Thoughts and Tips on Indoor Gardening for Children

Children follow their parents' examples. Thus, if you are an avid gardener, it is more likely that your children will also take up the hobby. This is a good thing, of course, considering the many benefits gardening provides for children of all ages.

Benefits for Children

Just to name a few of these benefits, you can teach your children the values of respect for life, responsibilities for their actions and rewards for hard work. These are very valuable lessons that can be translated into their social interactions. Well, of course, there is also the fact that your children will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors at their indoor gardens in terms of fresh vegetables or beautiful flowers. Just think of the sense of accomplishment and, thus, the boost to their confidence.

Beginning the Journey

Indoor gardening for children should be as easy as possible. This way, they will be more motivated to follow through with their first efforts, thanks to their initial success. You can then build on their newfound confidence to expand on their repertoire of plants.

1. First, you have to decide whether to teach them indoor soil gardening or hydroponics.
Both have their share of advantages and disadvantages where children are concerned, so do your research. Better yet, teach them what you know. For this article, we shall assume that indoor soil gardening is what you know best.

2. Second, you have to purchase the necessary tools and supplies to start the project.
Children love to play with their own tools so it is a good idea to purchase them in kid sizes. Plus, it will make the tasks easier for them. As much as possible, let them choose the types of plants they want to cultivate. You should provide a guiding hand in that you can tell them what is easy and not-so-easy to grow.

3. Third, you should then set to work.
Children learn best when their learning style is adhered to. Thus, if your children are visual learners, it is best to introduce them to indoor gardening by showing them what needs to be done. If your children are sensory learners, then showing them how to appreciate the feel of the soil, plants and other elements of indoor gardening using their 5 senses is the way to go.

4. Fourth, you must always remember to provide the loving guidance as they grow their plants.
You might even have to do majority of the work in the first few days but as they take on more responsibility and more joy out of indoor gardening, your children will voluntarily take care of their plants.

Again, the emphasis with indoor gardening for children is to make the activity as fun as it can be.
You must make the tasks easy so it makes sense to start with the easy-to-grow plants, to focus more on the results than on the appearance of their indoor garden, and to praise them for their accomplishments at the right times.

Even if their indoor garden consists of wacky plant choices, mismatched flowering plants and herbs looking more like weeds, the important thing is that your kids are enjoying themselves. In the end, in gardening, that is what is most important.

By: Whitney Segura

There are many ways of cultivating vibrant, healthy plants indoors. One method that has gained attention of late is aeroponics. Surprisingly, this type of gardening requires neither a huge amount of space nor potting soil to yield impressive results. Aeroponic growing, however, does require specific supplies to create a suitable environment for seedlings and plants.

What is involved in aeroponics?

While everyone is familiar with cultivating plants in soil, this gardening approach exposes the plants' root system to heavily misted air. The mist is not plain tap water, mind you, but rather a nutrient-rich solution. The roots absorb the nutrients readily in an aeroponics system-based environment and conduct them upward throughout the plant structure.

Although the root system is not submerged in either water or a growing solution, this method of plant cultivation is actually considered a variation of hydroponics gardening.

As you may expect, specific equipment is required to simultaneously contain and circulate this mist in a controlled environment. For this reason, an aeroponic system is often fully or partially closed. Such a design, some feel, also provides a barrier against pest infestation or the introduction of disease.

The low down on aeroponics systems

Equipment and complete systems for aeroponics growing are usually available from most locations that sell hydroponics supplies. While there are some similarities between components used for hydroponics gardening and air-based cultivation, they are not exactly alike. For this reason hydroponics supplies cannot be interchanged with aeroponics equipment.

A typical system includes some basic components. First an aeroponics system will include some sort of growing chamber. As mentioned, this chamber can be partially or completely enclosed so that it can control environmental conditions.

A pump mechanism is often included as well. Like hydroponics systems, these gardening environments require a fresh supply of nutrients. The pumping mechanism maintains the correct level of humidity in the growing area and ensures the airflow is active enough to prevent stagnant conditions.

A timing mechanism is also common in aeroponics gardening systems. While hydroponics systems maintain constant fluid levels by default, air based growing requires continuous misting in order to provide a stable growing environment. The timer insures that misting occurs at regular intervals so that growing conditions remain consistent.

Overall benefits

In addition to the convenience of having readily available produce from your indoor gardening efforts, this method of cultivation can provide a healthier crop than possible otherwise. Some feel there is less chance of disease and pest infestation in these gardens. Consequently, the use of pesticides is not necessary. This is particularly good news for gardeners preferring an organic crop.

By: Susan Slobac

The gardening method of growing of plants without the use of soil is hydroponics. This process is commonly used to develop fertile, healthy indoor plants as well as good quality vegetables, fruits and herbs. The plants in hydroponics grow systems absorb the needed nutrients as ions in water or in the case of aeroponics through the air.

If a plant is getting the adequate amount of nutrients, then soil is no longer needed for it to thrive. This is the whole theory behind hydroponic kits.

A complete controlled agriculture system, much like hydroponic grow systems, should use controlled grow lights, the correct temperature, water, CO2, oxygen, pH and nutrients. Using the proper nutrients and the right artificial LED grow lights, any indoor gardener can achieve stunning plants and tasty vegetables.

If you are planning on setting up a hydroponics or aeroponics garden, consider a few simple guidelines on how to be successful. Here are a few tips:

No soil is used but fertilization is still required - Just because aeroponics and hydroponics kits don't require the use of soil, plants still need supplements. This is what they get from the water or their food. It is what sustains the plants. Make sure your nutrient solution maintains a pH level of 5 to 6 after dilution and that the plants are watered more than three times a day by using a pump and a timer.

Steady temperatures required - The majority of hydroponics gardens are grown indoors so try to keep the best suitable temperature between 71 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures change depending on the different types of plant you are working on and the type of grow lights you are using.

Let there be light - You want to keep your plants somewhere they can receive ample amount of light. LED grow lights work the best. If your hydroponics garden is located where there is not enough light, your plants won't grow. Invest in a good set of grow lights or LED grow lights. These grow lights emit artificial illumination which is perfect for the growing conditions of your plants.

Humidity is a must - In hydroponics gardening, all you need is a little bit of air. As the temperature rises, air holds the adequate amount of moisture plants need. Another benefit is that since hydroponics is water-based, you really don't need to attend to the plants all that often since the water is reused.

Starting a hydroponic garden doesn't require that much time and commitment. It needs a little bit of time, water and the right grow lights to make sure your plants are in condition.

By: Anne Harvester

The type of fat that is stored around the waistline, visceral fat, is more metabolically active and is easier to lose than the type of fat stored in other parts of the body. So most people when they lose weight will start to lose weight in the abdominal region first.

Following is a list of foods that will help you burn belly fat faster:

1. Oatmeal - Oatmeal breaks down slowly in your stomach so it doesn't cause a big spike in your insulin. It is also high in fiber. Both of these factors help to raise your metabolism and burn fat. Having oatmeal for breakfast can raise your metabolism by as much as 10% so you will burn fat at a higher rate.

2. Almonds - Eating almonds which are a high protein, high-fat food, increases your calorie burn for several hours after consumption. They are very filling so they help control your appetite. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats which lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

3. Eggs - Egg protein, like other protein, helps build muscle which in turn burns fat. Protein has the added benefit of helping you to feel full longer. It also takes more energy to digest protein than fats or carbohydrates. Eggs are also high in choline, folate, and lutein.

4. Cruciferous vegetables - Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, Swiss chard, and bok choy) are all high in folate. The more folate in your diet, the lower your risk of obesity. Folate also decreases your risk for heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's, and depression.

5. Whole grains - When insulin levels spike, it signals the body to store fat. Whole grains are digested slowly so they do not cause a quick rise in your insulin level. One study found that people who ate whole grains lost more than twice as much belly fat as those who ate refined grains. Whole grains are also high in fiber which helps curb your appetite.

The more weight you have to lose, the more quickly you are likely to start losing fat in the abdominal region first.

By: M Conley Stone

So you're interested in hydroponics but aren't quite sure where to start? Here's a little guide to give you the basics, including the meaning of the word "hydroponics" so that you know what you're doing when you go online to order your first hydroponics kit. Essentially there are four main elements to hydroponics, which are water culture, aggregate culture, continuous flow systems and aeroponics. This article will give a quick overview of these elements and look at the main advantages to growing via a hydroponics system.

So what is hydroponics? Hydroponics is derived from the Latin words "hydro" and "geoponics" meaning water and study of agriculture respectively. Hydroponics as a method of cultivation follows a very radical approach in that it believes that soil is inessential for cultivation of crops, and all that is needed is water and a non-soil base for the plants to grow in, or in some cases just water in total. With this system plants can be grown by this method in arid areas and in large cities where there is very little land by using alternative mediums to provide the necessary nutrients and minerals to the plant.

The different types of hydroponics system of cultivation are as follows:

1. Water Culture or Aquaculture. In this system the roots of the plants are immersed in water, which has a mixture of various nutrients.

2. Aggregate Culture. In this system the plant is supported by some material like sand, marble or gravel and the required nutrients are supplied from time to time. It is important to remember here that unlike soil these materials do not absorb nutrients from the roots of the plants.

3. Continuous Flow Hydroponics System. This type of system is used in commercial cultivation. Here water and nutrients are continuously supplied to the plant with the help of a tray and also a timer that fixes the amount of time for which the required materials will be given to the plants.

4. Aeroponics. This is a very interesting method as here the roots of the plants are made to hang in the air and they are misted regularly with a solution that is composed of minerals and nutrients.

So what are the benefits of this method of cultivation? Many researches and studies have already established that the hydroponics system of cultivation is more effective and has many advantages. The first advantage is that plants grow much faster under this method as compared to the soil system. The yield of the plants from hydroponics is higher than other methods of cultivation. This method also uses much less water, and so in arid areas and wherever there is a shortage of water this method is a huge success. Further there are also fewer cases of insects and other pests damaging the crops in this method of cultivation. This is something covered in more detail at the website [http://www.gardenhydroponics.com].

But the greatest advantage of this system of cultivation, especially when done in greenhouses, is that there are no growing limitations caused by weather. Weather is the huge factor that determines the growth of a crop. But in the hydroponics system of cultivation weather has almost no role to play.

As you can see, the basics of hydroponics are not that complicated. With its ability to grow plants with little water supply and with practically no reliance on the weather, hydroponics is a great way to cultivate whatever crop you fancy. And the great thing is that a hydroponics kit is enough to get you started and these are readily available at many online retailers. As the process of hydroponics growing becomes more well-known, it seems certain that more people will turn to this radical method of cultivation.

By: Carl Formby

Originally, all foods were "organic" - grown and prepared without pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, hormones, irradiation to prevent spoilage, and microwave cooking.

Our food these days, whether of vegetable or animal origin, is not only deficient in
nutrients but also full of pollutants and farm chemicals. The modern denaturing of
foods through massive refining and chemical treatment deeply affects their
Energy qualities, making them devoid of the exact boost that we should be
getting from our food.

Here is a great recipe for the summer using some yummy, organic Swiss Chard:

Organic Swiss Chard

1 or 2 bunches Organic Swiss chard

1/8 teaspoon Brittany sea salt

2 teaspoon Organic virgin olive oil

4 lemon wedges

1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

1. This recipe works for many different cooking greens like: collard greens, turnip or
beet tops, mustard greens, spinach, tat-soi, and rapini (broccoli rabe)

2. Wash chard well to remove all sand and remove all tough stems.

3. In a large saucepan, bring to a boil about 1/2 inch of water and drop in the Swiss
chard leaves.

4. Return to a boil, cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes until leaves are tender.

5. Add salt and remove from heat.

6. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking liquid.

7. Add oil to the reserved liquid and pour desired amount over the chard before
serving.

8. Serve each portion with a lemon wedge and sesame seeds.

9. Enjoy!

To your energy and success,

By: Heather Dominick

When I was living in a small studio apartment in New York City, friends used to wonder why I always kept the curtains closed -- until they saw my view. My one window overlooked the back wall of another building, and it wasn't a pretty sight. But curtains are just one solution for covering up a less than inspiring view. Another is to create an indoor garden in your urban home.

If you've never had a garden before, don't worry. Employees at a florist shop or plant nursery usually have a wealth of information that they are more than happy to share. You can help them make informed suggestions for your future garden by doing a little home research before you go. Here are a few things to consider:

Light or Shady? Some plants need lots of sunlight. Some prefer shade. So make a study of the site of your planned garden. How many hours of sunlight does it get? Is that light strong and direct, or is the light blocked by other buildings? Is the average temperature hot and dry, dark and damp, or something in between?

High or Low Maintenance? Urban gardener, know thyself. How much time do you want to devote to your new green friends? It's important to be realistic because although some hardy plants need just a little water and light to thrive, others are more finicky and will shrivel up and die if they don't get exactly the right care.

Stationary or Climbing the Walls? Most people think of potted plants when they think of indoor gardens, but why not let your imagination soar? If you dare, use that old curtain rod as a support for a trailing vine to add color and interest to your windows.

Lemon or Lime? Just because you live in an urban environment doesn't mean you can't have a small orchard growing in your home. Ask your local plant expert about how to install temperature and light controls if your apartment isn't naturally warm and sunny. And by the way, bonsai trees are another great option for small spaces.

With so many indoor gardening choices you can turn even the smallest of urban spaces into an oasis of green. Just take a few minutes to observe the light and climate conditions of your future garden's site. Then consult with your local gardening experts to get that indoor garden growing in your home.

By: Lara Fine