Dish Garden For Beginners: How To Create & Care For

We’ve seen different types of plants growing in various indoor garden setups. Whether it be a hanging garden, a vegetable garden, or more. Among these unique garden styles is a Dish garden. This simple yet amazing gardening style can improve the overall appearance of your home.

Dish gardening is not a complex task and with just a little help, anyone can create beautiful dish gardens at home. Therefore, to help you with this we brought a complete guide on dish gardens and how you can create one for yourself.

What Is A Dish Garden?

In simple terms, the practice of growing little, enclosed gardens in shallow bowls or dishes is known as dish gardening. A variety of species, including herbs, succulents, and small tropical plants, can be found in these dish gardens. For individuals who want to add some greenery to their homes without a lot of work or who have limited space, a dish garden is an ideal choice.

In addition to being lovely, dish gardens are useful and fulfilling. You could be interested in dish gardening for the following reasons:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Dish gardens may give any space a new, green feel and are aesthetically pleasing.
• Space-saving: Ideal for cramped quarters or little apartments.
• Low Maintenance: The majority of dish gardens are simple to maintain and require little in the way of watering and upkeep.
• Customizable: You can select decorations and plants that suit your taste.
• Therapeutic Activity: Taking care of plants is soothing and can be a great way to reduce stress.

Types Of Dish Gardens

Dish gardens come in a variety of forms, each with its own aesthetic. Here are a few well-liked choices:

• Succulent Dish Gardens: Beginners will love succulent plants since they require little care and retain water in their leaves.
• Herb Dish Gardens: Fresh herbal plants are perfect for cooking straight from your dish garden, so a little herb garden is a terrific addition to any kitchen!
• Tropical Dish Gardens: These gardens provide a miniature jungle vibe because of their lush, humidity-loving plants.
• Cacti and Desert Gardens: Cacti give a desert-inspired appearance and are ideal for low-water dish gardens.
• Miniature Fairy Gardens: Create a mystical landscape with small figurines or fairy decorations for a whimsical touch.

How To Create A Dish Garden?

Different steps are involved in creating a perfect dish garden. Here are some ways in which you can start your dish gardening journey –

Select the right container

Selecting the ideal container for your dish garden is the first step in the dish gardening process. Take into account the following advice:

• Material: Choose containers composed of shallow wooden boxes, terracotta, or ceramic.
• Drainage: To avoid waterlogging, make sure the container includes drainage holes.
• Size: Pick a container that fits your available area and lets plants grow without getting in the way of one another.

Choose the soil

Your dish garden’s success depends on the soil you use. Make a nutrient-rich, well-draining mixture by:

• Using Potting Mix: Choose a premium potting mix made especially for container planting.
• Adding Amendments: Add a handful of well-rotted compost for extra nutrients and perlite or sand to promote drainage.

Picking the plants

A crucial component of dish gardening is selecting the right plants. Take into account the following elements:

• Maintenance: Choose plants that will remain in proportion to the size of the container. Plants with comparable light needs should be grouped.
• Texture and Color: To create visual appeal, combine plants of different hues and textures.

Plant your Dish Garden

For setting up and planting your dish garden follow the below-given actions –

• Plant Arrangement: Before planting, try out several configurations. For a balanced appearance, take into account form, color, and height.
• Method of Planting: Plants should be carefully taken out of their pots, their roots loosened, and then planted at the same depth as when they were first placed in their containers.
• Leave Space: To allow for growth, make sure there is enough room between plants.

Plants For A Dish Garden

There are many different varieties of plants that you can grow in your dish garden here are some of the best choices for you –

• Aloe Vera: Water-storing, low-maintenance plant with thick leaves.
• Echeveria: The rosette-shaped Echeveria comes in a range of hues.
• Cacti: For dish gardens with a desert theme, varieties like Golden Barrel, Mammillaria, and Moon Cactus are ideal.
• Parlor Palm: The parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans), which thrives in indirect light, adds a luxuriant, tropical impression.
• Spider Plant: Miniature spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are excellent for tiny dish gardens.
• Thyme: Grows nicely in small spaces and has little, fragrant leaves.
• Basil: Smaller types, like “Spicy Globe,” are useful for cooking and do well in dish gardens.
• Rose: Rose spp., or miniature roses, are fragrant and add color, although they require frequent pruning.
• Miniature Cyclamen: Grows well in cool climates and has beautiful flowers.

How To Care For A Dish Garden?

Taking care of your dish garden is easy as long as you can cater to its basic needs –

Water

Overwatering can lead to root rot in most dish gardens. Check the moisture level of the soil by touching it; only water it when it seems dry to the touch. Water sparingly to prevent water from collecting at the bottom of the dish if it lacks drainage holes.

Sunlight

Position the garden close to a window or in an area that receives bright but indirect sunlight. Select a more shaded area if you’re utilizing low-light plants, such as moss or ferns. To guarantee that every plant receives equal light exposure, rotate the dish garden every few weeks.

Temperature & Humidity

The majority of dish gardens thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75°F (18 and 24°C) inside. Some indoor plants could require more humidity; spray them periodically or set up a small water tray close by.

Feeding 

Throughout the growing season, use a diluted, all-purpose liquid fertilizer once every two to three months. Small dish gardens can be harmed by excessive fertilizer; less is more.

Pest & Disease Management

Especially in warm weather, keep an eye out for pests such as spider mites or aphids on plants. If mold develops, take care to remove it and waterless. Make sure the dish has adequate airflow.

Conclusion

A versatile, enjoyable, and fulfilling method to begin gardening is through dish gardening. The options are unlimited, whether you want to create a pretty fairy garden, a rich rainforest setting, or a miniature succulent desert. Enjoy the beauty and fulfillment of your own little haven by creating your own dish garden today!