Gardening can be a challenge as it is, but doing it indoors can bring a host of additional issues. Lack of light, low humidity, limited space, pest infestations and on and on. To make your life easier and to keep your plants healthier, you will want to have certain tools in your gardening toolbox. Continue reading to learn about some must have indoor gardening tools. These are some of the basics that you should have at the very least. Pest control and fertilizers will be covered in a separate article.
Long-spout watering can
A watering can with a long spout is ideal for reaching between plants in your collection. The last thing you want to do is use a wide-spout watering can (those are for outdoor use only) inside your home. You will be knocking plants over left and right, and spilling water and soil all over your furniture. A long-spout watering can gives you the precision that you need indoors. Many of these watering cans are also made to look elegant and minimalistic, and can readily serve as decor inside your home.
Wash bottles
Wash bottles are not just for scientific laboratories! They can be used for precision watering, with more control than a long-spout watering can. They are perfect for smaller potted plants and succulents. Depending on the amount of pressure you use to squeeze the bottle, you can generate enough force to blast pests (like aphids and mealy bugs) off your plants.
Misters & spray bottles
A mister or spray bottle can help you add some moisture around your plants. However, I would not recommend this as a reliable, long-term practice. You may raise the humidity around your plants, but it is very brief and makes minimal difference in the long-term. The best use for spray bottles is for pest control or cleaning. Mixing up a plant-friendly pest control solution or a hard water removal solution is the best use for spray bottles.
Light meter app
By now, you know very well that light is extremely important to healthy plants. But what humans perceive as “bright light” may actually not be enough (or a long enough duration) for your plants. This is where a light meter app will come in handy. I personally use Lux Meter. It allows you to toggle between footcandles (fc) and lux (l).
If you want to use an actual light meter, there are many of them available on Amazon.
One thing that I like to do with a light meter is to measure the amount of light at the nurseries that I buy my plants from. Once I get an idea of how much light the plants are exposed to, I try to replicate the same at home. The only caveat is that this method does not measure the duration of the light exposure (which is also important), so you will have to estimate by considering the path of the sun throughout the day.
Note: I can’t seem to find this on the Apple app store, so you may have to search for it or use the alternate in the icon below.
Moisture meter
Moisture meters are great tools to determine if your plants need to be watered or not. It may be especially useful for newbie gardeners who struggle with watering. In time, you will be able to determine if your plant is dry by the weight of the pot when you lift it up. A well-moistened potted plant can be substantially heavier than when it’s almost dry.
Humidifier
To increase the humidity in your home, the most efficient method is to purchase a humidifier. A possible alternative would be to use small indoor fountains. Not only will the fountains help increase the humidity levels, but they will also provide a lovely ambiance in your home with the sound of trickling water.
Hygrometer
Hygrometers are devices that measure the humidity levels in your home. Unlike moisture meters, they are indoor gardening tools that I would definitely consider a necessity if you’re looking to keep rare tropical plants. If your plants require 70%-80% humidity, the only way you can get there is to have a device that can measure it for you.
LED grow lights
Like many residences, if yours has insufficient natural light, you may need to consider supplementing with grow lights.
When choosing artificial lighting, I use LED white lights purchased from Amazon. LED lighting has become increasingly more affordable and accessible. A lot of my LED grow lights are used for the aquarium hobby, but they still work quite well for my terrestrial houseplants.
If you have the money to spend, you can purchase higher-end grow lights from specialty vendors like SolTech Solutions. I have not used them yet, but I have heard great things about the company and I hope to try out their products sometime in the future.
Grow light bulbs are also an option if you already have a light fixture that you’d like to use. Just make sure that the bulb is compatible with the socket and unplug your light fixture before installing. Safety first!
Pruning snips & Pruning Shears
Pruning shears and pruning snips are absolutely essential indoor gardening tools! You will be using them constantly, so make sure to buy some that are good quality and fit your hand. Pruning snips are great for precise cuts in tight crevices, and for thin, soft stems. Pruning shears are necessary for thicker stems like shrubs or small potted trees.
Potting tarp
A potting tarp is ideal for plant lovers living in apartments with no access to a yard or outdoor work area. It keeps your messes confined and off your furniture, carpet or hardwood flooring. They can be cleaned easily and then rolled or folded up for compact storage.
Miniature Desk Vacuum
One of the best things I’ve ever purchased is a miniature desk vacuum. Although they were not designed or marketed as indoor gardening tools, I’ve found them indispensable for cleaning up small soil spills. Desk vacuums were created for the art and stationery industry to clean up pencil shavings, eraser crumbs and pigment dust. But they also do just as well for cleaning up soil and lightweight substrates like perlite and vermiculite. I’ve had to use them so many times. They are infinitely more convenient to use than having to fetch a full-size vacuum to clean up small spills.
Hand Trowels
No gardening tool collection is complete without a hand trowel. In an indoor setting, it would be used mostly for scooping soil and mixing up soil recipes. Some blogs also advocate buying hand forks or hand rakes, which I don’t believe is necessary for indoor gardening. They are more useful for outdoor gardens or small raised beds where you would need to remove weeds and clean out fallen leaf debris. I would prioritize a hand trowel over a hand fork/rake if you only have indoor house plants.
Fabric rags
Fabric rags are necessary for cleaning the leaves of your plants. Doing this regularly will help remove hard water stains, possible pests, and dust. Fortunately, you don’t really have to purchase these separately. Old socks, torn T-shirts and other articles of old clothing can be reused for cleaning your plants.
Final Thoughts
You don’t necessarily need all the newest and trendiest indoor gardening tools to take care of your plants, but having the basics will make your life a lot easier. My list of tools is very pared down, and my plant-keeping methods are likely very different from yours. What are some tools that you use frequently that I haven’t covered? Let us know in the comments!
Always Keep Growing,
Heather (a.k.a. The Botanical Chick)
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