Indoor organic gardening? Help me cure my black thumb!

[mormontreehugger]

I just picked up some cheap pots and things at Target, and now I want to plant some herbs and veggies (and maybe that blueberry bush they're selling at Whole Foods!) in my sunroom. The temperature is around 50-55 degrees at night and 65-70 degrees during sunny days right now. I live on the central coast of California.. not sure what zone that is...

My first questions is, how can I make sure my potting soil is organic? Do I need to find it somewhere special? I'd dig up the backyard, but I have no idea what the weekly gardener puts in the soil. Also, I'm renting.

Secondly, what should I know about gardening in general? Are bugs a must? I don't want to mess too much with nature, but I really don't think I can do a garden outside. Maybe put the pots outside?

I'm pretty new to this, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Snapdragon]

The main thing about gardening is to get good soil. It is a worth while investment to buy good quality potting soil. If you are doing it all indoors, you will need potting soil and maybe a few minerals if the soil isn't already full of them- though a good quality soil will have minerals enough.
Don't dig from your yard if you are growing in pots as the soil will likely be too dense.
Plants need good space in the soil for the roots to grow.

So- getting good soil is #1 priority.
Then- water enough but let things dry out for a day or two in between so they don't mold. (again- depends on the conditions- how sunny, you may need to water every day- where I live I water every 2 days or so inside, sometimes 3)
Also, plants will bend to reach towards the sun so turn them every day or so so they don't go only in one direction.

right now I am growing lettuce and spinach very well in a sunny window in good soil in trays. I also have other starts that I will put out in my garden in later spring, but I plan to eat the lettuce and spinach right from the trays.
Good luck. It is also some trial and error but I have to over emphasize- the main thing is having nice rich nutrient full soil that is light and airy enough to allow the roots of the plants to thrive.

[spedteacher30]

for many things, you either need bees to pollinate them, or you need to pollinate them yourself. personally, I would go with pots outside rather than trying to do it myself inside.

[mormontreehugger]

Could I pollinate with a feather or something?

Also, would I be able to find good soil at Target or Walmart or do I need to look somewhere else? Should I look for anything specific like organic or untreated or something like that?

[Snapdragon]

I think what the PP meant about polination is for things that will flower or fruit.
With those things, if you have the space outside on a deck or something it would be easier to just put it outside, but you only need to do so when it is in the flower or fruit time.
for things that are just leaves (like greens) you don't need pollination.

As for the soil- just look for something that says organic. I wouldn't think target would have it but any food co op or gardening store likely would. and remember, a lot of it is just learning as you go!

Just look for some soil that says organic on it and it should be fine. As you get more familiar with it you may be able to tell by how it looks and feels which is a better soil, but in the beginning any good organic soil should be great.

Then just plant, water, put in sun, and be patient- if you are doing seeds. If you are starting with plants- same thing really. Have fun! I am going to plant some more seeds in trays right now actually.