Page 13 - Real Estate Now Jan-Feb 2022

Indoor Gardens 101:

How to Grow Green in the Winter Months

Jules Torti courtesy realtor.ca
aint and plants can easily (and affordably) buoy moods meaning winter doesn’t have to be synonymous with
grey! Add some green to this monochrome season by filling your home with the joy of an indoor garden. For
Pthose who count a Chia pet as their only qualification, we’ve gathered the necessary tips, tricks and tidbits to
get you started with confidence.

Novice-friendly plant options
Succulents can double as natural place settings. They
thrive in sunshine in well-draining pots and will let you
know when they feel unwell or overhydrated by turning
pale. Aloe plants are a good entry-level succulent and can
provide instant relief from burns for newbie bread bakers Over Exposure: Plant SPF
as well. You can also plant a broken aloe leaf in soil and it
will regrow like a lizard’s tail. They are sensitive! Especially the sensitive plant! That’s the beauty of plants—they always let you know what they
don’t like or if they feel like they’re living in your shadow. Most plants prefer south or west-facing windows and at
Beginners who admit to a limited attention span will least six hours of sunlight. Some species might enjoy the humidity of your bathroom too. A general guiding principle
appreciate the self-sufficiency of a jade plant. Their leaves is to choose plants whose native environment is tropical. Air plants don’t even need pots as they smartly absorb water
allow for a lot of water retention and like a camel, they and nutrients from the air.
can go a month without water or attention. If you live in a
condo or apartment with radiators, jade plants will love you Aerogardens and hydroponic systems take the guesswork out of growing and natural sunlight. Digital reminders
for the warm and dry climate. let you know when to leap into action and the lights are on a timer. If you need to go vertical, living walls can be
something to aspire too. Your most finicky plants will let you know when you’re ready to graduate!
Cacti are another resilient newbie choice. The soil should be damp, not arid like the desert! Cacti love bright light
and will enjoy a sunny perch in a windowsill. They come in strange and peculiar forms from the powder puff to Positive Vibes
conversation pieces like the rat tail cactus. Horticultural therapy is a professional practice. Like a long swing in a hammock or deep lavender-infused massage,
Paperwhite narcissus (or simply, paperwhites) are a fragrant and easy-to-grow choice. They can be planted in bowls time spent with plants is restorative and nourishing for mental and emotional health. Bonus: your green space can
or shallow containers (seven to 10 cm) packed with decorative stones and pebbles. take whatever form you want it to! It’s experimental, ever-changing and you can grow alongside your plant tribe!
Greenhorns should also consider growing an amaryllis. The plant rewards its Plants offer so much—they remind us of summer, exotic
doting owner by flowering within six to eight weeks of planting. With a little getaways and give us an excuse to chill out. In 1967,
TLC the amaryllis will continue to produce flowers for your Instagram, year composer Mort Garson released an electronic album called
after year. “Mother Earth’s Plantasia” for plants to listen to! Apparently
African violets like a little synthesizer too!
Indoor gardens with purpose
Homework
Why not turn your windowsill into an in-house grocery aisle? Grow your own
indoor herbs for tomato sauce or salsa, cocktails or truly homegrown tea. Your Plants can be simple or sophisticated, delightful or daunting.
favourite herbs (cilantro, mint, rosemary, basil) will add greenery to your Ask the best growers you know—the generations before
windows and menu. If your space permits, you can grow strawberries, you will have plant clippings and sage advice at the ready.
tomatoes, carrots and garlic greens too! With a little ingenuity, you can turn Treat yourself to inspiring reads like The Kinfolk Garden by
your kitchen scraps into windowsill plants. Almost every fruit or vegetable John Burns and Bonsai – Penjing: The Collections of the
can sprout into life again from a sweet potato to the crown of a pineapple. Montréal Botanical Garden by Danielle Ouellet. You’ll be
green with envy in no time. ■
Microgreens are a fun pursuit too and will add some fresh crunch to your
sandwiches and salads.

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