Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Winter does not mean you’ll stop growing plants and tending the garden. Growing vegetables indoors during winter is possible during this time of the year! So, if you don’t want to be a gardener, indoor gardening is the way to go!
Indoor gardening is possible using indoor potting soil and potting mix. While grow lights are great for indoor gardening, there are still plants that can be grown with window light. These are the best indoor vegetables for winter.
Guide on Growing Vegetables Indoors During Winter
Where to grow vegetables indoors in winter?
During winter, you can grow vegetables in a temperature-controlled greenhouse, garage, shed, or in your house, including a closed balcony or porch.
What is the best location for growing vegetables indoors during winter?
To maximize the sun’s rays, place indoor plants in front of a south-facing window. Vegetables require at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day.
Should I use grow lights?
Your indoor vegetables might not get enough sunlight during winter. This can impact their growth and health. You can make up the difference by using grow lights like fluorescent bulbs to replace all the sun your plant’s lack. If you are serious about indoor gardening, it is worth investing in some fluorescent bulbs.
How much water should I water for vegetables I grow indoors?
They won’t need to be watered as often. Use a spray bottle to keep the soil moist, but not dry.
Greens
Leafy Greens
You can grow spinach, kale, and rocket indoors. While most will grow to baby size, this doesn’t mean they aren’t healthy and delicious. In just four weeks, spinach and kale can be grown.
To make them dense, keep them near a south-facing window. They will thrive if they have as much sunlight as possible. They can also be grown under artificial light, which will require them to get between 10-12 hours of sunlight each day.
Leafy greens thrive at temperatures between 15-16°C. You should think twice before growing them in a warm room.
Herbs
Are you short on space? Instead, try growing herbs. You can grow a variety of herbs by placing small pots along a south-facing windowsill. Mint, rosemary, oregano and rosemary are some of the best indoor herbs. Herbs love sunlight and need at least 12 hours of sunshine each day. They thrive in temperatures of 21°C.
Sprouts
Sprouts are nutritious and easy to grow. You don’t need soil to grow sprouts indoors. There are many options for growing sprouts: alfalfa and mung beans.
For each type of sprout you wish to grow, you will need a jar with a perforated lid. Place the beans and legumes in separate containers. Let them soak until the water just covers them. Then let them germinate in normal lighting conditions.
They will not require direct sunlight to grow. Rinse sprouts daily and change the water in the containers at least once per day.
Microgreens
Microgreens can be described as plants that you harvest when they have their first leaves. They are much smaller than mature plants, but they have a lot more nutrients.
Microgreens can be grown by soaking the seeds in water and placing them in a tray. Then cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. It is important to keep them moist. You can then harvest the leaves with scissors as soon as the soil is above them.
It’s good to know that you can grow microgreens, leafy leaves, and other vegetables indoors hydroponically in water instead of soil. A mini hydroponic system is the best way to go about indoor gardening. They are small enough to fit on a kitchen countertop.
Root Vegetables
Carrots
Carrots can be grown indoors and are sweet, crunchy, and full of beneficial vitamins and minerals. These require at least 12 hours of sunlight and prefer temperatures between 15-16°C.
You can use any variety of carrots, so make sure to choose a container or pot that is 8-12 inches in depth. They may not grow well if they aren’t planted in deep soil. Avoid crowding them. Give them enough space to grow properly. It’s best to select a variety that is quick-growing so you can harvest your carrots before winter ends.
Spring Onions
You can grow spring onions indoors even without the use of grow lights. They can be kept near a window, or they will get some filtered light for at least a few hours each day.
They don’t require much space. After the annuals have finished in autumn, you can plant them in any empty pots. Before you put them in, clean and renew the soil.
Garlic greens
If you see a garlic bulb sprouting, don’t be afraid to eat it. You will be able to harvest the garlic green a few weeks later to use in omelets and other dishes such as soups, stews, salads, and soups. Harvest the green when it reaches 8 inches. Only cut what you need.
Tip: Garlic sprouts that are grown in this manner will eventually lose their quality. To ensure that you have a constant supply of garlic bulbs throughout the winter, it is advisable to continue planting new ones.
Radishes
Radishes can be grown in greenhouses as a winter crop. Don’t panic if you forget to plant them in your greenhouse in the fall or don’t have enough space. They can be grown indoors in containers.
Radishes don’t require a lot of sunlight and aren’t fussy about temperature. Radishes can be grown in five weeks, but they won’t thrive if you put them in small pots. It’s better to grow radishes in longer rectangular containers like those used for window-side flower displays. These containers will make it less likely that you bunch them together.
Sweet or regular potatoes
If you have enough room, it is possible to grow potatoes indoors. A potato grow bag, bag, or large container can be used. Winter potatoes can be grown on a closed porch or balcony.
To start, you will need a sprouted potato. You can cut it into pieces and place them in soil 8-9 inches deep with the sprouting side down. It takes approximately two months for potatoes to grow indoors. It’s important to know that store-bought sprouted potatoes are not always the best. It is better to purchase sprouted potato seeds from a specialist retailer.
Others
Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are one of the easiest to grow indoors. To get the best results, you will need to give them optimal light and temperature conditions. You can safely add them to your plants if you have a heated greenhouse, or a spare space for plant-growing.
Cherry tomatoes thrive at temperatures between 23 and 26°C. They need light for at least 15-16 hours each day.
Chili peppers
Are you a fan of spicy foods? Growing your own hot chili peppers (including habanero or jalapeno peppers) is possible.
To grow hot peppers indoors, they don’t require much space. A large pot is enough. They do require at least 10-12 hours of sunlight each day. They grow best when temperatures are around 21 °C. The easiest chili pepper varieties to grow indoors are the smaller ones.