Starting an indoor vegetable garden at home is easier than you might think! I stumbled upon the world of growing vegetables at home when I encountered unfavorable weather conditions while transplanting seeds outside in late spring. Rather than moving the peas outside, I allowed them to grow inside, and this is how I learned to utilize an indoor vegetable garden.
Indoor vegetables are great for several reasons. They’re ideal for nature lovers who have little space for an outdoor garden or those seeking to keep their current gardening habits during the winter months.
If you are interested in Indoor Vegetable Gardens you can also be interested in home hydroponic systems to help you easily start tp grow plants. Our top articles: Our Picks for the 5 Grow Tent Kits, Picks for the 5 Aeroponics Systems, Our Picks for the 5 Hydroponic Bucket Systems with Buyer’s Guides, and Our Picks for the 5 best indoor vertical Garden, and Led Grow Lights for an indoor plant.
Just like outdoor gardening, indoor gardening requires certain tips and recommendations to follow. I am excited to share my experience and knowledge on this topic to help ensure that your indoor vegetable garden is optimal and maintains an ideal growing environment for your vegetables!
Before you start growing hydroponically, you’ll need to pick the right system to start with. Here are our suggestions: Our Picks for the 5 Hydroponic Bucket Systems and Our Picks for the 5 Grow Tent Kits with Buyer’s Guides.
What Is an Indoor Vegetable Garden?
Indoor gardening is a method of growing plants right at your place. I compiled my kit of necessary supplies for an indoor vegetable garden. Let’s start by saying what equipment you need to have:
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- A pot with drain holes and specifically developed topsoil inside;
- A sun-covered window;
- Organic perlite;
- High-quality potting material;
- Cold spray humidifier;
- Strong growth lights.
Follow these tips, try items from my list, and you can harvest your own crops in no time.
Indoor Vegetable Garden Lights
Don’t let time, or a little out-of-door garden area, keep you from collecting fresh herbs and vegetables all year round. If you provide an adequate amount of illumination, you can cultivate your herbs, leafy vegetables inside, no matter what the size of your room is.
Look For The Most Sunny Room
To succeed in cultivating any kind of plant indoors is to understand what amount of illumination it needs to flourish. Different areas of the house will provide you with different levels of sunlight.
The typical ledge can withstand low- to average-light-loving vegetables. If you wish to sprout seedlings or start edible products with high light, like basil or cherry tomatoes, you’ll need to raise your light level with grow lights. This is particularly true during the winter season when the source of natural light is poor, and daytime is too short.
Skip the Store Lights
The quality, effective culture lights that produce more light and less heat are your best bet. Innovations in the technology of the LED growing lamp have made them good choices for growing seedlings, leafy vegetables and herbs, and berries indoors.
Edible products need more light than your average household plant. If your interior light level is low to moderate, and your light source is further away from your plants, stick to leafy vegetables and shade-tolerant herbs.
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Growing Medium
Preferably, your soil needs to be adapted to the type of plant you grow. Cacti, oily plants, and rosemary, for instance, prefer coarse, well-drained soil of approximately one-third of sand. The seedlings must be cultivated in a light, moist, and dirt-free mixture.
Mind Potting Soil Mix
A good mix of potting soil is typically peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. These dirt-free mixtures dampen wetness very well and are resistant to compacting, though they’re prone to drying immediately. Since they contain no nutrients, you must deliver your veggies a constant intake of fertilizer. One of the benefits of a dirt-free mixture is that it is disinfected, so there is no way to introduce pest or infection issues.
Look For Organic Content
A lot of gardeners, including myself, add organic ingredients to their indoor cultural mix. These might include foliage mold, finished fertilizer, composted turf, or well-off gardening ground. A culture medium with 10-20% organic matter usually doesn’t dry out as quickly as a sales mixture. And it also makes it possible to introduce beneficial microorganisms and nutrients.
Ultimately, to make sure your plant roots have the oxygen needed for good development, your pot mix must contain a lot of perlites, vermiculite, or sharp sand.
Containers
While having a pot that fits your decoration is important, a well-crafted pot will also save you a lot of hassle. And the best pots for houseplants can even help keep these ferns, succulent, and other living and healthy plants longer.
Select Jars with Drain Holes
These make it possible for excess water to circulate and promote better air circulation. It also means you need a tray underneath. Although you may make pots without drainage work, it needs very careful watering not to drown your plant. That’s why all those higher peaks have them (even the hanging plants).
Ceramics and Plastic
Ceramics and plastic are the two best options, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. The ceramic jars are porous, meaning that your plants are less likely to experience root rot from excess water. This also means that you should water more frequently.
Plastic containers are lighter, less prone to breakage, and easier to clean. Plastic plants will dry out slower, which is good for those who forget to water, but not so much for those who tend to water too frequently.
Picking the right pot for your house plants will save you a lot of work over the long term.
Humidity and Water
The lack of moisture and water in the home may be difficult for interior gardeners. Winter tends to be drier than summer, and if you run the heat in your home, the problem is even getting worse.
Lack of Humidity and How to Raise It
Signs that you have low-humidity conditions problem if:
- Your leaves turn brown at the end;
- They look dry or wrinkled;
- The plants are dropping their leaves.
To raise moisture level:
- Spray plants daily, or more frequently if necessary (not for hairy leaves of water hanging around longer and could cause illness);
- Place a water tray close to your garden;
- Use a humidifier.
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Excessive and Insufficient Watering
I believe that less is often more when it comes to watering your vegetable crops. In drought-free zones, one common mistake of newbies is to water too much!
Just a quick but practical tip: use your finger to examine the ground or use a humidity meter to make sure you aren’t above or below watering plants.
Signs of excess watering:
- Stem wilting toward the leaves;
- Lowering of leaves;
- Discoloration;
- A plant may stop its growth;
- Leaf wilting.
Signs of insufficient watering:
- Wilting along the outer end of the leaves first;
- Dry ground;
- Brownish margins along with leaves;
- Decaying foliage;
- The leaves or flowers fall out prematurely.
Air Circulation
Proper airflow is a must-have for a healthy garden. The air circulation around your plants is as important as the sun, water, and organic material.
Air Must Be Able to Circulate within the Plants
If the leaves of your plants do not swing with a light breeze, your garden does not receive a good airflow. To maintain good circulation:
Maintain Proper Spacing between Plants
You may want the appearance of plenty, but for a healthy garden, you have to choose your location carefully and the space of your plants properly.
Sunlight and Surroundings
Ensure that your garden is well exposed to the sun, especially in the morning when the dew sets in. Keep in mind the surrounding walls, hedges, and other tall structures when planning your garden. Not only are they blocking the light, but they’re also shutting down the breezes. Make sure there’s a lot of space between those structures and your factories.
A quick tip I learned from my experience: thе best thing you can do is to use a fan. It doesn’t need to blow directly onto the plants, as long as it circulates the air around the room. This not only prevents too much moisture but also blocks cold and hot spots as well as condensation.
Temperature
Vegetables need warm temperatures for growth. The optimum temperature for hot summer crops such as tomatoes or cucumbers is 26ºC (79ºF) during the day and 17ºC (62ºF) overnight.
Buy a Thermometer
Don’t make assumptions about the temperature in your grow room, have a thermometer to check it. I also use an internal-external thermometer and have a remote sensor in the growth chamber and a receiver in our kitchen. This makes it very easy to always control the temperature.
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Pick the Proper Room
If your edible window garden is in a heated room, you won’t need to consider heating at all. All you want to do is choose plants that are adapted to the average temperature of the cultivation room. In your hot kitchen, it’s easy to grow warmth-loving basil; in your cool basement, plant parsley instead.
Windows Let the Warmth In
The more windows you have, the hotter the room will be in the sunshine. You need even more heat at night and on a cloudy day. I’ve been using electric heat for many years prior to installing natural gas heating in the garage.
Fertilizer
Opposite to plants grown in beds, vegetables do not have access to natural nourishment in the soil and need thorough fertilization to boom and yield well. Although specific fertilizer requirements vary for different types of vegetables, the basic guidelines apply to most vegetables.
Look For Organic Mix
Use organic fertilizer, such as the organic fertilizer made from tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs, to stimulate healthy growth. If you use inorganic fertilizers, be careful not to obtain them directly on the plant, which can cause fertilizer burns and can be hazardous if consumed.
From my perspective, organic fertilizers are much safer for vegetables. Whether you pick organic or inorganic fertilizers, follow the instructions when using the package.
Wait Until a Few Pair Grow
Don’t fertilize seeding until they grow 2 pairs of real leaves as nitrogen can burn their foliage.
Fertilize Every Two Weeks
The quicker a plant grows, the greater the need for fertilizer and water. As a consequence, leaching and nutrient loss increase as watering increases. Once you’ve chosen a fertilizer (make sure you use an organic fertilizer!), you will need to apply it approximately once every two weeks for container crops.
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Indoor Hydroponic Vegetable Garden
Hydroponics is popular because it provides the user with a way to produce an abundance of plants in a comparatively small space in an indoor garden. Hydroponic cultivation offers several other advantages, including a reduced risk of diseases of suspended plants.
What to take into consideration to pick the right one?
Free Room
In hydroponic cultivation, users can grow more plants on a smaller footprint because the roots do not need to spread to search for nutrients. A typical domestic hydroponics system may be as big as a few feet in depth and width or as small as a few inches in depth and width.
Plant Types
When growing plants inside, go for dwarf varieties and small plants. The most appropriate plant types of hydroponics at home include herbs such as dill, chives, and basil, leafy vegetation, bush-type cherry tomatoes, and tiny peppers.
Temperature
Constant temperature is critical to plant growth, so commercial hydroponics producers often have water heaters to regulate water temperature, typically between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Hydroponic systems in the home don’t need the same level of temperature control.
Nutrients
Nutrients in hydroponics systems are generally in liquid form, so they disperse rapidly in water. Some manufacturers supply a small bottle of this plant food with the initial purchase of the system, but users may order or purchase liquid nutrients at gardening centers. Most liquid nutrients contain the minerals necessary for robust plant development.
In my opinion, to be considered the best choice, a hydroponic system should include a circulating system that keeps water cool.
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Indoor Vertical Vegetable Garden
The vertical gardens are attractive and functional. They are ideal for cultivating plants in small areas. They let the gardener grow an abundant crop of fresh vegetables on the patio. The construction of an interior vertical garden looks very much like the creation of an outdoor garden, with some exceptions.
Pick Perfect Plants For You
Choosing the plants you want to cultivate is really the first thing you should do. Different plants have different space and lighting needs, so that decision will dictate what you do in the next steps.
Find a Good Place
Now that you know what you want to cultivate, you should find the best place to install your vertical garden. It’s kind of easy that way. Do your plants need a great deal of light or do they agree with the indirect sun?
Watering
A lot of plants need regular watering. If you aren’t sure of the frequency, do some research for the specific plant because some plants need more or less water than others.
Fertilizer
Plants that are grown in containers have limited resources for nutrition, so you need to make sure that you then fertilize as needed for your plant. The use of a high-quality organic fertilizer is ideal, especially since your plants are indoors.
BONUS: How to Grow an Indoor Vegetable Garden
Starting your seeds is not only cheaper than buying transplants; it usually results in a more productive harvest season as well.
Prepare the Medium
Place 1 to 2 inches of additive-free compost in your repository. Smooth the surface or slowly push down to obtain a plain plane.
Spread the Seeds onto the Soil Surface
It may seem that you use a lot of seeds, but the trick with microphones is that you grow a lot very quickly and harvest them when they are still about the size of germination.
Coat Seeds with a Thin Layer of Soil
Be cautious – some people even use a mesh sieve to ensure the ground is in good shape. Take a look at your ground to decide if it should be sieved or if a thin layer with your hands will suffice.
Flush Your Seeds
Place the repository with your seeds in a draining pan, and give your seeds a slight bath. Use a little mister or a can of water to spread the water. Take it easy with your little garden!
Mist Every Two Days
Once the tray is in a sunny place or under the growing light, mist them with water every two days.
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Conclusion
That’s it; now you know the ins and outs of how to use an indoor vegetable garden. I’ve made it since I’m fond of gardening, and once was a newbie just like you. So, I’d like to get some tips and pieces of advice. My mission is to tell you about my ideas and to help you. Let me know if you liked the article in the comments right below and share it, if so!
FAQ
How Do I Set Up an Indoor Vegetable Garden?
To set up an indoor vegetable garden, you’ll need to buy some items and make certain condition adjustments. You need to have proper light – low to moderate to high, depending on the crop. Then, decide on the cultivation medium. It should be an organic vegetable mixture. Buy canisters with drain holes. Mind the dampness level and water your plant daily. Watch out for airflow since it prevents mold and fungi and promotes pollination.
What Vegetables Can I Grow inside the House?
In general, most edible plants that you can cultivate outdoors will thrive in the right conditions indoors. Vegetables can be cultivated indoors throughout the year. You can grow cauliflower, cabbage, green onions, celery, peppers, radishes, microgreens, and many more! With the proper quantity of illumination, you can develop your veggies indoors, even in small spaces.
How Much Should I Water My Indoor Vegetable Garden?
Vegetables, as well as litter crops and many perennials, have less deep root systems. They need more frequent watering, some every day, especially with temperatures higher than 85 F. Most plants in containers need daily watering in hot and dry conditions, sometimes two or three times a day. As a rule, sprinkle your garden each morning, checking the ground in the afternoon. Moisturize the plants until the water flows out of the bottom of the container.
How Do I Start an Indoor Garden?
The way you do this is very simple. Put one or two inches of organic potting soil into your container. Disperse the seeds on the surface of the ground. Now you're going to want to coat your seeds with a thin layer of soil. Put the bowl with your seeds in a drip tray, and give your seeds a soft shower. Expect it to grow within a week, and enjoy!
Can Any LED Light Be Used as a Grow Light?
Yes, if they emit enough light. Plants are often also looking for heat coming from the light source, and we know that LED bulbs don’t provide much of that. Since LED lights emit little heat, you can set them 6 inches without risk over your vegetables. That closeness enables light to reach your plants. By comparison, fluorescent light bulbs should be at a minimum of 12 inches, and incandescent light bulbs 24 inches.
What Is the Best Indoor Garden?
Although some of these units have a high price tag, the big advantage of these high-tech gardens is that you can grow your fresh veggies throughout the whole year. Whether you're just looking to get started with a table option or you want to go all-in for growing lots of plants, there’re plenty of great choices: AeroGarden, Single Family Garden, Tabletop Hydroponic Grow Box, Click & Grow Smart Garden with many others.
Should I Bring My Vegetable Plants Inside?
That's right! I advise you to begin growing plants at home and then moving your vegetation in the open air over the spring/summer months. If it's hot throughout the daytime, take your greenery outside and transfer them inside at night time. The crops that start best indoors include broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and tomatoes. Those that have slower root development, such as cauliflower, celery, eggplant, and peppers, just as well must be started inside.
Are Indoor Gardens Safe?
There are two main reasons why these gardens aren’t as dangerous as open-air gardens. The first reason is artificial light usage to simulate the solar light that the exterior receives. Vegetables demand between seven and ten hours of straight light each day to flourish, so you see how the deficiency of everyday illumination could be a real dilemma for in-house vegetables. And the other explanation is that indoor vegetables are kept under supervised conditions.
What Vegetables Should Not Be Started Indoors?
One of the reasons some seeds do better to start inside is that they plant well. Seeds that begin well indoors are usually softer and warmer plants. Firstly, on the list of crops you should not bother to start indoors is corn. Sweet corn and popcorn are great when planted right in the garden. They're not transplanting very well. The other red-flag veggies are beans, peas, potatoes, spinach, beets, carrots, and lettuces.
Which Vegetable Doesn't Need Sunlight?
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens) grow well with little sunshine. That's the same reason they're grown in the winter, and that's where they're considered healthy. Always cultivate crucifer vegetables in deep pots. They develop in good health but don’t encumber plants because they require a lot of extra space for growth. Leafy vegetables, like Swiss chard and salads, are the most tolerant vegetables that grow in the shade.
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