How to Grow Vegetables Indoors Through the Winter
During the winter, some people move their gardens inside their homes. Although this seems implausible, it is possible if you have adequate space and time for an indoor garden. Certain vegetables grow successfully indoors, as long as they continue to receive the light, nutrients and water they need for growth. If you live in an area that becomes cold during the winter, consider growing an indoor vegetable garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Large containers
- Potting soil
- Compost
- Vegetable seeds
- Lighting (plant or fluorescent)
- Water
- Houseplant fertilizer
Instructions
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Select your container for your indoor garden. The container should be somewhat large and deep, allowing adequate room for plant growth. Consider using a wastebasket, aquarium, washtub or large flowerpot. The container should have a system that allows for water drainage. If no drainage holes are available, use a drill to put small holes into the bottom or around the sides of the bottom. Lay a piece of netting on the bottom of the container to ensure that soil does not escape through these holes.
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Mix your soil to use in the indoor vegetable garden. Ideally, you should use an equal mixture of potting soil and compost. Do not use outdoor gardening soil for your indoor garden; this soil compacts too easily and does not allow for proper growth. Fill the container with your soil mixture.
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Review the directions on the various vegetable seeds you have purchased. Each vegetable has specific requirements for planting, space required, water needs and temperature requirements. Do your research and follow the directions for each specific vegetable.
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Plant your seeds according to their specific requirements. Ensure that they have enough space to grow fully and completely. The best types of vegetables to grow in an indoor garden are those that do not grow very large. Consider using small tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, lettuce, spinach and radishes.
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Place the containers in a room that will provide sufficient light and an adequate temperature. Again, review the directions for your specific vegetables. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, require warm temperatures to grow. When planting these vegetables indoors, you will need to ensure that you are providing a warm environment in which they can grow. Other vegetables are more resistant to cooler temperatures and can be grown quite easily indoors.
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Place your plants in a southern-facing window to allow for adequate sunlight, if possible. If you have an enclosed sunroom, use that room, as it will allow for plenty of sunlight. However, if your indoor garden is not receiving at least six hours of sunlight every day, place it under artificial lighting. Place either fluorescent lights or plant lights 3 to 6 inches above the plants.
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Water your indoor garden regularly. Your indoor garden will likely need to be watered every day, especially once the vegetables begin growing. Since your indoor garden will not have rainwater to keep it hydrated, you will need to ensure that the soil stays properly hydrated. Place a finger into the soil (about 1 inch deep) to test the moisture of the soil. If the soil is dry, water it with warm water.
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Fertilize the indoor garden every two weeks. Use a fertilizer for houseplants and follow the directions for that specific fertilizer. Fertilizing the garden will ensure that your plants receive the nutrients they need to survive and grow successfully.
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