How to Care for Your Plant Garden (Without the Guesswork)

Dish gardens, or plant gardens are such a fun way to bring life into your home - but they do have their quirks! If you’re new to caring for one (or just want a refresher), here’s a simple 3 step guide to keep your little indoor garden thriving.

  1. First up: watering.

For a medium sized plant garden, about ¾ of a cup of water once a week is usually just right. The key is to water evenly around the container so all the individual plants get what they need. Most dish gardens don’t have drainage holes, it’s super important not to overdo it. Too much water can sit at the bottom and cause root rot. No fun for anyone.

Keep the soil evenly moist - not bone dry, but not swampy either. A quick finger test (just press your fingertip into the soil) will help you stay on track.

2. Next: light.

Plant gardens like moderate light—somewhere in between “dark hallway” and “direct summer sun.” A bright, filtered window is perfect, or even a lightly shaded spot near a sunny window. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, and too little can make the plants leggy and weak.

3. Lastly, a little tidying goes a long way.

Be sure to pinch off any yellow or brown leaves as soon as you see them. Not only does it keep your garden looking fresh, but dying leaves can release a gas that’s actually harmful to the rest of the plants. Who knew, right?

That’s it! A little attention once or twice a week and your dish/plant garden will stay happy, green, and growing!