Indoor Plants

After hearing of so many dealing with the losses of plants in earthship-type structures, we have done some research and discovered some tips and tricks that might assist you in growing healthy plants.

The main factor to remember is that you want water-loving plants that don't mold easily. For best results, it is advisable to use a neutral or slightly acidic soil. The majority of plants prefer the soil between 7.4-6.0 pH. Inexpensive, easy to use, pH test kits are available at most garden supply stores, where you can also get any amendments you may need to correct the pH. The only time to use sterilized soil is if you are infested with soil-born harmful insects or blight or powdery mildew, you are trying to germinate seeds, or starting young plants.

If there is a particular plant you want to grow, experiment! Plant several in different conditions, with variations in the amount of sunlight/shade, soil quality, or the plants they are situated next to.

Keep in mind that many perennials will not work because they need to die back in the winter. If you are willing to lose them or use tender perennials, you might find good results. Apparently butterfly bush grows extraordinarily well indoors – so much so that it must be heavily cut back when it starts to show signs of stress.

Herein is the super-secret list of veggies that grow well indoors.

Veggies

Broccoli

Cabbage

Green Onions

Broccolo

Chard

Kale

Purslane

Carrots

Zucchini

Cucumber

Artichoke

Egg Plants

Peppers

Corn

Lettuces

-Tango

-Lolla Rossa

-Black Seeded Simpson

-Deer Tongue Red

-Royal Oakleaf

-Arugula

-Frisee

-Mizuna

Spinach

Squash

Peas

Watercress (in the pond)

Tomatoes

Fruit

Lemon

Blood Orange

Grapefruit

Lime

Tangerine

Coconut

Strawberries

Bananas (dwarf)

Grapes

Figs

Cantaloupe

Watermelon

Pineapple

Herbs

Basil

Chives

Marjoram

Thyme

Oregano

Cilantro/Corriander

Mint

Sage

Rosemary

Pineapple Sage

Dill

Parsley

Edible Flowers

Fuchsia

Hibiscus

Rose

Sunflower

Nasturtium

Snapdragon

Viola

Passion Flower

French Geranium

Honeysuckle

Yucca

If you don't want to introduce any beneficial insects into your home, there are number of ways to control an pest situation. Remove infested leaves and discard outside the home, of many choose to vacuum or capture and release flying pests. Traps are effective for white flies, fungus gnats, and imported cabbage worms. Pests like mealy bugs and aphids can be removed from plants with a strong spray of water.

Dusting the surface of dry soil with diatomaceous earth will dehydrate and subsequently kill any soft-bodied insect. A spray mixture of a couple of teaspoons of household soap to one gallon of water can help control aphids, mites, and white flies. Organic pyrethrin insecticidal sprays are highly effective.

Weeds are not much of a problem in your indoor greenhouse. Screen doors can help prevent seeds from entering the building and also help to keep any beneficial insects you may have. Simply hand pick any weeds that threaten the garden.