Easy Tips To Grow Food Indoors This Winter

For most fruits and vegetables, the main growing seasons for outdoor gardening are summer and autumn. However, with the advancement of technology, you can now grow edible plants and fresh herbs indoors throughout the year. Learn our best practices and easy tips to grow food indoors this winter.

Growing edible plants indoors

Growing your own food is immensely rewarding and can save a few dollars off your grocery bill. In the past, growing edible plants was reserved for summer days that were filled with endless sunshine. But now, with the help of agricultural technology, you can grow foods indoors all winter.

For growing process, you will need only a few basic items that can be purchased at various shops and prices to fit your budget.

Two things you need to grow food indoors

First, pick plants that do not require a lot of light to thrive. Herbs, dark green vegetables, and other non-fruiting plants are a few examples. For plants to get as much natural sunlight as possible during the day, you should grow them indoors near a window.

The second crucial item for successfully cultivating plants indoors is purchasing a grow light. During periods of low light, they emit a gentle lighting that promotes the growth of your plant. Online retailers offer a wide range of options in different sizes.

Use the timer feature on the lights to make sure your potted plants receive enough light throughout the day. It is easier to grow plants indoors when you use a timer function because the automation takes care of turning on and off the light for you.

Which foods grow best indoors

One of the simplest plants to grow indoors is the herb garden, and having them on hand is very helpful as they enhance the flavor of many foods. In addition to being high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, many fresh herbs also give your meals a nutritional boost.

Herbs you can grow:

Vegetables you can grow:

• Green onions
• Lettuce
• Arugula
• Swiss chard
• Spinach
• Microgreens (young seedlings of herbs and vegetables that are loaded with flavor and nutrients)

Plant growing systems

Investing in an all-in-one plant-growing system might be worthwhile if you have a little extra cash to spend. Certain small growing systems are small enough to fit on your kitchen counter or window sill. Many of them come with a grow light built right into the frame, and they may even come with a tiny cage to give your herbs some structural support. These small systems range in price from $70-$400, depending on how large and complex you want your system to be. They are ideal for herbs and small growing plants, like microgreens.

Investing in a grow tower could be a good idea if you have the space and love gardening. These systems, which are regarded as vertical farming solutions, are causing waves in the agriculture-technology sector. Because they require no soil to grow and can grow upwards, they are ideal for small spaces. Water enriched with vitamins is pumped over the plant roots by a hydroponic pump, which supplies the plants with nutrients.

Many towers begin at four or five feet, which is appropriate for a home grow setup. However, in order to maximize growing space, many farmers will double up on this size. Grow towers are large and start at $700, but they can yield a generous amount of food year-round.

Pest control

Unfortunately, plants growing indoors are not susceptible to pests. This applies to indoor plants as well as edible plants. Regular pesticide sprays are toxic and should not be applied to your edible plants as they pose a serious risk if ingested. Instead, you should use natural products that are safe for food.

Certain individuals recommend using a soap and water natural spray. Some advise bathing your plants in running water. This mimics the effects of natural rainfall if your plant grows outside and can literally wash away potential pests.

Get started today

Start your indoor garden by sowing the seeds of your preferred herbs. Due to their resilience and low light requirements, they are often the easiest plants for novices to grow.

Make sure the area where you plant them is warm and gets natural sunlight (drafty windows will not do your herbs any favors). Add a grow light to your growing area to make it better. Later on, you can buy a growing system to make your space even better and increase its potential for agriculture.