Heller Greenhouse260-238-4040

I know that plants need a certain amount of nutrition from the soil to grow, and that when growing plants indoors, the only nutrition they get is what you give them. I am trying to grow these plants completely organically, with dirt from my backyard, using nothing bought from a store except the vegetables/plants from which I took the seeds. So far I have large sprouts of morning glories and catnip, and small sprouts of tomatoes, green beans, cucumber, and green bell pepper. They seem to be doing very well with a combination of filtered tap water and mineral water, but I want to make sure they don’t suddenly die out because they are getting too much or too little of something. The mineral water is bottled still (not carbonated) Italian mineral water. I have southern exposure in the window that they sit in, so sunlight doesn’t seem to be a problem. Any tips for growing these through the winter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Filtered water is best. I would not bother with mineral water, you would be better of getting correct supplements for your plants than using mineral water. Speak to your local nursery and they should be able to tell you what you need to add to your soil in the area in which you live. Happy Gardening!

I don’t have enough land to own a farm or any large scale cultivation project. My original idea was to grow bonsai trees, but a 4 year old tree goes for $20. I don’t see how anyone in the world can make any sustainable income off of that.

I can grow anything from cacti to flowers to a full blown tree (don’t have enough space for a tree).

Any ideas on how I can turn my gardening ability into a business?

You didn’t say how much space you do have but you might consider herbs. Many of them don’t take a lot of space and fresh ones are very popular.

I live in an apartment and my balcony faces north and is surrounded by big trees. It does get some sunlight but not a lot. I don’t want fake plants. What’s my best bet for plants and flowers that will survive in this condition.

Gerbera Daisies flourish in a partly to mostly shade environment. They like well drained soil that won’t retain moisture for long periods of time and they don’t like to be watered very frequently either. Their flowers last for weeks if not months and if you don’t over fertilize them they’ll produce new flowers all season long.

Growing them from seeds, however is no task for beginners so I’d recommend choosing plugs, starters or clones for your plants. But with all the amazing colors to choose from, who couldn’t resist. I love them for cuttings to, especially the 9" Californian varieties.