10 Fruits And Vegetables You Can Grow Indoors, Any Time Of The Year
If you’ve ever wished you could grow your own fruits and veggies but hate the idea of having to stop when the weather gets cold, you’re in luck. With the right setup and a little sunlight, your kitchen counter or a sunny windowsill can become a mini farm. Growing food indoors isn’t just for hardcore gardeners either. It’s great for anyone who likes fresh food, even when it’s snowing outside. Here are 10 fruits and veggies that you can start growing inside, no matter what time of year it is.
Green Onions
Green onions are like the gift that keeps on giving. In fact, you can regrow them from the ends you usually throw out. Just stick the ends in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill and watch them grow. Once they get going, you can trim and use them for fresh green onions over and over. It’s a great way to add some freshness to your meals without taking much effort or space.
Lettuce
Lettuce doesn’t need a deep pot or a lot of space to grow, which makes it perfect for indoor gardening. It likes cooler temperatures and indirect sunlight, so even a bright kitchen corner can do the trick. And you can grow it from seeds or regrow it from the base of a store-bought head. The best part? You don’t have to wait for it to fully grow to start snipping leaves for your salads. Just take what you need as the plant grows.
Carrots
Carrots indoors? Yes, really. The trick is using a deep enough container and loose, well-draining soil. They’ll need some patience and sunlight, but once they get going, they’re pretty low-maintenance. Smaller varieties like ‘Paris Market’ or ‘Thumbelina’ are great choices for container growing and don’t take up too much room on your counter. Plus, pulling up your own carrots is just as satisfying, no matter what time of year it is.
Strawberries
It might sound ambitious, but strawberries can actually grow really easily indoors with the right setup. They’ll need a sunny window or a grow light, and they do best in containers that allow for good drainage, but other than that, they’re pretty low-maintenance. There’s something kind of magical about picking fresh berries inside when it’s cold and gray outside too. Look for everbearing or alpine varieties for the best indoor results.
Garlic Greens
You don’t need to grow full garlic bulbs to enjoy the flavor of fresh garlic. Plant a few cloves in a pot and you’ll get tall green shoots that taste like mild garlic. These are great to snip into scrambled eggs, stir-fries, or any other dish that could use a little extra flavor. Garlic greens grow quickly and don’t need much space, so they’re a great option for small apartments or homes with limited light.
Peppers
Peppers love warmth and sun, so give them the brightest window you’ve got or set them up under a grow light. They might take a little longer to mature indoors, but they can still produce some great fruit if you keep them warm and well-fed. For the best results, choose smaller varieties like chili or mini bell peppers. Watching them ripen inside can be surprisingly satisfying, and a great way to spice up any dish.
Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are one of the most rewarding things you can grow indoors. They’re cheerful little plants that need a sunny window or strong grow light, plus a bit of support once they get tall enough. They’ll need some patience and pollination (which you can do by shaking the plant gently), but once tomatoes bloom, the payoff is sweet and juicy. Few things beat the taste of homegrown tomatoes, even in the middle of winter.
Basil
Basil is one of those herbs that’s almost too easy to grow. A sunny windowsill and regular watering are all it needs. You can start it from seeds or just snip a stem from another plant and let it root in water. Either way, basil is a great addition to any indoor gardens. It grows fast, smells great, and adds a burst of flavor to almost everything you cook. If you’re just starting your first indoor garden, start with basil.
Radishes
Radishes grow fast, don’t need a lot of space, and do well in containers. They don’t even need much light compared to other veggies, making them perfect for any indoor garden. In about a month, you’ll have crisp, spicy little roots ready to eat. If you’re the type who gets impatient waiting for things to grow, radishes are a great pick. Plus, their leafy tops are edible too, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Microgreens
Microgreens are tiny but mighty. You can grow them in trays right on your countertop using just a bit of soil or a damp paper towel. In a week or two, they’re ready to harvest. Packed with nutrients and flavor, they’re a fun and easy way to grow something green year-round. Sunflower, arugula, broccoli, and radish are all popular choices, and you can grow several batches from a single packet of seeds.
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Indoor gardening isn’t about growing everything you eat. It’s about continuing the joy of tending to something, even in the off-season. Whether you’re harvesting a handful of microgreens or watching strawberries ripen on the vine, an indoor garden is a little reminder that nature doesn’t stop when the seasons change. With a bit of light, patience, and curiosity, you can keep your green thumb going all year long, no backyard required.
Bliss Donahue-Power
