BEST VEGETABLES TO GROW INSIDE THIS WINTER!
The end of summer means the end of freshly picked vegetables for most of us…boo hoo!
Whether you grow your own vegetables or buy fresh locally from the farmer’s market, you are probably preparing for the cold, gardenless months ahead. Rather than spending the time and money for produce at the grocery store again, consider these best vegetables to grow inside this winter instead!!
Vegetable containers can be easily moved outside in the spring after the last frost. And, you’ll have a leg up with full grown tomato vines in April!
WHAT You Will Need
Containers, potting soil, seeds, water, and a sunny spot (preferably southern facing windows for optimal light) are all that are needed for an indoor garden. Try to keep soil moist but avoid overwatering by using containers with drip holes and trays to collect any access. [TIP: If you leave town for an extended timeframe, drip trays can be filled with water for soil to slowly absorb and remain moist.]
WHERE You Should Grow
Windowsills are perfect for small herb pots but put heavy containers on the floor or firm stands. Some trailing vegetable species can also be decorative in hanging baskets fitted with drip trays.
HOW To Get Started
Here are our Top 5 picks from gardening experts at All-Season Guide to Gardening and Better Homes and Gardens for an indoor garden:
TOMATOES
These little favorites can be grown easily, from seed or small plants, in a variety of containers. For windowsills and hanging baskets, pendent varieties are best such as Hundreds and Thousands tomatoes.
Sweet Million can be trained to grow up string or support posts. And, they produce long trusses of delicious and decorative fruit for several months!
Additionally, Patio, Pixie, Roma, Small Fry, Tiny Tim and Whippersnapper are all excellent choices for an indoor garden. Growing tomatoes indoors will most likely not be as productive but you’ll still have plenty to enjoy in the off-season. [TIP: Turn the containers occasionally so the entire plant gets light exposure.]
GARLIC
If you’ve left a few cloves (the sections of the bulb) in your refrigerator too long, they’ll start the indoor growing process for you. So easy! Separate the bulb’s cloves (the bigger, the better). Plant each in potting soil with the pointed end up about 2 inches below the surface and 4 inches apart.
Keep soil moist in a well-drained container and place in a sunny spot with 6+ hours of light exposure and ample air circulation.
Chive-like shoots will appear in 4 to 8 weeks and should be cut at the base when flowery tops (called scapes) appear to allow all the energy to go to producing bigger bulbs (not flowers). [TIP: These can be used in pesto sauce, dip, soup, salad, etc. for a mild garlic flavor.]
GREEN ONIONS
Our best pick for beginners and those with a brown-thumb. You can’t mess this one up! Buy some fresh green onions (preferably organic) at the grocery store and place the bulb in a jar with one inch of water. Fill the jar when the water is low and cut as needed. Plant in a pot with soil if you want to extend their life, keep the soil moist, and provide lots of sun (6+ hours).
RADISHES
Another great pick for the novice gardener, radishes are easy to grow and ready to eat in just a few weeks. Round and globe varieties are recommended due to their shorter roots.
Try Cherry Belle for the quickest maturity and enjoyable, mild flavor. Place the root in a wide (at least 10 inches) pot with soil and add water. Again, a southern facing window is best for optimal sunlight (6+ hours) but move them out of the direct sun on hot days.
What have been your best vegetables to grow inside? Please share your successes and ‘not so successful’ indoor gardening stories. We’d love to hear ’em!
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Post originally published on 12/9/14 and updated 12/11/18 and 10/19/20.
