Simple Pleasures: Grow a Cheery Indoor Garden

Living, breathing, healthy plants boost the spirit like nothing else. Whether you consider yourself to have a green thumb or are just inching your way into the world of gardening, consider this inspiration and motivation to get your indoor garden growing.

Wondering what’s missing from your room? Plants! Healthy green plants help clean your air, lift your spirit and fill empty corners like nobody’s business. I don’t think any room feels really complete without at least one green plant or pot of cheerful bulbs.


Set up an indoor potting station. To make things easier for watering, repotting and generally caring for your houseplants, a little indoor potting station within reach can be a lifesaver. A sink in the mudroom or laundry room would be ideal, but the kitchen can work as well if you don’t have another option. Don’t the rustic wood counter and stone flooring shown here make you want to jump right in and get your hands dirty?

To set up your own potting area, at the bare minimum you will want some closed storage for bags of potting soil and tools, a shelf for extra pots and saucers, a work surface that you don’t mind getting dirty and access to a sink for water.


Try an outdoor planter inside. You don’t always need to use traditional pots for your houseplants — why not try a rectangular planter, an urn or even a wine barrel? Just be sure to use a tray beneath your planter to protect your floors from water damage.



Always keep an aloe on hand. Wondering what one plant to buy first? Make it an aloe — they are easy to care for, and they are a godsend when you have a burn. Simply cut off a piece, slice it open lengthwise, and place the gel-covered interior directly on your burn.



Tables make great plant stands. Looking for more room to house your plants? Put an old desk or dining table to work. Even rusty old roadside finds look charming when filled with potted greens.


Cluster potted plants and blooming bulbs on a table. Grouping potted plants doesn’t just look charming, it is beneficial to the plants, too. Keeping plants in close proximity to one another boosts humidity, helping the plants stay healthier and go a bit longer between watering.


Take advantage of sunny windows. Have an open spot in front of a nice, sunny window? Don’t let it go to waste — put a big plant in front of it. Stands can help smaller plants get the maximum amount of light.



Low-light rooms can handle plants, too. If your space does not get as much sun as you would like, don’t give up completely on houseplants. Visit a local nursery and ask what’s recommended for a low-light room. It’s true that if your room really gets zero natural light, a plant will not survive there, but if there is any sort of light, you may be able to get something to grow … and it’s well worth the effort to try.



Plant a piece of furniture. Ready to get really creative? Pull out a drawer or three from an old cabinet or dresser, line the interiors with waterproof plastic, fill them with soil and pop in a few plants. This can be a wonderful way to give new life to an old piece that is too rundown to use for its intended purpose.


Have fun with your gardening gear. Watering cans come in more colors than gray, you know. Choose a vibrant lemon-yellow or hot-pink watering can, and don a colorful apron while you pot new plants — the combination of cheerful hues and fresh greens is bound to influence your mood.

Tell us: Do you have any special tips or creative potting ideas for houseplants?

More: Learn about easy-care houseplants

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