Growing Food Indoors

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Growing Vegetables and Herbs Indoors

Growing Food Indoors-growing-peppers-in-a-container
Red peppers

Thinking outside the box is a great way to stay ahead of the game which can increase your knowledge while helping you to save a few dollars. This creative thinking has sparked an interest as many persons are seeing the need to grow their own foods or to start an indoor edible garden. With an indoor edible garden, you can extend the season as you eat fresh during the winter months.

An indoor garden allows you to grow foods in an environment that gives you more control vs an outdoor garden which can be more of a challenge because of the elements such as heavy rain, extreme heat, high winds, snow, garden insect pests, toxins, or environmental factors. When you consider what you’re up against growing foods indoors seems to be more inviting.

Tips for Growing Food Indoors

When growing foods indoors there are some basics or know-how that will lead to success.

Indoor garden location

Location is so important, just as installing plants in an outdoor garden setting the seem is true when growing an indoor garden. Your indoor garden plants can only thrive based on where your plants are located. Therefore it’s important to know the light requirements of which plants you intend to grow.

A plant that thrives well in full sunlight when brought on the inside should be placed near a south or west-facing window to receive bright indirect sunlight. But if there is a challenge with receiving this amount of lighting from outside then consider purchasing grow lights from your nursery or garden center. These lights once set up will give sufficient lighting for your indoor edible garden.

Container sizes for your indoor edible garden

The containers that are chosen should be large enough to accommodate your edible plants, knowing edible plants at the mature stage will give you an idea of the container size. The container should have drain holes for water drainage and a saucer to catch the water, once the water is collected in the saucer empty the saucer because you don’t want stagnant water to remain that can carry an odor sitting there for days.

Soil type for an indoor edible garden

The soil type should be good garden soil that will hold the right amount of water but will allow excess water to drain. Soil of this nature can be purchased from your garden center or nursery.

How to water an indoor garden

Knowing the watering needs of your indoor garden is so important, get to know the amount of water your indoor plants require and give them that amount. Before watering again check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch or two into the soil, a soil moisture meter or soil probe can work as well. These tools can be purchased from your plant nursery or garden center.

Fertilizing your indoor garden

Indoor garden plants are limited by the number of nutrients they’re receiving vs an outdoor garden therefore it’s important that you supply your plants with the right amount of nutrients to give them the boost they need. For your edible garden, I recommend a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, 20-20-20 or the use of organic fertilizers is a great choice. If you are starting from seedlings don’t fertilize until they grow 2 pairs of true leaves because the nitrogen can cause leaf burn. Before applying fertilizer read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results

Indoor edible garden pests

To bring indoor edible garden pests under control and organic pesticides such as neem oil will give good results you can also check with your garden center for more options or try these homemade remedies.

Indoor edible garden diseases

Diseases are brought on by excess moisture or poor watering practices such as overwatering, installing plants too closely will encourage poor air circulation or the use of a garden tool such as a hand pruner that is used on a plant that has a disease and not sterilized and then used on another plant that’s disease-free will also spread disease.

Humidity level for an indoor edible garden

Low humidity is not good for indoor plants, to increase the humidity level mist the leaves every other day with water, or investing in a cool-mist humidifier will offer help.

A pebble tray

Pebbles trays are also said to increase the humidity levels for plants, this process works by filling the tray with pebbles followed by filling the tray with water. The water level should be just below the top of the pebbles, next place your plants on top of the tray. As the water evaporates it will increase the humidity level around the plants.

Indoor garden plant temperatures

Indoor temperatures can shift having an adverse effect on indoor plants, garden plants should be kept away from heaters, doors, and windows that let in drafts.

Best herbs to grow indoors

  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Chervil
  • Oregano
  • Cilantro
  • Sage
  • Chives

Best vegetables to grow indoors

The final word on growing food indoors

Growing an indoor edible garden is that simple, all it requires is these tips that are so easy to follow and you will be on your way to having much success from growing foods indoors. This method of gardening is very simple and will save you a few bucks that can add up over time and you will be eating healthy because you are in the driver’s seat or in full control of growing your edibles. Having an indoor edible garden is great for extending the season, especially during the winter months when you can eat fresh all winter so go for it you will be so happy with the results.

 

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About the author

Norman
+ posts

Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.

6 thoughts on “Growing Food Indoors”

  1. Hey thanks for this post! I actually didn’t knew plants can actually thrive indoors, I always thought outside is where they flourish naturally.

    I have tried a few plants indoors however they seem to get messed up. I’m not too sure as to why however I’m not going to give up that easily, I’m going to follow these step by step and hope for the best! I think I’ll give potatoes a go since they are one of my favourite vegetables thanks to the wide range of food which can be made from them!

    Reply

  2. Wow, I have never even thought of growing veggies indoors. Herbs I remember are easy because my Mom used to grow them in the kitchen window sill. 

    I think I am going to experiment with this one, as I think if I find the right spot it will be a lot easier to manage than planting outdoors where I have to contend with the garden mole as well as all the insects that love to eat my lettuce. 

    Reply

  3. An indoor food garden sounds like an excellent idea. Besides the fact that food can be grown year round, it also means being able to grow varieties that otherwise can’t be grown in your climate. There’s also less weeding, because soil that isn’t exposed to outside air won’t be getting seeds from other plants. 

    Reply

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