
10 essential tools for indoor gardening
Thinking of becoming a gardener or turning your home into a jungle? Not only is this peaceful activity exactly what you need to relax and unwind, but getting started is easy – even for a beginner! All you need are a few important tools and a bit of know-how! Let’s talk about plant care tools and what you’ll need for indoor gardening.
1. A Spray Bottle
Some plants require extra humidity, which you can help provide with a spray bottle or mister. Look for a plant-grade spray bottle with an ultra-fine mist. This will be gentlest on your delicate plants, and the small particles will be the easiest for them to absorb. A spray bottle is also a very handy gardening tool if you need to water seedlings or freshly-potted, young plants because the flow from a watering can be too heavy for them. You can also use a mister to clean the dust off of leaves. Just make sure not to get plants with unusually water-sensitive leaves wet (most notably the African Violet).
2. A Watering Can (With a Long Spout)
An indoor watering can will make gardening tasks a lot easier. Using just a cup, it’s far too easy to spill water. Not only that, but without the precision of a watering can, parts of plants that shouldn’t get wet are bound to get splashed. This can result in leaf scalding, root rot, and other undesirable side-effects. A watering can will allow you to deliver the water right to the soil, which is far safer. Because many houseplants require watering from the crown or at the base, we recommend choosing watering cans with a long and narrow spout, because the water flow will be easier to control.
3. A Pruner
Pruning is an integral part of plant care, and for this, you’ll need a gardening pruner (also known as pruning shears). These are used to remove sick or dead plant tissue, as well as to keep fast-growing and potentially invasive plants in check. Pruning spent flowers will also encourage plants to create new blooms faster. The best pruner material is carbon steel, as it is durable and extra-sharp, making it ideal for snipping your green friends quickly and precisely!
4. Pruning Scissors
Pruning scissors come to a gardening game (and win!) when it comes to pruning and cutting hard-to-reach places and removing dead flowers or leaves. This tool allows you to make the most detailed cuts, so they’re also a great choice for harvesting herbs! Choose rust-resistant pruning scissors that produce a sharp, clean cut to your houseplant.
5. A Garden Hand Trowel
Hand trowels are the gardeners’ handy alternative to a shovel. With all the tasks these can make easier, they are a must-have for your tool kit, and an absolute lifesaver. These miniature tools are the ideal size for digging holes for bulbs, digging up weeds - it will make the task so much easier - and sowing fresh soil and fertilizer. Pick your garden trowel according to your comfort; keep an eye out for ultra-comfy, cushion-grip handles!
6. A Hand Fork For Gardening
Another handy gardening tool is a hand fork. While hand trowels are like miniature shovels, hand forks could be compared to mini rakes. They allow you to loosen and lift the soil, tilling it and making it easier to work with. A hand fork is one of the best tools to simplify your task! To make your gardening experience as pleasant as possible, choose a lightweight, rust-resistant hand fork with a comfy handle.
7. A Humidifier
Some plants, like those that are tropical, are accustomed to conditions with high humidity. You may not live somewhere where it’s possible to provide this level of humidity naturally. To increase the humidity levels accordingly, you can place your plant in front of a small humidifier that will help mimic a tropical area in your space. Additionally, consider placing humidity-loving species in a bathroom where people are known to frequently shower. Keep in mind that different plants require different humidity levels, and it’s a good idea to check the particular gardening needs of your plants before choosing a method for increasing humidity.
8. Grow Lights
Light is one of the most important aspects of growing a thriving indoor garden. An indoor grow light is the ideal solution for rooms that lack adequate light and during dark, rainy seasons. Pay attention to the models that provide a diverse light spectrum to indoor plants, which can help to efficiently encourage growth and development year-round.
9. A Soil Tester
A high-quality soil tester is a handy gardening tool for keeping your plants healthy and moist. Soil testers will help you measure soil moisture level so that you understand if the plant is getting enough water. There are even models with extra features that allow you to measure soil pH, sunlight, and temperature – combining almost all essential care considerations in one device.
10. Gardening Gloves
While doing gardening, it’s important to keep your hands protected against prickly leaves and thorns. Pay attention to comfort while looking for gardening gloves, and consider whether they are durable, give you a feeling of a “natural grip,” and are protective enough against scratches and cuts.
These small indoor gardening tools are really worth paying attention to and even essential, especially for the first-time plant parents whose thumbs are not that green and experienced. More importantly, these tools will help you treat your green babies in a proper way and understand their needs much better. Dive deeper and learn what gardening supplies you may need for a flourishing garden.