Indoor Gardening for Beginners (Easy Tips to Start)

You want to start an indoor garden, but it can feel a bit overwhelming since you’re new to it.

Maybe you’re worried about not having enough natural light, or you’ve heard that indoor plants can be hard to take care of.

Perhaps you've tried growing plants before, only to see them wither despite your best efforts. It’s frustrating when things don’t go as planned, but you’re not alone.

Many beginners struggle with issues like choosing the right plants for their space, figuring out how much water is enough (but not too much), and maintaining the right temperature or humidity in their home.

The good news? These problems can be solved with some simple tips (and a little patience).

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to grow your own plants indoors and how to prevent the common mistakes made by many gardeners.

If you’re living in a smaller space, such as an apartment, you’ll also find apartment gardening techniques that are perfect for indoor environments.

What is Indoor Gardening?

Indoor gardening is simply the practice of growing plants inside your home rather than outdoors, whether that’s something decorative like a potted plant or something to eat like herbs or vegetables.

Actually, you can grow many different kinds of plants indoors, but not everything will thrive in an indoor environment.

Some plants, like small herbs (basil, mint, or parsley) or popular houseplants (such as snake plants, pothos, and spider plants), are great for indoor gardening because they don’t require much space or direct sunlight.

Others, like fruit trees or certain larger plants, may need more space and sunlight than most homes can offer.

Some people even set up mini indoor gardens to grow their own food, like tomatoes or leafy greens, right in their kitchens or living rooms.

The great thing about indoor gardening is that you don’t need a backyard or a garden bed to enjoy it. You can create a small garden on a balcony, in a corner of your apartment, or even on your desk at work.

All you need is a little light, some space, and attention to your plants’ needs. 

What Vegetables Can Be Grown Indoors?

If you're new to indoor gardening and want to keep things simple, here’s a list of plants that grow well indoors without much effort. 

Choose the Right Plants for Your Space

One of the biggest challenges when starting an indoor garden is figuring out which plants will actually thrive in your home.

If you’re worried about low light or limited space, don’t be. The key is to match the plants to your environment.

For example, if your home doesn’t get much natural sunlight, consider hardy, low-light plants like pothos, snake plants, or peace lilies.

These are great for beginners because they don’t need constant care and can adapt well to indoor conditions.

If you have bright, sunny windows, you can choose sun-loving plants like succulents, cacti, or herbs such as basil and thyme.

Limited space? Look for compact plants or ones that can grow vertically, like climbing ivy or small vegetable varieties such as cherry tomatoes or baby greens.

It’s also important to consider temperature and humidity. If your home tends to be dry, tropical plants like ferns or calatheas might need a little extra humidity to stay healthy.

You can fix this by placing a small dish of water nearby or using a humidifier. On the other hand, plants like succulents and cacti are perfect for drier conditions.

By picking plants that suit your environment, you’ll avoid many of the frustrations beginners face and make indoor gardening much more enjoyable.

How to Grow Indoors

You might think that growing plants indoors is impossible, but with the right attention to your plants’ needs, it’s entirely achievable.

To help you get started, here are the basics you need to know.

Choose the Right Spot

The first thing you need to consider is where to place your plants. Light is crucial for plant growth, so find a spot with the right kind of light for your specific plant.

If there isn’t enough sunlight, you can use a grow light. Grow lights provide the light your plants need to thrive, even if your space lacks natural light.

Most indoor plants do well in bright, indirect light, so placing them near a window is usually a good idea.

However, keep in mind that direct sunlight can be too harsh and may scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown.

For plants like succulents that require a lot of sunlight, place them in a bright, sunny spot where they can get plenty of light.

But if your plant is more of a shade lover (like pothos), you can keep it in a spot with less direct light.

One thing you’ll want to avoid is putting your plants near air conditioners, heaters, or any spots that have drafts since these can cause temperature changes that stress your plants and affect their growth.

Use the Right Container

Choosing the right pot for your plant is just as important as finding the right spot. A common problem with indoor gardening is water getting trapped in the soil, which can cause root rot.

A good rule of thumb is to make sure your pots have drainage holes so excess water can escape. When selecting a pot, choose one that’s just a little bigger than your plant’s root ball.

A pot that’s too large will hold too much water, keeping the soil wet for too long, which can harm your plant.

Ideally, the pot should be about 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This provides the roots enough space to grow without risking over-watering.

If you're interested in learning more about container gardening, be sure to check out our guide for additional tips.

Proper Watering

It’s easy to either overwater or underwater your plants. To avoid overwatering, check the soil before you water—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.

Different plants have different needs, so some may require more water than others. For example, succulents prefer to dry out completely between waterings, while ferns like to stay a bit moist.

Overwatering is a common mistake and often happens when we don’t check the soil often enough.

If you're new to watering plants, take a look at our guide on how to water transplants for more helpful information.

Humidity

Here’s the proofread version of your text with minor corrections for grammar and clarity:

---

Indoor air can be dry, especially in the winter when heaters are running.

Many plants (especially tropical ones) love humidity, and if your plant’s leaves are turning brown or crispy, it might not be getting enough moisture in the air.

To fix this, you can place a shallow dish of water near your plant or use a humidifier to help raise the humidity around it.

This is an easy solution that can really help, especially for plants like ferns or calatheas that need more humidity to thrive.

But don’t worry—most plants will do fine with typical indoor air, so you won’t need to go overboard unless your plant shows signs of needing more moisture.

Regularly check the leaves for any signs that your plant might need a little extra humidity in the air.

Fertilizer

Plants need nutrients to grow, and while indoor plants often get by with less attention than outdoor plants, they can still benefit from a little extra help.

Fertilizing your plants once a month during their growing season (spring and summer) will provide the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy.

You don’t need to fertilize every time you water—just once a month is enough. If your plants show signs of slowing down or not growing as well, they may need some extra nutrients.

However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can harm your plants just as much as too little. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer to avoid overfeeding your plant.

Prune Regularly

Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to prevent the plant from wasting energy on dying growth.

This will also help your plant direct its energy toward new, healthy growth. Cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth can be helpful as well, as it removes dust and allows the plant to absorb more light.

If your plant is getting too leggy or growing in odd directions, prune back the stems to encourage a fuller, healthier shape.

Pruning doesn’t just make your plant look better—it helps it grow stronger, too.

Repot When Necessary

As your plants grow, they may eventually outgrow their pots. Repotting gives your plant more space to stretch out and allows the roots to grow without becoming cramped.

Plan on repotting your plants every 1–2 years, or when you notice that the roots are starting to show through the drainage holes.

When you repot, choose a pot that’s just a little bigger than the current one to avoid overwhelming the roots with too much space.

Repotting can be a bit stressful for your plant, so it’s best to do it in the spring or summer, when the plant is in its growing season. This gives your plant the best chance to adjust and recover.

Check for Pests

You should know that indoor plants can attract pests too (just like outdoor ones), so it’s important to keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.

If you notice any pests, gently wash them off with a mixture of water and mild dish soap, or use an insecticidal soap. Be sure to check the undersides of leaves, as pests often hide there.

The sooner you spot any problems, the easier it will be to keep your plants healthy. If pests are left untreated, they can damage the plant and cause long-term harm.

Tips for Indoor Gardening

If you're just starting with indoor gardening, you might be wondering how to keep your plants healthy.

Here are a few simple but effective tips to help you get started and succeed in indoor gardening.

Start With a Few Plants

When you’re just getting started, it’s a good idea to keep things simple. Choose a small number of easy-to-grow plants, such as pothos, snake plants, or herbs like basil and mint.

This way, you can focus on learning how to care for them without feeling overwhelmed. Once you’ve gained some experience, you can try adding more plants or experimenting with different types.

Group Plants Wisely

Plants with similar needs, such as the amount of sunlight or water they require, tend to do well when placed together.

For example, tropical plants that thrive in humidity can be grouped in one area, while succulents and cacti that prefer dry conditions can share another space.

This makes caring for them simpler, as you won’t need to remember different routines for each plant in the same spot.

Rotate Your Plants

Plants naturally lean toward the light, which can cause them to grow unevenly. To help them stay straight and balanced, rotate the pots slightly every few days.

This way, all sides of the plant get their fair share of light, and they’ll stay healthy and well-shaped.

Keep an Eye on Your Plants

Check your plants regularly to spot any signs of trouble. For example, if you notice yellowing leaves on your tomatoes, drooping stems, or pests like tiny bugs on the leaves, act quickly.

Remove dead leaves, adjust watering, or use a safe solution to get rid of pests. Always keep an eye on your plants to catch issues early before they become big problems.

Have Fun!

Gardening is a process of learning, so don’t get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly right away.

Experiment, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy watching your plants grow!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)