Want to grow your own vegetables, but don’t have space for an outdoor garden? Believe it or not, you can grow plants with an indoor vegetable garden! Not only can it be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also provide you with fresh produce year-round.
It doesn’t get more local than your own home!
Growing indoors has some special challenges. You need vegetables that don’t require a lot of space to grow. And you want vegetables that don’t require a lot of sunlight, or plan to supplement with good quality grow lights.
Not all vegetables are well suited for growing indoors. But which ones are? Let’s explore the best vegetables for an indoor vegetable garden.
Why Indoor Vegetable Gardening?
Indoor vegetable gardening is a great solution for year-round fresh veggies. It offers convenience as you don’t have to worry about outdoor factors affecting plant growth and it’s great for those with mobility issues.
Indoor gardening also allows for control over what goes into your food and provides health benefits from the nutrients in fresh vegetables. It can also save money in the long run and allows for growing expensive or hard-to-find produce.
Best Vegetables for Indoor Gardening
While there are many vegetables that technically can be grown indoors, some plants grow better in an indoor environment than others. Here are some of the best vegetables to grow indoors.
Fruiting vegetables (tomatoes aren’t the only vegetable that is a fruit, you know) require more light to “set” fruit and it can be difficult to achieve that indoors. It’s much easier to produce a harvest of vegetables that we eat the leaves, stalk, or roots.
Herbs
Herbs are some of the easiest indoor plants to grow because they don’t require a lot of space and can be grown in small containers. Some of the best herbs for indoor gardening include:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Chives
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Mint
These herbs are easy to grow and can be used in so many different dishes! Fresh herbs pack a real punch compared with dried herbs, and the cost savings are significant.
You can start your herbs from seed, or buy seedlings. Place your herb garden in a sunny window and keep them watered, taking care not to over water.
Once your plants are thriving, you can start harvesting your herbs. Harvest no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. (This is a general rule, some herbs such as rosemary and thyme can handle more.)
It’s best to harvest herbs frequently but in small amounts to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. Which is great for cooks that want to only harvest as much as they need!
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are another great choice for indoor gardening because they are some of the easiest vegetables to grow. They are packed with nutrients and can be grown in small containers. Some of the best leafy greens for indoor gardening include:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Kale
- Swiss Chard
You can start seeds indoors, or purchase seedlings. Keep the soil moist, but not drenched. You don’t like sitting in water all the time, and neither do your plants.
Once your plants are mature enough (around 3 inches for spinach and arugula, 4 inches for lettuce, and 6 inches for kale and Swiss chard) you can start harvesting.
To promote continued harvest, take only the outer leaves, leaving at least 2/3 of the inner leaves and they will continue to grow. Use a sharp knife or scissors so you don’t damage your crops.
Now all that’s left is to enjoy your fresh greens in salads, sandwiches, soups, and more!
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables can be a bit trickier to grow indoors, but they are still a great option for vegetables you can grow indoors. These vegetables require a bit more space and a deeper container, but they are still relatively easy to grow.
Some of the best root vegetables for indoor gardening include:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
Radishes and turnips need a container at least 6 inches deep, while beets and carrots need at least 12 inches for good root development. Keep them in indirect sunlight, such as a north-facing window and keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering.
It’s a bit tricky to know when to harvest root veggies, but keep track of when you planted and when to expect them to mature. This information is usually on your seed packets. Pull one or two at that time and check the size. If they are mature, harvest the rest, or if they’re still too small, leave them to continue growing.
My favorite way to eat any root vegetable is roasted. I can eat roasted beets like candy! This brings out the sweetness of the veggies, and if you don’t particularly care for them any other way, you might just like them roasted.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a bit more challenging to grow indoors. But since grocery store tomatoes taste like sadness, they are still a great option for indoor gardening, as long as you have enough space and a lot of light.
They require a deep container, and did I mention a lot of light? Put them by the sunniest window you have (south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere) and consider getting some grow lights to supplement the light.
But if you can provide your plants with the right conditions, growing tomatoes can be very rewarding. Some of the best tomatoes for indoor gardening include
- Cherry tomatoes
- Some determinate tomatoes, such as Roma
- Patio tomatoes
- Bush tomatoes
- Micro tomatoes.
Tomatoes have perfect flowers, so there’s no need to worry about hand pollinating from flower to flower. A gentle shake should be all they need if you feel like they need a little help.
Enjoy your home-grown tomatoes on salads, sandwiches, salsas, and sauces. Or just pop your cherry or micro tomatoes in your mouth as a midnight treat. I’m not judging you.
Peppers
Peppers are another challenging vegetable to grow indoors, but they are still worth considering. They require a lot of light and a deep container, but if you can provide them with the right conditions, they can be very rewarding.
Some of the best peppers for indoor gardening include:
- Jalapeños
- Bell Peppers
- Thai Chili
- Habanero
- Poblano
You want pepper plants that are compact and have a short growing season. And as you can see, there’s a lot of variety in the peppers you could grow.
Whether you grow them for cooking, seasoning, or just snacking, peppers are great veggies to grow if you have the space for them.
Microgreens
Microgreens are a great choice for indoor gardening because they are easy to grow and can be harvested in just a few weeks. Some of the best microgreens for indoor gardening include:
- Broccoli
- Pea
- Radish
- Sunflower
- Mustard
Growing microgreens indoors is slightly different from traditional vegetable crops, but well worth learning as they are low-maintenance, don’t require much room to grow, and packed with nutrients!
Once around 1-2 inches tall, harvest with scissors just above the soil line and use in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
If you are wondering what microgreens taste like, I find that they taste very similar to the mature vegetable, just more “green.” I’ve also found that occasionally a grower at a farmer’s market will offer samples, so you may be able to find a favorite that way as well.
Setting Up Your Indoor Garden
Choosing the Right Spot
Choosing the right spot for your indoor vegetable garden is crucial for your plants to thrive. You should consider the light requirements, temperature control, and humidity levels.
Most vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and a humid environment. A sunny window is ideal for most, although cool weather crops may prefer more indirect sunlight.
Set Up Your Garden
Before diving into set up for your indoor garden, you need to decide on what containers and pots you will use, soil you will fill them with, and how you want to water. Some containers are now self-watering so you don’t have to water as often.
Use containers with drainage holes and make sure they are the right size for your plants. Crowded spaces, or soggy roots will not grow healthy plants.
Select a soil mix specifically designed for indoor vegetable gardening that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Regular garden soil is not suited for containers, let alone indoor gardening.
It’s also important to provide your indoor garden with proper ventilation. Good air circulation helps to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to mold and other fungal diseases. You can achieve this by placing a small fan near your plants or by opening a window for a few minutes each day.
Caring for Your Indoor Vegetables
Growing vegetables indoors can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a bit of care and attention. Here are some tips to help you keep your indoor vegetable garden healthy and thriving.
To keep your indoor vegetable garden healthy, water your plants only when needed, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal disease. Overwatering is a common problem with indoor gardening, so it’s important to water your plants only when they need it.
To determine when your plants need water, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. When you do water, make sure to water deeply, so that the water reaches the roots of the plant.
Regularly fertilize your plants with a general-purpose or vegetable-specific fertilizer, and consider adding compost or organic matter to improve nutrient content. Make sure to follow the instructions for your fertilizer for dilution and frequency.
Prevent pests by inspecting your plants regularly, and take action as soon as possible. The most common pests to keep an eye out for are aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, and fungus gnats. If you do encounter a problem, identify the specific pests you’re dealing with (online gardening groups are great for this) so you can choose the appropriate method to eliminate the pests.
To prevent pests from taking over your indoor garden, you can use natural pest control methods such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or using neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also try using sticky traps to catch any flying insects.
Conclusion
Now that you know the best vegetables for an indoor vegetable garden, you can get started on growing your own fresh produce at home. Remember to choose vegetables that are suitable for indoor growing, and make sure they get the right amount of light, water, and nutrients.
Consider using grow lights or placing your plants near a sunny window to ensure they get enough light. Make sure to water your plants regularly and provide them with fertilizer as needed.
To get the most out of your indoor vegetable garden, harvest your vegetables when they’re ripe and store them properly to keep them fresh. Experiment with different cooking methods and flavor combinations to find your favorites.
If you’ve harvested more vegetables than you can use, consider preserving them for later. With patience and attention to your plants’ needs, you’ll be enjoying fresh, homegrown vegetables in no time!
Overall, growing vegetables indoors can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right knowledge and tools, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all year round. So go ahead and give it a try – you might be surprised at how easy it is to grow your own vegetables indoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some vegetables that you can grow indoors with LED lights?
LED lights are a great way to supplement natural light for indoor vegetable gardening. Some vegetables that can be grown indoors with LED lights include lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and herbs like basil and parsley. These vegetables thrive under LED lights because they don’t require a lot of direct sunlight.
What is the best soil to use for indoor vegetable gardening?
The best soil for indoor vegetable gardening is a well-draining potting mix that is rich in nutrients. Look for a potting mix that contains perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. You can also add compost or worm castings to the soil to provide additional nutrients.
Can vegetables be grown indoors all year-round?
Yes, vegetables can be grown indoors all year-round. However, the success of your indoor vegetable garden will depend on the type of vegetables you choose to grow and the conditions in your home. Some vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, require a lot of sunlight and warmth to thrive. Others, like lettuce and spinach, can be grown successfully indoors year-round.
What are some fast-growing vegetables that can be grown indoors?
Some fast-growing vegetables that can be grown indoors include lettuce, spinach, radishes, and microgreens. These vegetables can be harvested in as little as 2-3 weeks and are perfect for those who want to see quick results from their indoor vegetable garden.
Which vegetables are ideal for indoor gardening during winter?
During winter, it can be challenging to grow vegetables indoors due to the lack of natural light and cooler temperatures. However, some vegetables that are ideal for indoor gardening during winter include kale, spinach, lettuce, and herbs like parsley and cilantro. These vegetables can tolerate cooler temperatures and don’t require a lot of direct sunlight.
What do I need to start an indoor vegetable garden?
To start an indoor vegetable garden, you will need a few basic supplies, including a sunny window, (or some LED grow lights), pots or containers, potting mix, and seeds or seedlings. You may also want to invest in a timer to control the amount of light your plants receive if you’re using grow lights and a fan to improve air circulation. With these basic supplies, you can start your own indoor vegetable garden and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all year-round.
