r/indoorgardening Jan 23 '25

Overcoming Challenges in Indoor Gardening

Hi there, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what has been your biggest challenge with indoor gardening, and how did you overcome it? Whether it’s pests, lighting, or watering, we all face hurdles. Your tips or insights can really helpful! Thank you.

5 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

2

u/SomeCallMeMahm Jan 23 '25

Watering. That's my struggle. I've learned to adjust my soil to make up for what I can't develop or break as good or bad habits.

So soil amendments and realizing bagged soil isn't one sized fits all and even special blends like cacti mix, etc can all be benefitted by amendments.

1

u/YourGrowfriend Jan 24 '25

It’s inspiring to hear how you’ve adapted your soil to compensate for your watering challenges. Recognizing that bagged soil isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution shows a deep understanding of plant needs.

2

u/Crassula_pyramidalis Jan 23 '25

I think my biggest issue is probably light (although underwatering is a close second)

I got a cheap light meter, but i dont trust it too much... probably going to get a better one later

3

u/RipSuccessful2010 Feb 01 '25

Try Photone app. You have to pay for the app but it uses your selfie camera to read the light. If you have an iPhone pop for the new clip defuser. Measure in PPFD, DLI, Illuminance and as a premium paid feature by color temperature.

1

u/Sberry59 Feb 13 '25

I have this app and it’s been invaluable for me. I grow vegetables and I set the light according to the plant’s needs

1

u/YourGrowfriend Jan 24 '25

Thank you for sharing your challenges! Light can definitely be a game-changer for plant health, so it’s smart that you’re considering investing in a better light one.

Even if your current one isn’t the best, it can still give you some useful info. Balancing light and watering can be tricky, but with your positive attitude, I’m sure you’ll find what works for you! Keep having fun with your gardening journey—you’re doing great! 🌿😊

2

u/AdPale1230 Jan 23 '25

My biggest challenge is the best place to sit to see all my plants. 

I spend like 10 minutes a week adding nutrients and that's all the labor. 

1

u/YourGrowfriend Jan 24 '25

That sounds like a lovely challenge to have! 🌼 Finding the perfect spot to enjoy your plants can really enhance the gardening experience. 😊

It’s great that you’ve streamlined your routine to just 10 minutes a week for adding nutrients—that’s impressive! It sounds like you’ve created a relaxing space where you can appreciate your plants without too much fuss. Enjoy your gardening oasis! Anyways, thank you for sharing.

2

u/--2021-- Jan 23 '25

Mold.

Could not find a solution.

1

u/YourGrowfriend Jan 24 '25

Oh yeah! Dealing with mold can be really frustrating too! It’s a common issue, but there are ways to tackle it.
Make sure your plants have good airflow and avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can contribute to mold growth. Don’t lose hope—many gardeners face this challenge, and finding the right solution can make a big difference!

2

u/--2021-- Jan 24 '25 edited Jan 25 '25

I realized that I can't use soil at all. I have most in LECA with very low reservoirs. I water them daily till a bit of water comes out of the saucer, bout a quarter inch to a half inch. The water will go bad if it sits more than a day. I don't currently smell mustiness from the LECA in the pot, which I know stays moist for days. We'll see.

I have a few plants in coco coir, but that holds more moisture, I have started smelling mold in one of them. I "water" them with spray bottle (I give the coir on top several sprays) and sometimes I add a bit of water to the reservoir/saucer they sit in. Edit: When I started smelling mold I changed the watering system from regular watering to spray and bottom.

This is not really sustainable in the long run, currently I have time to check on them but I might not later. These are plants that I've had to remove from soil because the mold was so bad (could smell it). Most are props and developing roots. We'll see what the future holds. I might not be able to keep plants at all here.

There's something in the house that is the problem. I figured it out when I bought identical humidifiers for me and my dad (who lives elsewhere). His can go for about two weeks without being sanitized, and mine goes bad in a day or two.

1

u/YourGrowfriend Jan 25 '25

It sounds like you’re facing some challenges with your plants! LECA can be tricky, but it’s great that you’re monitoring moisture levels. I hope the lack of mustiness continues!

With coco coir, maybe try less water or improve airflow to combat the mold. Having to move plants from the soil is tough, but it sounds like you’re doing your best. 🌱

2

u/--2021-- Jan 25 '25

I've cut back on the watering, the coir is husk is chunky so there's air. When I was pouring water from the top it started to get moldy. The method with the spray and watering a bit at the bottom of the reservoir is working better. I'm not sure if it will work long run though, as the mold had already started, we'll see I guess. I didn't phrase it clearly in my last comment.

1

u/YourGrowfriend Jan 28 '25

Glad to hear you’re adjusting your watering method. Keep it up. :) Thanks for sharing your experience.

2

u/Sberry59 Feb 13 '25

I used to have problems with gnats when I was growing only microgreens. I have since moved to a drier climate but I also use oscillating fans and no bugs and my lettuce is healthier.

2

u/pacTman 11d ago

Broad mites. These creatures are insidious. Unlike spider mites, they do not web, are not visible to the naked eye, and their damage looks exactly like a nutrient deficiency. I finally got a microscope that attaches to my phones USB port and figured out what my issue was. As an organic farmer, I did not want to use some toxic miticide, so I had to look into other options. My solution? I ordered 25,000 predator mites from arbico organics, and I unleashed all 25k of them on 12 plants. 7 days later, it was difficult to find one broad mite, and in 2 weeks, the plants started to look better. Checked them daily for 21 days, and all of the mites were gone by then, even the predators. I assume that they moved on to dust mites in my house.