Senior living should not keep you away from your passion for gardening. It does not have to be outside; you can start an indoor garden in your assisted living apartments in Los Lunas, NM. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Adequate Lighting
The location of your indoor garden is important as there has to be enough lighting around. The lighting is essential to the overall growth of your plant. Inadequate lighting might affect the growth of your plants so might not mature fully.
Organic Soil
Another crucial component in your indoor gardening is the soil. Ensure its lighter, properly drained, and has a neutral pH level. The soil must be free from pesticides or herbicides with a rich nutrient content for adequate growth. Additionally, it must be loose and possess organic matter.
You can consider buying organic potting soil to save yourself the stress of getting the right soil. These soils are available in the garden center for purchase. Retirement communities offer concierge services so getting them shouldn’t be a problem.
You can make your soil richer in nutrients by using ingredients such as composts, peat moss, and wood chips as a replacement for fertilizers. As this will reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals present in some fertilizers.
Pick the Right Container
As long as it is indoor gardening, you can use anything that can hold soil and drain water. There are varieties of options available, they include small pots, old coffee tins, bowls, and trays with plastic lids.
You can choose either of these options and other ones depending on how much you are ready to invest in the garden. Once you are done picking the right containers, the next thing is filling them with organic soil.
Seeds
There are a few things to consider before buying your seed. Put into consideration the space you have for gardening. If the space is limited, then the seed must be for a plant with a minimal level of growth. Another thing to consider is the climate, the seed you plant during wintertime will be different from what you plant when it is warmer.
Lastly, consider buying from a reputable seed company. This will allow you to buy an organic seed with complete resistance to diseases and pests.
Consistent Watering
This aspect is highly crucial however easily neglected by gardeners. Either because they don’t put enough water or forget to water the plants. Watering and lighting work together to ensure your plant grows healthily.
It is common for older adults to forget watering while tending a garden. What you need to do is water the garden early in the morning and also water again before going to sleep. You can set a reminder on your phone to remind you when it is time to add water. Or you can ask team members in the center to remind you.
Comfortable Access
As an older adult, your garden must be easily accessible. You don’t have to bend down, reach up, stoop or even couch before you can reach your plants. You must be able to access your garden comfortably while standing or seated. This also applies to your gardening tools and supplies.
