Gardens provide many benefits, both physical and mental.

However, many people lack the space, time, skills, or money to have huge backyard gardens and sprawling landscapes. This is especially true for urban dwellers in small homes, condominiums, and apartments.

However, this does not mean these individuals cannot enjoy a little bit of the great outdoors indoors.

Micro and indoor gardening bring plants into the home and make it easier for people in apartments and small homes to indulge in their love of plants and gardening.

Even the tiniest condo can have an indoor garden. It just takes a little know-how and creativity.

Here are some things you need to know about creating a garden oasis in your small home or apartment.

Benefits of Indoor Gardens on Mental Wellness

Indoor gardening can hugely impact our health and mental well-being, even a small collection of just a few plants on the patio or worked into the home decor. 

Indoor gardening helps to:

• Improve mood - It has been shown that simply working with plants, caring for them, and being around them can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, attention disorders, and other mental conditions.

• Relieve stress – Along these same lines, a home with plants is easier to relax in, and the care routine can help individuals focus more on positive changes and small successes rather than the stressful daily to-do lists.

• Prolong attention span - For those who feel it is difficult to focus and pay attention or who struggle with ADHD, memory issues, and other cognitive issues, working with plants regularly can help reduce symptoms.

• Boost self-esteem – The joy of seeing a plant thrive and the sense of accomplishment when a problem has been noted and corrected can considerably boost people’s self-esteem and help them feel better.

Benefits of Plants on Indoor Air Quality

Indoor micro growing and indoor gardening can also improve the air quality in a home, making it safer and more comfortable to live in. Indoor plants have been shown to:

• Filters out pollutants and cleans the air, so it is fresher and safer to breathe

• Increases oxygen levels and lowers carbon and other less desirable elements

• Improves moisture balance to keep the home feeling clean and comfortable

• Fights germs and bacteria, so family members stay healthier every day

• Fills up air space to reduce the area where dust, mold, and bugs can accumulate

Designing a Garden for Small Spaces

As you get started with your garden oasis, here are a few tips to remember that can help make adding style to your home with plants easier:

• Small and slow to start with - You can always add more plants and expand your indoor garden area once you are used to caring for a few plants and have figured out the basics. For instance, the best mushroom growing kits are the perfect mall plants you can try learning the basics with.

• Containers are a lifesaver - Indoor gardening is based on containers, pots, and planters, so take the time to find the right container for the plants and space you are working with.

• Light, moisture, temperatures - Check your home and consider things like light levels, moisture and humidity, temperature variations, and space constraints or limitations.

• Location, location, location - Just like choosing a home, choosing where to put a plant in your indoor oasis will come down to several factors and your personal preference.

• Always a family affair - Be sure your indoor garden is arranged so everyone can enjoy it and so it is not in the way of everyday activities or that it does not become cumbersome for the family.

• Mind the kids and the pets - Consider your plant selection carefully and avoid plants that can be toxic or dangerous to pets and small children who might want to ‘play’ with the plants.

What Plants are Best to Choose for a Garden Oasis Indoors?

Many plants are well-known for being great indoors. Here is a very short list that can help you get started as you design your indoor garden oasis:

Cannabis

Yes, you can grow a small crop of cannabis plants in your home - always check your local regulations first.

Air Plant

This is an easy plant since it requires no soil and minimal watering as it cleans the air and feeds in that way.

Jade Plant

This hardy succulent is easy to care for and adds a nice splash of green to a dreary home or office space.

Snake Plant

With a tall and upright growth, these indoor plants are perfect for corners and smaller spaces.

Lithops

Often called “living stones,” these actual plants resemble small stones and can sometimes bloom at times.

Pothos

This vining plant is popular in baskets and dangling from shelves and desks as it cleans and purifies the air.

Anthurium

These small office plants add a bright pop of color and can be kept small by reducing the container size.

Lucky Bamboo

These small bamboo-like plants are commonly grown in soil or water and are excellent in well-lit rooms.

Cast-Iron Plant

These colorful foliage plants can get a little big but are a great way to add color and life to any room.

Peace Lily

Considered the best houseplant, it can be small or large, has an elegant look, and is a well-known air cleaner.

Aloe Vera

This plant is handy to keep around as it can treat minor burns from a stove or even sunburn.

Spider Plant

These plants make interesting hanging plants thanks to their dangling leaves and unique baby offshoots.

Faux olive tree

Perfect for adding a calm and peaceful atmosphere to any room, this long-lasting artificial tree is a great way to bring a bit of greenery into your home without the hassle of watering or maintaining a real plant.

With its realistic look and feel, the faux olive tree will surely be a beautiful addition to any home.

Go Green Today

With these tips in mind, you can begin designing your indoor garden paradise today.

Let your creativity go, see what plants are best for your area, and discover a new way to enjoy the great outdoors indoors!