Sunroom Gardening- Growing Plants and Herbs Indoors Part 1

We are well into fall and almost knocking on winter’s door. What will happen to all those plants you’ve worked so hard to cultivate? With your sunroom built by Innovative Livingspaces, you don’t have to leave them out in the cold. A sunroom is the perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor ambiance, providing an ideal space for growing a variety of plants and herbs year-round. Here’s a guide on how to start your own sunroom garden.

Why Grow Plants in a Sunroom?

Sunrooms are flooded with natural light, making them the perfect place for cultivating both ornamental plants and functional herbs. Unlike outdoor gardens, sunrooms allow you to extend your growing season regardless of the weather. Whether it's the middle of winter or a rainy spring day, your plants can continue to thrive indoors. Plus, growing plants in your sunroom adds life and beauty to your space, creating a relaxing, green oasis inside your home.

Creating the Right Conditions for Your Sunroom Garden

To keep your plants healthy and thriving, it’s important to create optimal growing conditions. Before we cover which plants and herbs to choose, here are some factors to consider:

1. Light Exposure

Since a sunroom typically provides plenty of natural light, it's essential to choose plants that match your room’s exposure. Most herbs and houseplants prefer 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, so placing them near south- or west-facing windows is ideal.

If your sunroom doesn’t get much direct sunlight, opt for plants like ferns, snake plants, and peace lilies, which can tolerate lower light conditions. Alternatively, you can supplement natural light with grow lights if necessary.

2. Temperature Control

While sunrooms usually retain warmth from sunlight, temperature fluctuations can be an issue, especially in extreme weather. Keep your plants comfortable by maintaining a consistent temperature between 65-75°F. Use fans for ventilation during hot days and space heaters in colder months if necessary.

3. Humidity

Many indoor plants, especially tropical varieties, prefer higher humidity levels. To create a humid environment in your sunroom, consider placing a small humidifier near the plants, or group plants together to increase the surrounding moisture. Misting plants regularly can also help.

4. Watering and Soil

Different plants have different watering needs. It’s important not to overwater sun-loving plants like succulents and cacti, which prefer dry soil. Herbs, on the other hand, need regular watering to thrive, but make sure their pots have good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Make sure to use high-quality, well-draining soil, especially for container gardening in a sunroom. Fertilize your plants occasionally to keep them nourished, but be careful not to over-fertilize, which can lead to weak growth.

A sunroom garden offers the best of both worlds: a place to grow plants indoors while enjoying the beauty and light of the outdoors. But some prep is involved before you can start enjoying this. After having read this article we hope you’re inspired to start prepping your sunroom for more greenery. In the following we’ll discuss some ideas as to which plants and herbs are best for you depending on where your house is located. Stay tuned!

By Innovative Livingspaces Staff 10-1-2024