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 A lack of outdoor growing space, limited growing
seasons, and time constraints have many people filling their
apartments and homes with fiddle leaf figs, palms, succulents, herbs
and vegetables.
And you have probably heard of the houseplant craze amongst
millennials. Perhaps the need to de-stress after a long work day,
concern for purer air, an interest in safe fresh food and a desire
to be close to nature contribute to this craze. No matter the
reason, gifting a millennial a trendy houseplant is sure to be a
hit.
No matter your age, living in a green space and tending plants has
many benefits. It reduces stress, improves one's mood and provides a
sense of emotional well being. Planting seeds and watching them grow
generates feelings of hope. It it's edible, even better. Indoor herb
and vegetable gardens provide fresh, nutritious food to harvest and
enjoy.
Newbies and those making the gardening transition indoors may find
it challenging. Limited light, a different pallet of plants and
variable watering regimes can be intimidating. Those who have killed
philodendrons and succulents in the past may have given up, but
fortunately there are solutions and easy-care options for those
looking to expand their indoor green spaces.
Take the guesswork out of watering with hydroponics. Water and
nutrients are available and delivered via a wick or similar system
to the plants when needed. Colorful Mason-type canning jar planters
fitted with hydroponic grow kits are perfect for starting seeds and
growing plants on windowsills or countertops. Add a sleeker touch
with a colored glass cylinder like Modern Sprout’s Hydroponic
Tumbler Grow Kit.
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Give them all they need; seeds or plants, container
and growing media. Make it yourself or buy a ready-made kit like the
Wax Planter Grow Kit (modsprout.com). This gift is sure to provide a
sense of satisfaction from planting to harvesting their first sprig
of basil or decorating the spruce tree they grew from a seed.
Brighten up growing spaces with indoor lights.
Supplementing natural light or providing light in a windowless space
can make the difference between success and failure. Energy
efficient LED grow lights provide the light plants need, while
saving on energy costs. Attractive options and space saving systems
blend in nicely to any home. Complete lighting systems, like the
Growhouse, are designed to fit small spaces and make watering easy
while protecting surrounding surfaces from water damage.
Match the plants to the light conditions and the recipient’s
gardening skills. Succulents are trendy and perfect for busy
gardeners with sunny windows or grow light setups. They thrive with
benign neglect; as do snake plants, Chinese evergreens, Anthuriums
and ZZ plants in low light conditions. Orchids and bonsai make the
perfect gift for those ready to take their indoor gardening to the
next level. For the most fool proof winter option, gift an amaryllis
or paperwhite bulb kit.
No matter the recipient’s age or experience level, the gift of
gardening will provide immediate and lasting enjoyment.
[Photo courtesy of Modern Sprout]
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening
books and host of The Great Courses’ How to Grow Anything DVD
series. Her website, www.MelindaMyers.com, offers gardening tips and
videos. |
