An Indoor Oasis

GARDENING TIPS FOR YOUR BOARDING ROOM

Are you looking to turn your boarding room into a green oasis? Even though your room may be small, gardening with containers will make things easier! Read on as we explore various ways to do exactly that.

You will need a small shovel, potting soil, containers, and plants. You could recycle plastic containers, bags, and desk drawers to create inexpensive containers (make sure to create drainage holes though). Do you like a particular plant? Ask the owner for a cutting, and then place it in water first to sprout before re-planting.

Creativity is key with your garden. Look for ways to repurpose pieces for containers or borrow equipment from a friend. If you are wondering what to do with an old desk drawer or bowl that you found, how about turning them into planters? Perhaps give your newfound container a fresh coat of paint, or grab a hot glue gun and some unique rocks you found on a walk home and use them to decorate.

You can have a great green oasis without a lot of space – you just need to add a little creativity! Most plants like to get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Check the label when you buy, or ask for advice from the person you bought it from for suggestions based on how much light you get in your room.

Not every plant needs its own container. Try planting a climbing plant with a plant that’s lower to the ground, or create your green space by planting a variety of herbs in one large pot.

How to Set Up Your Indoor Garden

First, decide what you want to plant. Next, design your container to provide enough space for your greens as they mature. Dark containers absorb the heat; they can dry out quickly or make the soil too warm for your plant. Keep in mind, your container will also need to have drainage holes. If it does not, you can easily make some by using a hammer and a nail or a knife.

If you decide to plant vegetables, be sure to plant them at the same time you would plant them in the garden. Watering is the most important part. Observe your plants regularly so the soil does not dry out. Don’t forget that some plants and vegetables need cages or somewhere for vines to climb.

Now you are ready to turn your boarding room into a green oasis. As you create, feel free to share your creation by emailing wotsphilippines@gmail.com with photos!