Given our current economic situation, the threat of climate change, and the general stress level of today’s everyday living and working conditions, growing something green ( or maybe purple ) is a great idea. Even if you live in a small apartment, you can grow a few things which do not require much care
Lavenders can grow in pots and some can be quite small.
But, you say, “I do not have a green thumb; in fact, my thumb is black.”. If that’s you, it is time to turn that thumb green! Rather than being a bother, puttering with a couple of plants will prove to be a good anti-depressant. If you are limited to indoor gardening, get a grow light, because you need this light just as much as the plant does.
My mother was raised on a farm and she had a green thumb. Almost anything grew for her, but African violets were her prize. Plants grew for her because she lavished care, attention, and love on her plants.
My thumb is either green or black. If I have time and am not stressed out, my thumb is very green. On the other hand, if I have little time left in the day, am ready to pull my hair out, and exhausted when I come home from work, my thumb turns black in a hurry. Having seen how much gardening helped me recover from a serious illness, though, I am determined to keep it green.
I actually do not think that there are individuals who cannot grow plants; I think that some people are totally disinterested in growing plants and cannot give them the care and attention that they need. There a a few plants that will at least stay alive, if not flourish with little care, though, so to have a really black thumb, you have to put them in a very dark corner and never water them. Usually these are foliage plants, but there are some colorful varieties.
In the Pacific Northwest where I live, winters are usually miserable; they are overcast and rainy with short days. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression, is rampant, and science now knows that sunlight is necessary for our well-being, at least in part because we need the Vitamin D that is manufactured in our skin in response to UV light. The first gloomy winter that I spent here, I was so miserable that I wanted to go elsewhere. Then I got a grow light and a couple of plants for my work room, and it made a huge difference. Just sitting for a while in a room with a full spectrum light and some growing things can really cheer you up. Try it; you will like it! Plants with flowers are nice, but any plants will do.
Also, if you actually sit somewhere near your light and plants, you will be really inclined to take care of them. Some water, light, and maybe a little plant food are all they require. They will reward you by brightening up your space and helping you relax. They do not require walking or litter box changes and they never talk back ( unless you get something with thorns). If you only have a little space, consider a compact fluorescent Ott light ( which is expensive but desirable ) or the less expensive alternative of a daylight compact fluorescent in a desk lamp; a gooseneck lamp works well. Try to put the bulb about 8-12 inches above your plants. This is sufficient to get a violet to bloom, but they are somewhat fussy plants so try some foliage first. In fact, if you have pollen allergies, restrict yourself to foliage. These lights are great for reading as well.
Do not grow plants in your bedroom! Plants exposed to light remove carbon dioxide from the air and expel oxygen into the air. This is reversed in the dark. Granted, one or two plants are not likely to produce enough carbon dioxide to do anyone harm, but it’s a reasonable rule to place them elsewhere. If you do not want them to give off carbon dioxide at all, give them a night-light. Constant light does not seem to do them any harm at all, unless you are trying to grow vegetables. In fact some plants relish it.
If you want to grow plants that have some value beyond cheering you up, consider herbs. Basil, cilantro, and thyme grow well in pots and a few leaves here and there added to your dinner will not be missed by the plant and may add to your culinary delight. In fact, keeping them pruned is essential. Other herbs that can be grown in pots are chives, oregano, and small dills. If you want to get adventurous, try a dwarf citrus. Consider a Meyer lemon on a key lime. Also, leftover Christmas poinsettia rarely bloom again, but will happily grow to give you greenery. For color, try a Croton; they come in many colors and patterns.
For elegance, try an AeroGarden. These are small indoor hydroponic systems and are not inexpensive. Right now, prices are lower because of the economic situation, but plan on spending $80.00 to $250.00 if you want one. They range in size from a small three plant garden which can sit in a very small space to larger six or seven plant gardens which can grow vegetables, including tomatoes. The light is excellent for both the plants and the gardens, and they come with seed kits and nutrients. A light on the garden tells you when to add water and more nutrient tablets. The lights turn on and off automatically. You need to keep your plants pruned, because they grow better in the AeroGarden then they do outside. There is a very low hum from the pump, but you will not notice it after ten minutes.
Mona's Place 