Creating a window garden can be a wonderful way to bring greenery into small spaces, but it’s easy to make costly mistakes—especially when choosing the wrong plants, containers, or accessories. Many beginners are drawn to visually appealing items or trending plants that aren’t suitable for window conditions. If you’re planning or upgrading your indoor garden, it’s crucial to know what not to buy. Avoiding these common purchases will save you time, money, and frustration while helping your plants thrive.
1. Plants That Hate Low Light (Unless You Get Full Sun)
One of the biggest mistakes in window gardening is buying plants that need bright, direct sunlight—when your window doesn’t get any. Many people assume any window will do, but if you’re working with north-facing or shaded windows, some plants will struggle or die.
Avoid buying:
- Lavender
- Gardenias
- Tomatoes (unless you have a true south-facing window with 6+ hours of sunlight)
- Basil (it grows leggy and weak without enough sun)
Instead, choose shade-tolerant houseplants like pothos, snake plant, or ferns if your windows are not sun-drenched.
2. Bulky or Oversized Pots
Large pots may look good in Pinterest photos, but they often overwhelm small windowsills or ledges. Worse, overpotting can lead to root rot because the extra soil holds too much moisture for a small plant.
Avoid buying:
- Deep ceramic planters for herbs
- Oversized decorative pots with poor drainage
- Heavy concrete or stone pots for hanging or ledge setups
Use lightweight, compact containers that fit your space and plant size. Choose pots with drainage holes and trays to avoid root issues.
3. Non-Draining Decorative Planters
While sleek ceramic planters or glass bowls may look stylish, many of them lack essential drainage holes. Without drainage, water builds up at the bottom of the pot, suffocating plant roots and promoting mold or rot.
Avoid buying:
- Pots without drainage holes
- Sealed containers or jars
- Cache pots used directly without an inner nursery pot
Drainage is non-negotiable in window gardening. If you fall in love with a decorative pot, use it as a cover pot, but always grow your plant in a plastic nursery pot with holes inside.
4. Fake “Indoor” Grow Kits with Poor Soil
Many gift-style grow kits come in pretty packaging but contain low-quality soil, weak seeds, and containers that aren’t suitable for long-term plant health. They’re made to look nice for a few weeks, not to sustain plant life.
Avoid buying:
- Prepackaged herb kits with compressed soil discs
- Kits with shallow tin containers and no drainage
- Seed kits that don’t specify germination instructions
If you want to grow herbs or vegetables on a windowsill, use proper seed starting mix, real pots with drainage, and trusted seed varieties that suit your light conditions.
5. Plants Prone to Pests Indoors
Certain outdoor plants are beautiful but become pest magnets when grown indoors. Aphids, spider mites, and fungus gnats can quickly infest your home, especially in warm, humid window areas.
Avoid buying:
- Mint (spreads rapidly and attracts bugs)
- Ornamental peppers (look great but attract spider mites)
- Nasturtiums and coleus (colorful but prone to aphids)
Instead, choose pest-resistant varieties like rosemary, thyme, snake plant, or Chinese evergreen.
6. Trellising Plants Without Space
Climbing or vining plants are tempting, but without the proper vertical structure, they become tangled and messy. Indoor windows rarely have the support needed for heavy or aggressive growers.
Avoid buying:
- Morning glories or sweet peas
- Bougainvillea
- Pole beans (unless you install a proper trellis)
If you want to grow vines indoors, stick to manageable varieties like string of hearts or philodendron, and use compact supports or wall-mounted hooks.
7. Exotic Plants That Demand High Humidity
Window gardens often lack the humidity levels that tropical plants require, especially during winter or in air-conditioned homes. Buying humidity-loving plants without proper care can lead to crispy leaves and plant death.
Avoid buying:
- Calatheas and prayer plants
- Orchids (unless you already know how to care for them)
- Zebra plants and ferns (in dry climates)
If your space is dry, stick to plants that thrive in average household humidity—such as ZZ plants or jade plants.
8. Synthetic or Overpowering Fertilizers
Not all fertilizers are created equal. Many window garden plants are sensitive to over-fertilization, and synthetic options may burn roots or leave salt residue.
Avoid buying:
- High-nitrogen formulas meant for outdoor lawns
- Liquid fertilizers without dilution instructions
- “One size fits all” tablets for potted plants
Opt for gentle, organic options like compost tea, diluted fish emulsion, or vermicompost. Always follow proper feeding schedules based on the plant’s needs and season.
9. Grow Lights That Are Too Harsh or Wrong Spectrum
If your window garden needs light support, not all grow lights are equal. Some cheap options provide the wrong color spectrum or emit too much heat, damaging your plants.
Avoid buying:
- Purple/pink lights that strain the eyes and confuse circadian rhythms
- Non-LED grow bulbs that overheat
- Clip-on lights with poor build quality
Instead, invest in full-spectrum LED lights designed for indoor plants, especially adjustable ones that mimic natural daylight.
10. Unnecessary Decorative Add-Ons
Miniature garden gnomes, crystals, moss carpets, or fairy lights may seem fun, but they take up valuable space, retain moisture, or block sunlight. Worse, some add-ons harbor mold and bugs.
Avoid buying:
- Moss that stays damp and encourages gnats
- Plastic decorations that trap humidity
- Soil “toppers” that block airflow
A clean, minimalist setup keeps your window garden functional and easier to maintain. Focus on healthy plants, not decoration clutter.
FAQs
Q: Which plants are easiest for window gardens?
A: Pothos, spider plants, jade, aloe vera, and herbs like thyme and parsley are beginner-friendly and work well in bright windows.
Q: Can I grow vegetables in a window garden?
A: Yes, if your window gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Try leafy greens, radishes, or cherry tomatoes in south-facing spots.
Q: What if my windows don’t get enough light?
A: Use supplemental LED grow lights or choose low-light tolerant plants like snake plant or peace lily.
Q: Do I need special potting soil for window gardens?
A: It’s best to use well-draining indoor potting mixes. Avoid garden soil, which is too heavy and may contain pests.
Q: How often should I water window plants?
A: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering is a common problem—especially in containers without drainage.
Final Thoughts
Your window garden doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated—but it does need thoughtful choices. By avoiding the wrong purchases, you give your plants a real chance to grow and thrive in the unique conditions of your home. Always match your plant choices and supplies to your window’s light, space, and climate. Focus on practicality, and you’ll create a lush, rewarding garden that truly works—without wasting money on things that don’t.