Grow Your Indoor Edible Garden: Top 10 Picks for Fresh Produce All Year Round
Indoor gardening is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all year round, regardless of the climate outside.
It doesn’t matter if you’re limited on outdoor space or just love the idea of having an indoor garden you can nurture and care for, which can keep you happy and healthy when eating; having your own edible garden comes with a ton of benefits.
That said, you may be wondering what you can actually grow indoors. The first plants that come to mind are varieties like cress or maybe a mint plant here and there, but the truth is there are so many more amazing foods out there for you to enjoy.
With that in mind, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a beginner, these ten plants are perfect additions to your indoor edible garden. With easy-to-grow favorites, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying fresh, delicious produce right from your windowsill or countertop!
Let’s go!
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to your indoor garden. While they require a bit more attention than some other plants, the payoff is well worth it when you’re enjoying fresh, homegrown tomatoes in your favorite dishes.
Use your fresh tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, and sauces, or simply enjoy them on their own as a delicious snack.
How to Grow
Choose dwarf or cherry tomato varieties for indoor growing. Plant seeds in a large pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a sunny location (like next to a patio door), and water regularly to maintain consistent moisture.
Support the plants with stakes or cages as they grow because they will get quite tall, usually several feet.
Top Picks
Cherry Tomatoes
Indigo Rose Tomatoes
San Marzano Tomatoes
Sun Gold Tomatoes
Suncherry Premium Tomatoes
Patio Tomatoes
2. Microgreens
Microgreens are young, tender greens harvested before they reach their full size. They’re packed with nutrients and flavor, and they grow quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce in just a matter of weeks.
Add your homegrown microgreens to salads, sandwiches, and wraps for a burst of fresh flavor and nutrients. They also make attractive garnishes for soups and main dishes.
How to Grow
Microgreens can be grown from seeds in a shallow tray filled with moist potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the tray in a warm, well-lit location.
Water daily to maintain consistent moisture, and harvest the microgreens when they reach 1-3 inches tall. And if you’re worried about not keeping up with the watering schedule, just use a hydroponic grow kit that takes care of everything automatically.
Top Picks
Arugula
Broccoli
Radish
Sunflower
3. Scallions
Scallions, also known as green onions, are incredibly easy to grow indoors. They add a fresh, mild onion flavor to your dishes and can be used in various recipes.
Best use your homegrown scallions to add flavor and crunch to salads, soups, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.
How to Grow
Plant scallion seeds or the white root ends of store-bought scallions in a container filled with well-draining potting mix. Place the container in a sunny location and water regularly to maintain consistent moisture. Harvest when the green tops are 6-8 inches tall.
Top Picks
White Lisbon Scallions
Evergreen Bunching Scallions
4. Strawberries
Strawberries are a delicious and sweet addition to your indoor edible garden. They grow well in containers and can produce fruit throughout the year, providing a tasty treat perfect for snacking or adding to desserts.
Savor fresh homegrown strawberries, or use them in smoothies, desserts, and salads.
How to Grow
Choose a compact or everbearing strawberry variety for indoor growing. Plant bare root plants or seeds in a container filled with well-draining potting mix. Place the container in a sunny location and water regularly to maintain consistent moisture. Harvest strawberries when they are fully ripe and red.
Top Picks
Alpine Strawberries
Everbearing Strawberries
5. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are packed with nutrients and grow well in containers. Leafy greens thrive in indoor containers because they don’t have to face the threat of growing outside (like bugs and bad weather)
Incorporate your fresh leafy greens into salads, smoothies, stir-fries, or sautéed dishes for added nutrition and flavor.
How to Grow
Plant seeds in a pot filled with high-quality potting mix, and keep the soil consistently moist. Place the container in a sunny location and rotate it every few days to ensure even growth.
Top Picks
Butterhead Lettuce
Romaine Lettuce
Spinach
Kale
6. Herbs
Herbs are by far some of the easiest plants to grow indoors, and they pack a flavorful punch into your cooking. Plus, they’re highly adaptable, making them perfect for small spaces or window sills.
When grown, use your homegrown herbs to flavor your favorite recipes, such as pasta, salads, soups, and sauces. They also make for great garnishes and can be used to make amazing herbal teas or infused oils.
How to Grow
Herbs such as basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint can quickly be grown indoors in pots or containers. Place them in a sunny spot near a window, and ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not overly wet.
Top Picks
Basil
Chives
Cilantro
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme
Peppers
Peppers, both sweet and hot varieties, are great indoor plants that add flavor and spice to your dishes. And the best part is dont require a lot of effort since most peppers grow in drier climates. Use your homegrown peppers in recipes such as stir-fries, stuffed peppers, or salsas, or even enjoy them raw as a snack.
How to Grow
Plant seeds of dwarf pepper varieties in a large pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a sunny, warm location, and water regularly to maintain consistent moisture. Support the plants with stakes or cages as they grow.
Top Picks
Sweet:
Bell Peppers
Mini Sweet Peppers
Hot:
Jalapeños
Cayenne
Habanero
Chile Pequin Peppers
Carrots
Carrots are delicious and nutritious root vegetables that can thrive in deep containers indoors. Enjoy your fresh carrots raw as a snack, or incorporate them into recipes such as salads, soups, stews, and my favorite roasted vegetable dishes.
How to Grow
Choose small or round carrot varieties for indoor growing. Plant seeds in a deep container filled with loose, well-draining potting mix. Place the container in a sunny location and water regularly to maintain consistent moisture. Harvest when the carrots reach their desired size.
Top Picks
Short ‘N Sweet Carrots
Little Finger Carrots
Radishes
Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables with a zesty, crisp crunch to your salads and dishes. They’re easy to grow and can be harvested in just a few weeks. Incorporate your homegrown radishes into salads for a peppery crunch, pickle them for longer storage, or try roasting them for a delicious side dish.
How to Grow
Radishes are a fast-growing crop, perfect for indoor gardening. Plant seeds in a container filled with well-draining potting mix, and place the container in a sunny location. Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture. Harvest radishes when they reach their desired size, typically within 3-4 weeks.
Top Picks
Cherry Belle Radishes
French Breakfast Radishes
Dwarf Fruit Trees
Dwarf fruit trees are a fantastic way to enjoy the pleasure of growing your own fruit in a compact space. These small, yet productive trees bring a touch of charm and beauty to your garden, patio, or balcony. You can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown fruit, perfect for snacking, baking, and preserving.
Enjoy your homegrown fresh fruit, or incorporate it into recipes like pies, jams, and smoothies.
How to Grow
Dwarf fruit trees, such as lemon, lime, or fig, can be grown indoors in containers. Choose a large pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a sunny location, preferably near a south-facing window.
Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, and prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size.
Top Picks
Dwarf Lemon/Orange Tree
Dwarf Lime Tree
Dwarf Fig Tree
Dwarf Olive Tree
How to Get Started with Your Indoor Edible Garden
Now you know which plants are perfect for your indoor edible garden, it’s time to start! Here are some tips for success:
Choose the right containers: Pick containers with proper drainage and enough depth for your plants’ root systems. Be sure to select pots suitable for your plants’ specific needs.
Use high-quality potting soil: A well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix is essential for indoor gardening. Consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality.
Provide adequate light: Most edible plants require at least 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. If you don’t have access to enough natural light, consider investing in grow lights.
Water properly: Overwatering is a common issue with indoor gardening. Water your plants according to their specific needs while allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Feed your plants: Regularly fertilize your indoor edible garden with an organic, slow-release fertilizer to ensure your plants receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
Monitor for pests: Check for common indoor garden pests like aphids, spider mites, and fungus gnats. Catching these issues early can help prevent severe infestations and keep your plants healthy.
Harvest regularly: Regularly harvesting your indoor garden will encourage more growth and allow you to enjoy fresh produce throughout the year.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to growing a bountiful indoor edible garden that provides fresh, delicious produce all year round.
So, why wait?
Start planning your indoor garden today and enjoy the benefits of homegrown fruits, veggies, and herbs right at your fingertips!
