Indoor Gardening Read Online Free PDF Page B

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    You need to control air circulation if you want your garden to prosper. Keep in mind that any type of light arrangement – which is vital to the healthy growth of your indoor garden – will generate heat. The best way is to let fresh air in at regular intervals. If you do this, you would hardly need any additional system to regular your air circulation. However, this might not always be possible for various reasons.
    There are many ways to control your environment among which, two are very popular and easy:
    1. Intake and Exhaust System
    You may like to consider installing intake-exhaust systems that will ensure proper air circulation in your home and provide your plants the much required “fresh air”. These systems are able to reduce the temperature and with the help of circulation fans you would be able to control your environment with relative ease.
    2. Air Conditioning Systems
    This is even easier than the intake-exhaust systems for everything is automated, i.e. temperature, humidity; and it even has an automatic cut off. Most people prefer air conditioning, because it is easier to set and monitor and it feels better, especially in climates where heat and humidity are high.
    No matter what system you use, keep in mind that your plants would still need fresh air. Hence, you should at least 3-4 times a week leave your windows open to let the sun and fresh air in. If you can do it daily, it would be ideal.
    You are aware that absence of CO2 can sabotage the growth of your plants, no matter how perfect everything else is. If your CO2 level is too low, your plants cannot create photosynthesis. To avoid this problem, you need to add a CO2 generator and meter to your indoor garden as well. Ignoring this important element in their environment will create plenty of problems with the flowering, growth and looks of your plants.

H UMIDITY C ONTROL AND I NDOOR G ARDENING
    After the temperature and air circulation, humidity is the most important aspect that requires regulation to ensure a healthy and beautiful indoor garden. Plants adapt well, but there are certain elements that they need to be perfect. Humidity is one of these aspects.  If it is too humid or too dry, they stop the photosynthesis process, which results in malfunction in the absorption of nutrients. This in turn, would interfere with the ability of the plant to take in water and carbon dioxide (CO) – which will result in a very sick plant.
    Also, in the dark, a poor humidity control is likely to lead to mold formation, pest infestation and diseases setting in. Without proper control of the humidity, plants cannot be or look healthy no matter what you do for your garden. You need to get it right.
    Install a humidity meter in your home, especially in the places where you keep your plants. This meter will tell you whether or not you need to intervene to maintain the optimal humidity levels for your plants. Use a humidifier or de-humidifier as the case may be to ensure that you create the proper ambiance for your plants to thrive.

C HAPTER 7. P ROTECTING Y OUR G ARDEN F ROM P ESTS AND D ISEASE
    Your beautiful indoor garden will not be perfect no matter what you do. But that is what will make you love it even more. While you will not have any weeds to worry about, there would be plenty to worry about with pests. If you are lucky, you will be able to prevent most pest attacks. But, in most cases you should be able to counter the problem with a little timely intervention.

P REVENTION I S THE K EY
    Prevention is indeed your best option and hence, you will need to focus on this aspect most. Take these few steps and mostly likely, you would not have much trouble with your indoor garden:
    1. P ULL O UT A NY W EAK P LANTS
    If you find that there are weak, wilted plants – and there is no apparent reason - they may be infected or under pest attack. Even if they are not, they are red flags for pests. Pull them out and dispose of them immediately. If possible –