What are the easiest vegetables to grow indoors?
The Easiest Vegetables to Grow Indoors
- Carrots. Carrots are easy vegetables to grow indoors. ...
- Beets – Easy to Grow Indoors. One of the best things about beets is you can eat the plant and the root, too. ...
- Onions. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Indoor Vegetables – Tomatoes. ...
- Leaf Lettuce. ...
- Spinach. ...
- Broccoli – Easy Indoor Growing. ...
- Cauliflower. ...
- Potatoes. ...
What foods can you grow indoors?
What Foods to Grow Indoors
- Lettuce. Lettuce is one of the few vegetables that will grow with less than six hours of sunlight daily (though not much less), and it’s easy to grow from seed, ...
- Greens. Like lettuce, most greens can take a little less light than most veggies. ...
- Herbs. ...
- Root Crops. ...
- Microgreens. ...
- Sprouts. ...
- Green Onions. ...
- Hot Peppers. ...
What are the best edible plants to grow indoors?
Edible Plants
- Basil & Rosemary. You don’t have to be a gardening mastermind to grow Basil or Rosemary. ...
- Parsley & Cilantro. These herbs are a staple in households around the world! ...
- Chilies. Chilies are a resilient crop, making them a wonderful candidate to grow indoors. ...
- Heirloom Tomatoes. ...
- Cucumbers. ...
- String Beans. ...
- Lettuce. ...
- Spinach. ...
- Garlic. ...
What is the easiest food to grow indoors?
Top 10 Easy Foods To Grow At Home
- Herb Garden. The look of your herb garden can vary drastically. ...
- Lettuce and Kale. Lettuce, like many other leafy greens, are incredibly easy to grow. ...
- Tomatoes. This is a great starter plant as they are robust enough to withstand some neglect. ...
- Peppers. ...
- Cucumbers. ...
- Mushrooms. ...
- Carrots. ...
- Eggplant. ...
- Strawberry. ...
- Zucchini. ...
Is it worth growing vegetables indoors?
Growing leafy vegetables indoors is a great way to make sure you have fresh produce for salads or other meals. Like root vegetables, leafy vegetables grow very well under grow lights. The edible portion of leafy vegetables does grow above the soil, but they usually don't get large enough to take up a lot of room.
Can I grow vegetables indoors year round?
The benefit of growing indoors is that you can plant vegetables all year round! This is because you're not having to worry about the colder temperatures and frost outdoors.
What is an easy vegetable to grow indoors?
You can grow a variety of leafy greens indoors, including loose-leaf lettuce, spinach, chard, arugula, kale, sorrel, and mustard greens. You also have the option of harvesting them in the baby leaf stage, or waiting until they're full grown.
Are indoor gardens worth it?
Indoor gardens are only worth the investment if they can produce healthy herbs, flowers, or other plants, such as leaf lettuce. To accomplish that—if they're hydroponic—they must keep the pods consistently moist until the seeds germinate and also provide an ample amount of full-spectrum light that mimics sunlight.
Can you grow vegetables with LED lights?
New innovations in LED grow lamp technology have made them good choices for growing seedlings, leafy greens and herbs, and small fruits indoors. Edibles will require more light than your average houseplant.
How can I grow vegetables indoors without sunlight?
Fluorescent Tubes: Fluorescent lights are easy to install and energy efficient, running on the blue end of the light spectrum. When you are starting either seeds or leafy greens, fluorescent lights are a good choice. You don't have to worry about them generating too much heat, so place them just above your plants.
Can I grow cucumbers indoors?
Most cucumbers will grow well in any amount of pot space or container garden space, as cucumbers have the ability to climb. As long as they receive adequate and consistent watering and warmth, cucumbers will flourish indoors.
Can I grow tomatoes indoors?
Find the Perfect Place: Tomatoes won't effectively grow indoors unless the conditions are like those of an outdoor garden. The plants need a good eight hours of sunlight per day and a surrounding temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Consider a spot on a window sill or near a screen door.
Can I grow vegetables indoors in the winter?
Lettuces, arugula, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are also easy to grow indoors, though you'll have more luck harvesting them as baby greens, rather than trying to grow them to maturity. Sow a new batch of seeds every few weeks to maintain a ready supply.
What veg can you grow all year round?
Brassicas - kale, cabbage, turnips, broccoli will all grow over the winter months. Some varieties of spinach beet will survive frosts. Root veg such as carrots and beetroot can be harvested late autumn, and stored carefully for several months.
Can you grow vegetables in a greenhouse during winter?
Many types of leafy, green vegetables can thrive in a winter greenhouse. Do you crave fresh salads during the winter months? Many varieties of lettuce are sensitive to freezing but some types, such as endive and radicchio, are rugged enough to tolerate the cold.
What lights are best for growing vegetables indoors?
If you're planning on growing veggies, a full spectrum light with a color temperature in the blue range (5,000 – 7,000K) is recommended, and for fruits and flowers, the red range (3,500 – 4,500K) is the guiding light.
How to grow vegetables indoors?
Plant your veggies or seeds in your container using indoor potting soil, which is specially formulated to help plants grow in indoor conditions. Once you've got your plants ready to go, set them up in front of a sunny window.
How to grow a plant in a container?
You can DIY your own container by repurposing old plastic yogurt tubs or storage bins, but any pot with a drainage hole will do. Of course, you'll need to put your container on a dish, saucer, or tray to capture any moisture that drains out so you don't ruin a table or windowsill.
What vegetables can you grow from scraps?
Green onions, lettuce, and celery all are great candidates for regrowing from scraps. Simply add the scraps to a container, allow the bottoms to soak in water and give them plenty of natural light. Before you know it you'll have an endless supply of these vegetables growing in your own home.
How much light do green onions need?
They're cool-tolerant vegetables that thrive at about 60 degrees F. Make sure they get plenty of light, at least 12 hours a day. 2. Green Onions/Scallions. Green onions do well indoors because they're easy to care for and don't require as much sunlight as some other veggies.
How much sunlight do vegetables need?
Vegetables will need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, while fruits will require 8-10 hours per day. When it comes time to water your plant, less is more. Because they're not subject to intense outdoor heat, they will not dry out as frequently, so be careful not to overwater.
How long does it take for a vegetable to sprout?
Summer is the best time of year to grow, as you'll have the most natural light available. However indoor vegetables can grow year-round , bringing cheer even during the dreary winter months.
How to grow sweet potatoes in a pot?
This one may surprise you, but you can grow potatoes (both sweet and regular) in soil from scraps. Start with a sprouted potato and cut it up into chunks, laying them out sprout-side-up on at least four inches of soil. Top them off with another four inches of soil and in about two months you'll have potatoes! Make sure you have a large enough pot, because these can get quite large and you may have to continue adding soil as they grow to ensure that the potatoes are always covered with soil.
What light do I use for a vegetable garden?
The fast-growing, cool-tolerant vegetables listed in Group 1 (above) enjoy moderate light and warmth (60°F/15 ° C). This may be provided at a sunny south-facing windowsill or under shop lights (12-16 inches away). I use T5 and T8 warm and cool fluorescent bulbs in shop light fixtures.
What is the best food to grow in the slow growing cycle?
Any vegetable or herb like these ones that are edible at any part of the growth cycle are a great choice. Slow growing foods like tomatoes must flower and fruit and require more space and optimum conditions over a longer period of time to reach harvest.
What determines what you'll grow?
Light (natural and grow lights) and room temperatures can determine what you’ll grow where.
What is the best light bulb for short term crops?
Light selection comes down to cost, electrical consumption, and quality (color and intensity). For short-term crops, fluorescent shop bulbs ( T5, full spectrum or warm and cool) run on a timer should suffice.
What group of plants do best with full light?
Depending on the herb, Group 2 may do fine with shop lights or better with higher heat and light. Fruiting plants like tomatoes ( Group 3) do best with full light and warmer temperatures, placing the plant directly below grow lights (6 to 12-inches above their tops).
How much light do herbs need?
Moderate to High Light 12-16 Hours a Day. Recommended temperature: 70°F/20°C. Herbs really do prefer life outdoors and most like a lot of sun. But, with good lights and patience you can grow several varieties indoors. It may be hit and miss, but if you like the challenge, go for it.
What temperature should I use for a crop?
If your room stays around the average room temperature of 70 ° F/20 ° C, it should be fine. If it’s a bit lower, even better.
Why do we need an indoor vegetable garden?
Creating an indoor vegetable garden not only provides you with that fresh produce you are craving year-round, but it also cleans the air and beautifies your home. An indoor vegetable garden isn’t just useful for gardeners who want fresh produce during the colder winter months.
How do plants survive?
To survive, your plant needs to photosynthesize, and that requires adequate lighting. Without proper lighting, your plant will grow tall, but it will be spindly and relatively bare. For leaves to expand equally and the plant to bear fruit or blossoms, you need to provide enough light.
How long does it take for cauliflower to grow?
Temperature for growing cauliflower needs to be between 65 and 75°F and keep the soil moist consistently. Pick the plant 120 days after planting. In the right conditions, cauliflower can be grown all year long; no more worrying about only being able to pick in the spring and fall.
Why is cauliflower hard to grow?
This vegetable is harder to grow as it requires precise temperature ranges and has come pretty strict soil requirements.
How to keep plants dry in winter?
For low humidity areas, mist your plants daily to increase humidity. You can also put a small dish of water next to your plants and keep your plants as close together as possible.
How to tell if a plant needs light?
To determine if your plant is getting the required lighting, inspect the leaves of the plant. If the leaves are smaller than usual, lighter in color, or the stems are thin, increase how much light your plant is getting. Too much lighting prevents blooming as light destroys florigen.
What type of light do you use for a flower garden?
For your indoor vegetable garden, opt for either compact fluorescent or a high-density discharge bulb as they are bright and provide enough light that is compatible with all kinds of plants.
What types of vegetables can you grow indoors?
Many (though not all) types of vegetables are possible to grow indoors. From a gardening perspective vegetables fall into three categories: ones you harvest as soon as the vegetables form, ones you let ripen on the vine, and ones that grow as roots.
Why is it important to pick vegetables early?
Because they don’t need time to ripen, they’re the fastest veggies to harvest (beans and peas in 6 weeks, cucumbers in 7). The added benefit of picking them early is that it stops the plant from completing its lifecycle, which forces it to stay productive longer. Looks-wise, they tend to be a little leafy but do have nice flowers. Still, the primary reason to grow these is flavor – being able to pick them at their peak flavor and eat them immediately is only possible with homegrown vegetables.
How to know when to harvest vegetables?
You’ll learn to recognize color changes, firmness, and develop a sense for when they “just feel ripe.” They will look different than produce in the supermarket which is almost never picked at peak ripeness – they’re more concerned with size and how well it ships – so if this is your first time in the garden be sure to read about harvesting for peak flavor.
Why is it important to pick the right cultivar?
More so than other plants, picking the right cultivated variety – known as a cultivar – is critical to having a plant that is manageable and productive in indoor conditions. This group has lots of plants that grow as vines and bushes, and outdoors will grow massive. While pruning can help keep things under control, picking cultivars that are bred to grow in small spaces and lower light will ensure you make the most out of your limited indoor space. We offer specific cultivar recommendations in the plant specific guides.
Can you grow garlic indoors?
This is a bit of a grab bag, but several root vegetables grow well indoors. Garlic can be grown for their greens or the bulb. Radishes are also well-suited and give a quick and easy return. Even though they look similar, we steer away from carrots because they take much longer and require more sun. Ginger and turmeric have slightly higher light needs, but are also great indoor plants.
Can you use potting soil in a self watering planter?
We recommend filling a ceramic self watering planter with a standard potting mix for all vegetables. We’ve tried all sorts of hydroponic and planters, and have found them to be the simplest and most reliable. The early harvest and root vegetables are simple enough, you’ll just keep the soil consistently moist and a regular fertilizer schedule. There’s a small trick to ripe vegetables – they’re much sweeter if they ripen with drier soil, and the ceramic self watering planter lets you easily control this. We’ve got complete setup & maintenance guides for all types of vegetables.
What is the best soil for indoor plants?
Gardeners have their favorite soil recipes for indoor planting. It is important to use a soil mixture that will drain well. You can make a good plant-growing medium by mixing equal amounts of silica, sand, perlite and mulch. Another recipe is to use equal parts of garden soil, coarse sand and compost OR peat moss.
Why do vegetables taste bitter?
Do not allow the soil to become too dry. Irregular watering can cause vegetables to have a bitter taste. Watering globes, which are available in most garden and hardware stores, help keep the soil moist. A good fertilizer is a vital part of the recipe to successful indoor gardening.
How to get rid of spider mites on plants?
Spider mites are one of the most common pests. You can rid your plants of spider mites by spraying the plant growth with water. If that doesn’t work, try mixing a capful of dish detergent with the water.
Can you grow green peppers indoors?
Don’t waste time trying to grow corn, melons, broccoli or cabbage. Chances are they will not do well.
Do dwarf vegetables grow well?
Chances are they will not do well. When selecting vegetables to grow, check with the larger seed companies. More and more dwarf varieties of fruits and vegetables are being developed. Dwarf varieties don’t take as much time or space to grow. It is important to choose the proper pot for indoor gardening.
How far apart should I plant indoor greens?
I recommend sowing seeds 2 inches apart, then thinning the seedlings 4 to 8 inches apart, depending on how large you want to let them grow .
What temperature should vegetables be?
In general, vegetables do best with an ambient room temperature of 65°F to 75°F, as long it stays consistent and isn’t too drafty.
What is potting soil?
High-quality potting soil is a must for container plants. Despite their name, potting soil is not actually soil, but a mix of chemically inert ingredients like perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss (or coco coir).
How much sun do carrots need?
Carrots, like most root vegetables, grow well indoors since they don’t require as much light as fruiting vegetables to produce a good crop—they can make do with at least 4 hours of direct sun if that’s all you have.
How much sun do vegetables need?
Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sun to thrive, but the more light you can give them, the faster they’ll grow and the more they’ll produce.
Why is air circulation important for plants?
Good air circulation helps plants grow stronger by strengthening their stems, and prevents problems with mold and fungal diseases.
Can you grow sprouts in a mason jar?
But I’m not talking about sprouting seeds in mason jars. You can do that, of course, but for maximum production, I prefer growing sprouts in soil (the same way I grow microgreens) because it lessens the chances of bacterial contamination.
How to grow beets indoors?
They're also surprisingly simple to grow indoors. Start by soaking the beet seeds overnight, and then plant them in a perforated flat that's about 2-3 inches deep, so they have plenty of room to grow. (Read more in-depth instructions over on SF Gate .)
What is the easiest vegetable to grow?
Lettuce. Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow inside, whether it's iceberg or romaine. Plus, this leafy veg is super healthy and incredibly versatile -- it's perfect for making salads or loading into a wrap or sandwich for lunch.
Why are dwarf beans better indoors?
Dwarf beans are a smaller kind of string beans, which tend to grow better indoors because they aren't grown on a vine. They're also loaded with vitamins and plenty of fiber, and oh, are they delicious.
What is the best green leafy vegetable for kale?
For kale fans looking to branch out, Swiss chard offers that same green leafy goodness with tons of nutrients like vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium. (No wonder it's been called the ultimate superfood .)
Is broccoli a good vegetable?
Broccoli might be one of the heartiest, most versatile vegetables out there, and it is delish. Sauté it with garlic and olive oil, throw it in a stir-fry, add it to soups, or use it in a cheesy casserole. Whatever you do with broccoli, it's guaranteed to amp up any dish. Plus, here's a little known fact: Broccoli is packed with protein, making it a great option for vegetarians or anyone who wants to leave meat out of a dish.
Is indoor gardening popular?
This is especially true for anyone raising tiny humans while living in a home with limited (or nonexistent) outdoor space. The good news is that indoor kitchen gardens are becoming increasingly popular -- for urban dwellers, as well as those of us with ... well, not-so-green thumbs.
Is garlic a vegetable?
Garlic is yet another vegetable we forget is a vegetable -- and yet, it's basically the starter ingredient to most dishes. (Well, most delicious ones, anyway.) I mean, it's pretty hard to imagine life without garlic ... soups just wouldn't be the same, and basically any Italian recipe -- from pizza to pasta -- would lose its luster.
What are some good plants to grow indoors?
Peppers. Small peppers, like chilis, are perfect for sunny indoor spaces. And not only does their color look like a decorative houseplant, their uses are infinite. Grow peppers to use as garnish, make your own hot sauces, or even dry them for decor or to pulverize into homemade seasoning.
How to grow microgreens indoors?
Apartment dwellers short on space can grow microgreens indoors to add a fresh, crisp bite to any savory dish. Only two inches of soil is needed (try using a an upcycled egg carton or cut off the lower part of a quart of milk) to successfully grow these flavor-packed babies. Keep soil moist, and harvest with kitchen scissors as needed.
Can you grow snow peas indoors?
Yep, peas are perfect for your indoor veggie harvest. Snow peas and dwarf peas both work well for year-round growing and don’t need much care other than biweekly watering. You’ll likely need some dowels to support the plants. Be ready to harvest the veggies as soon as they're ready, and consume them at peak freshness! Gingery pea and cucumber salad, anyone?
Do you need an orchard to grow citrus?
You don’t need an orchard to grow citrus indoors. Pick a sunny area and install a potted lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit tree. Citrus.com sells several varieties ready for shipping. Expect fresh scents in the area surrounding your tree (hopefully somewhere with a lot of sunlight) and try not to overwater as you get eager for your fresh fruit to grow to peel-worthy status. Opt for a variety that self pollinates, like Meyer lemons, unless you happen to bunk with a bee colony.
Can you grow mushrooms in a log?
If you have extra surfaces to rest a log or small bag on, you can grow fungi in even the most cramped of indoor spaces! A wide range of mushroom growing kits rely on just a spritz of water to get going, and can be decorative, like this Shiitake Mushroom Growing Log, or more rustic, like the mushroom growing bags from North Spore. Freshly harvested mushrooms are perfect for the grill, risotto, or even in a gift bag for a unique present!
Can you grow vegetables indoors?
But you don't need a large green space, greenhouse, or even much of a green thumb to grow your own veggies, fruits, and herbs indoors. Anything with a shallow root system (think lettuce, not a whole carrot, which grows deeply in the ground) can potentially grow well indoors. Beyond your windowsill herb garden, here are a few excellent ingredients to start growing indoors, all under your own roof.
Can lettuce be grown indoors?
According to the Million Gardens Movement, lettuce is a great green to grow indoors, because the plant has shallow root systems that don’t need large containers. Lettuce can be grown in any container that’s at least six inches deep, and you don’t need to worry about rabbits munching on it outside! Bibb, leaf, romaine, and more types of lettuce can all be grown from seeds or pre-potted plants, but if you’re serious about harvesting salad in the kitchen, consider splurging on a device designed to replace your need for the produce aisle. A smart garden LED set sits on kitchen countertops while LettuceGrow’s hydroponic plant stand doubles as decor.