DIRT - IT'S A GOOD THING

While many people are trying hydroponics, I am wholly devoted to gardening in that rich, loamy, earthy substance I can dig into with a trowel.  We need to amend it for indoor gardening, so this post will be devoted to a few simple guidelines for using dirt indoors.

Guideline #1 - Don't Ya'll Be Tracking That Stuff In Here
It's best not to use outdoor garden soil for indoor gardens.  Outdoor garden soil is too heavy for containers, and it won't drain well.  Plus it contains things that are better suited for, or dealt with, outdoors.  So don't bring in dirt from the outdoor garden to use inside.

Guideline #2 - Keep It Clean
A high-quality sterilized potting mix is best for indoor gardens.  It's lighter so roots can breathe in a container.  It will also hold more moisture for drier indooor climates.  And you start your garden disease/pest free.  If you'd like to make your own mix you can use:  
                          
4 parts standard (sterile) garden soil
2 parts compost
2 parts peat (or its alternative, coconut fiber)
1 part coarse sand or vermiculite (made from natural mica rock)

Mix together and moisten (not too wet or dry, just moist) before putting it into the container.  Be sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of your container.  If not, drill 3 or so.  Use a tray underneath to catch any water.  You could also just fit your container into another one the same size so there's a small space between the two.  Place small stones or pot shards in the bottom of the container before you fill with dirt.  Fill to about an inch from the top.  (More on containers later).   

Guideline #3 - Rejuvenate!
Renew your soil by adding compost periodically.  Once you harvest a vegetable from your indoor garden, mix a trowel of compost in that spot and replant.  Also, it won't hurt to use a good quality organic plant food as your plants are growing. (Just follow the directions on the box).  As a general rule, it's good to replace your soil every year or two.

Next we'll talk about types of containers for indoor gardening.  The good, the bad, and the...well, yes, ugly.  Until then, think green...and dream.  Happy Indoor Gardening!