Hey Julie!

so a few things.

1. Leaving your plants alone during the day to photosynthezize is definetly an option, but plants are happier when you sing to them, or talk to them, or have meals in their presence. Many studies have shown that indoor plants really enjoy the socialness and attention they recieve. They should rarely be alone, and the more time you spend with them the more you get to know them and be freinds. Also keeping an eye on them. Just dont tamper with their soil too much. Transplant shock the plants get from moving takes them awhile to adjust to their homes, but they should be fine after a few weeks. Just dont rush your plantie babies.

2. Bugs. Ughs. My mint plant last spring was ovverrun with aphids and we had to end up composting it because it was absolutely ridden. There is little way to avoid this, because bugs will get in anyhow and if they see fresh food, theyll go for it. There is little way to fight the bugs, its natures food chain, but id suggest making sure there are no cracks in the rooms and bug screens on the windows.

3. Try using the clay hydroponic rocks. They are more efficient for started plants and they wont muk up the system and itll keep other bugs away that could be hiding in the soil.

oren