No matter which specific gardening technique that you decide to use you will need to purchase grow lights in order to get the most out of your indoor garden. With a steady supply of nutrients and a small amount of space, your indoor garden will grow beyond your wildest expectations. New gardeners face a huge challenge, especially when they live in New York City. You probably see plenty of outdoor gardens, but remember that they are usually the result of a community effort. Take your time and try planting as many different kinds of plants as you can. You can record the results of your efforts and adjust your approach the next time that you plant a crop. Even with superior indoor gardening tools, much of your success will come from trial and effort. Once you get exactly the right strategy together you can plant your crops in confidence and always have an impressive harvest. Try out new things and get together with other indoor gardeners to share your harvests and find out about new indoor gardening methods that will improve your results.

Purchase organic garden soil from a garden center, or mix your own using compost, humus, sand, and topsoil to form a garden bed at least six inches deep.  This gives seedlings a good start and provides an easier transition for larger plants that are transplanted to your garden.

Use fertilizers which meet organic criteria. Worm castings and organic compost are available at garden centers.  Or create your own compost bin by lining a large container with a leak-proof liner and disposing your organic waste products, such as grass clippings, fruit and vegetable peels, and other food waste.  Using a shovel, turn the mixture periodically to allow air circulation.  Coffee grounds also make an excellent fertilizer and can be added directly to soil around the plants.

To control pests using organic methods, make use of organic pesticides like neem oil and diatomaceous earth. Certain plants, such as marigolds, can be used to deter pests.  And encouraging naturally beneficial insects in your garden, like ladybugs, will help keep damaging insect numbers under control.