I love playing in the dirt. It’s my happy place. Over the years, I’ve observed my mother who is always working in her yard. So, it only made sense that her love of all things plants and flowers ended up growing on me. Now that I have my own experience, I wanted to pass on what I’ve learned to those who might be interested in starting this great hobby but not sure where to start.
Below are 3 indoor easy-to-grow indoor plants that are great for beginning gardeners looking to own their first plants:
Marble Queen Pothos
This very low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginners. This gorgeous greenery has heart-shaped leaves coming off of vines that can grow anywhere between 6 inches to 6
feet. Prefers indirect sunlight but can tolerate low direct light conditions. Water when the top level of the soil feels dry. Make sure to allow plenty of time in between waterings so the soil can mostly dry out. While these plants help purify the air, they are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Aloe Vera
Prioritize providing indirect sunlight when caring for this beautiful succulent. Direct sunlight can burn your leaves. Give it a good watering when your soil is completely dry. Allow for all of the water to drain. For this to happen, make sure when you are potting it to use a pot with holes in the bottom. An over-watered Aloe plant can lead to brown leaf tips so again, make sure your soil is dry before you give it a drink.
Philodendron Imperial Green
Known for being a fast-growing indoor vine. This plant has large oval-shaped leaves that darken as it matures and can grow to be about 3 feet tall. While it prefers bright, indirect sunlight it can tolerate low light levels. It also helps filter out airborne toxins as an air-purifying plant. However, be careful if you’re a pet owner or have smaller children as it is poisonous if consumed.
If outdoor gardening is what you’re looking for, here are 3 different types of outdoor plants that are easy to maintain:
Astilbe
This flowering plant comes in a variety of colors and prefers to grow where it’s dark. While it does succeed in direct sunlight for anywhere between 4-6 hours, it can thrive in heavily shaded areas. Watering is important for these thirsty plants, especially when they are first planted. Make sure to water at least 2-3 times a week for the first year, then once a week the following season. During those hot summer days, increase how much you water so they don’t dry out. Prune down the flowers once they have passed so that new ones can grow in their place.
Hydrangeas
A stunning staple in our state, this flower shrub should be planted in the springtime: after the last frost and before it gets too hot. Watering is key! During that first growing season, make sure you give it a drink at least 3-4 times a week. Once that second season comes around, once or twice a week is good. Water in the morning to help avoid the sun evaporating it too quickly. When it starts to get really hot, add in a second watering at night.
Strawberry
This delicious treat should be planted in early springtime, after the last frost, when the soil is warm and moist. Make sure you plant in an area that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. When planting, make sure not to overcrowd so they have room to grow and
breathe. Keep up with regular watering, at least 1-2 times a week unless the weather is dry or hot. If that’s the case, increase how much you give them to make sure moisture is reaching the roots regularly. Before strawberries grow, you’ll see a beautiful white flower. (See picture below) This is your sign that you’re doing all the right things, and fruit is coming! First, they will grow small and green. Each day you will see them get bigger and redder. Once plump and red, they are ready for picking.
*This process can be done in a raised flower bed along with being planted directly in the ground.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure you keep up with weeding. Not only does it make the beds look good, but it provides lots of benefits to your plants. Better root access to sunlight, water, and nutrients promotes healthier plant growth. It also helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
- Each plant comes with a white slip in the pot with not only growing instructions but also the plant’s diameter once fully grown.
- Buy yourself a good pair of gloves, pruning shears, and a toolset that includes a shovel. These items will take you far.
Happy gardening!
