Water Gardening

wAtEr gArDEning BEAUtifUL AnD DELicioUs sArAh AnDrosoff

Gardening is a popular outdoor activity in the summer, but there’s a way to extend your horticultural penchant all year round. All you need are plant cuttings, a container, water and natural sunlight. This technique is similar to hydroponics, except it’s done from the comfort inside one’s own home. It’s a handy alternative for someone lacking yard space and allows gardening during every season. Even if there is plenty of outdoor room, this low maintenance option reduces the need for pesticides and the risk of disease.

Simple Prep

It’s easy to get started and a water garden can yield a bounty of herbs and greens. There are several plants that take to growing in water. Basil, oregano, chives, rosemary and lettuce are just a few. Use a small jar or container with a narrow mouth so the cutting can stand, supported to grow upright. Tap water works perfectly well; it contains oxygen. However, set water aside for at least 24 hours so any chlorine can evaporate. Plants don’t like the chemical. Fill the jar halfway with water. Once you decide what you would like to grow, make the cuttings from existing plants. Make a diagonal cut just below the node on the stem. Insert the cutting in the jar. Set them on a window sill or anywhere that gets direct

sunlight. Change the water every few days when it’s dirty or has been mostly absorbed. Never let it get smelly; that means plants are rotting.

new Developments

In about two weeks, watch for new roots and plant growth. Don’t fret if your first cutting doesn’t grow or dies. It’s quite common on the first go. Just keep trying and enjoy experimenting with this technique. It’s affordable, so grow multiple plants at once to increase the chances of success.

There are many benefits of using this technique to grow greens and herbs. The biggest advantage is to be able to grow all year round. During fall and

Oregano grows taller and new roots appear after three weeks.

winter, artificial light may be a necessary substitute for natural sunlight. Controlling the amount of water the plants get indoors relieves the worry when a heavy rainfall hits.

at-Home benefits

Creating an indoor garden also comes with benefits to mental health. Research shows that being surrounded by plants improves concentration and execution of tasks. In these times of physical and social distancing, many people are adjusting to working from home. It can be difficult to keep motivated and organized. Growing plants provides a consistent routine and helps with productivity. There’s a form and function aspect, too. Plants aid in air filtration, which means better air quality. Growing plants indoors adds both edible and beautiful home decor.

Take the Plunge

Some gardeners, even inexperienced beginners, see indoor water gardening as a fascinating project. It’s an excellent way to try vegetable and herb gardening, and learn a bit about plant care. It can produce an ongoing supply of herbs and greens, a handy thing if the market or grocery has a shortage. The author began with lettuce, oregano, chives, rosemary and basil. Growing vessels included a small glass container for herbs and a shallow plastic bowl for lettuce. It's not only fun, but the fruits of indoor gardening labour are delicious.

Sarah Androsoff

Water gardeners can prompt successful growth in lettuce, celery, oregano and basil.

Change water every 2–3 days. Use a container with narrow mouth so herbs grow upright. Grow plants where there is ample direct sunlight. What grows well: basil, chives, thyme, rosemary, lettuce, green onion, oregano, mint, sage, green onion, stevia, lemon balm, carrot greens, celery. When making cuttings from existing plants, make a diagonal cut just below node on the stem. Nodes are points on a stem from which the buds, leaves, and branching twigs grow.

Celery and lettuce growth after two or so weeks.

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