes also makes them unsuitable for perennial plants.

Types of Potting Soil

Here is a look at the common types of potting soil [2].

Orchid Potting Soil

Orchids are arguably some of the most demanding plants when it comes to drainage and air circulation. Orchid potting mix is specially formulated to provide unrivaled aeration and drainage to enhance sensitive orchids’ growth.

Organic Potting Soil

As mentioned earlier, some potting mixes are unsuitable for organic farming due to the presence of synthetic components. Organic potting soil is formulated to address this problem. The entire mix is made from organic plant and animal-based materials, including bones, manures, food compost, and worm castings. Organic potting is among the most fertile variants of potting mixes.

Moisture Control Potting Soil

As the name suggests, this mix contains moisture-control pellets that prevent the soil from drying out completely. This control gives the plant ample time to absorb as much moisture as it requires from the soil.

Seed Starting Mix

This is a super fine blend of potting soil designed to provide perfect conditions for germination. Keep in mind that seed starting mixes are quite low in nutritional value. This deficiency encourages root growth by spurring the plant roots to branch out in search of nutrients.

Citrus and Cacti Potting Soil

Cacti and citrus fruits also thrive in well-drained soil. In this potting mix, the manufacturer adds some sand to make the entire mixture better aerated and well-draining.

All Purpose Potting Soil

This is probably the most common potting soil variant. It is ideal for growing indoor and outdoor plants in containers. Designed without any specific plant type in mind, the all-purpose mix works well for many plants. If you are unsure of the mix to purchase, you will probably not go wrong with this one.

Outdoor Potting Mix

Outdoor potting mixes are designed to mimic a forest environment. This soil often contains higher fertilizer compositions, and at times, moisture-retention pellets. However, the mix is still fully usable in an indoor garden.

Types of Garden Soil

Garden soil is usually categorized based on the dominant soil type [3]. Here is a brief look.

Loam Soil

Loam soil is the perfect balance between clay, silt, and sandy soils. The soil has the advantages associated with each of the component soils and almost none of the drawbacks. Loamy soil is typically fertile and quite easy to work with. Depending on the dominant composition, loam soil can either lean towards clay or sandy soil. Since loam is considered perfectly balanced soil, it is a beginner gardener’s best friend. Still, the soil can be improved by adding some organic matter.

Clay Soil

Clay soil has an extremely heavy texture but also tends to be nutrient-laden. Clay soil dries out gradually at room temperatures and remains wet in cold temperatures. Due to the extremely small spaces found between particles in clay soil, it can hold water for significantly longer than any other soil type. Despite the nutritional value, though, clay soil can be quite tasking for a gardener due to its heavy texture. Additionally, the soil is unsuitable for plants that only thrive in well-drained soils.

Silt Soil

Silt soil is renowned for its high fertility, moisture-retention, and light texture. This soil is made up of medium-sized particles that hold moisture but still have great drainage. Silt soil can be easily washed away by rain and often requires the addition of organic matter to compact it to the desired level.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil is low in nutrients, slightly acidic, dry, warm, and light in texture. When sandy soil is the main component of garden soil, the resulting texture is significantly lighter than one in which clay soil is the main component. Sandy soil is extremely easy to work with and has outstanding drainage. This soil variant warms up quite quickly but easily dries up under high temperatures. Garden soil made predominantly with sandy soil needs a significant nutrient boost using composite materials.

Peat Soil

Peat soil is among the rarest types of garden soil. However, you can order some to add to your garden to improve fertility, moisture retention, and drainage. Peat soil has extremely high levels of organic matter that is quite beneficial to any plant.

Chalk Soil

Chalk soil can come in a light or heavy texture but is always alkaline as a result of the high calcium carbonate content. This soil is highly unsuitable for plants that only thrive in acidic environments. However, if this is the only soil type available, it can always be acidified to accommodate ericaceous plants’ growth.

Summary

Every modern gardener is bound to come across the potting soil/garden soil debate at some point. Each variant has its unique pros and cons and instances best suited to the use of each. Hopefully, the information in this article will lead you to a well-informed choice when it comes to selecting a growth medium for your indoor or outdoor garden.

Citations

1. https://treillageonline.com/potting-soil-vs-garden-soil/
2. https://harpersnurseries.com/potting-soil-types/
3. https://www.boughton.co.uk/products/topsoils/soil-types/