growing food indoors

Growing food indoors is easy, costs very little and gives us immediate health benefits. Like most things we do in Permaculture, there are multiple benefits to every action. Growing food indoors cuts our waste and supplies nutritious food. And indoor permaculture also provides opportunities for design practice, mindfulness, and self-reliance.

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What is the easiest food to grow indoors?

Indoor gardening guide: What you need to get started growing indoors

• Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 self-watering indoor garden. ...
• Lettuce Grow The Farmstand. ...
• AeroGarden Harvest. ...
• Vivosun 4 x 2 grow tent. ...
• AeroGarden Farm 24XL with salad bar seed pod kit. ...
• Just Vertical the Aeva indoor hydroponic garden. ...
• Self-watering seedling starter. ...
• Related content from CBS Essentials:

What foods can you grow indoors?

What Foods to Grow Indoors

• Lettuce. Lettuce is one of the few vegetables that will grow with less than six hours of sunlight daily (though not much less), and it’s easy to grow from seed, ...
• Greens. Like lettuce, most greens can take a little less light than most veggies. ...
• Herbs. ...
• Root Crops. ...
• Microgreens. ...
• Sprouts. ...
• Green Onions. ...
• Hot Peppers. ...

What are the easiest vegetables to grow indoors?

The Easiest Vegetables to Grow Indoors

• Carrots. Carrots are easy vegetables to grow indoors. ...
• Beets – Easy to Grow Indoors. One of the best things about beets is you can eat the plant and the root, too. ...
• Onions. ...
• Garlic. ...
• Indoor Vegetables – Tomatoes. ...
• Leaf Lettuce. ...
• Spinach. ...
• Broccoli – Easy Indoor Growing. ...
• Cauliflower. ...
• Potatoes. ...

More items...

What food plants can be grown indoors?

What fruit and veggies can you grow indoors?

1. Scallions. Getty Images. …
2. Radishes. Getty Images. …
3. Microgreens. Getty Images. …
4. Herbs. Getty Images. …
5. Potatoes. Getty Images. …
6. Spinach. Getty Images. …
7. Tomatoes. Getty Images. …
8. Strawberries. Getty Images.

Can you grow vegetables indoors all year round?

Yes, vegetables can be grown indoors all year round. Most of the edible plants that you can grow outside will thrive in the right conditions inside. In fact, the majority of vegetables are grown indoors in some form or fashion, most often in a greenhouse.

What food plants grow best indoors?

You can grow a variety of leafy greens indoors, including loose-leaf lettuce, spinach, chard, arugula, kale, sorrel, and mustard greens. You also have the option of harvesting them in the baby leaf stage, or waiting until they're full grown.

Can you grow any food indoors?

Yes, you can grow vegetables indoors including lettuces, arugula, spinach, kale, carrots, radishes, beet greens, tomatoes and more. Best of all, it can all be done with basic shop lights. Most of the recommended indoor food plants can be started from seed using these step-by-step instructions.

Is it cost effective to grow food indoors?

If you reuse and repurpose as much as you can, indoor gardening is very cost effective. Even if you do need to buy equipment such as a grow light or watering system, this is still cheaper than the amount of money you would spend on outdoor gardening equipment.

What edible plants can I grow in my room?

9 Best Vegetables to Grow IndoorsCarrots. Carrots require don't much space around them (or wingspan you could say) but they do tend to require deeper soil than other vegetables. ... Green Onions/Scallions. ... Herbs. ... Hot Peppers. ... Leafy Salad Greens. ... Microgreens. ... Potatoes. ... Radishes.More items...•

What edible plants can I grow in my kitchen?

7 Edible Plants to Easily Grow In Your KitchenLettuce. Growing lettuce and other leafy greens (like arugula and spinach) is a piece of cake, but much healthier. ... Radishes. Another rad idea? ... Mint. ... Pineapple. ... Tomatoes. ... Potatoes. ... Peas.

What's the best fruit to grow indoors?

12 Fruit Trees You Can Grow IndoorsMeyer Lemon. The Citrus × meyeri is a well known indoor citrus tree that produces deliciously sweet lemons. ... Calamondin Orange. The × Citrofortunella microcarpa is a hardy citrus that does especially well indoors. ... Goji Berries. ... Dwarf Banana. ... Avocado. ... Mulberry Tree. ... Kumquat. ... Apricot Tree.More items...•

What is the easiest vegetable to grow?

10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow YourselfLettuce. We've never known a garden that cannot grow lettuce. ... Green Beans. Beans grow even in fairly poor soils, because they fix the nitrogen as they go! ... Peas. ... Radishes. ... Carrots. ... Cucumbers. ... Kale. ... Swiss Chard.More items...

Are indoor gardens worth it?

Indoor gardens are only worth the investment if they can produce healthy herbs, flowers, or other plants, such as leaf lettuce. To accomplish that—if they're hydroponic—they must keep the pods consistently moist until the seeds germinate and also provide an ample amount of full-spectrum light that mimics sunlight.

Is it cheaper to buy vegetables or grow them?

According to a book released this week, gardeners may wind up saving more money by purchasing commonly grown produce from the grocery store instead of planting them at home.

Is gardening cheaper than grocery shopping?

While starting a garden from scratch can be expensive, it usually pays off the more you grow and harvest food. However, some produce is less expensive to grow than others. If your aim is growing food for less money than you spend at the grocery store, you should avoid plants such as strawberries and asparagus.

How much money can you save by growing your own food?

A well-maintained food garden yields 1/2 pound of produce per square foot per growing season, according to the NGA. So a 600-square-foot garden, the American average on which households spend $70 per year, could churn out 300 pounds of fresh produce worth about $600 annually, the association estimates.

What are some good plants to grow indoors?

Peppers. Small peppers, like chilis, are perfect for sunny indoor spaces. And not only does their color look like a decorative houseplant, their uses are infinite. Grow peppers to use as garnish, make your own hot sauces, or even dry them for decor or to pulverize into homemade seasoning.

How much soil do I need to grow a baby sock?

Only two inches of soil is needed (try using a an upcycled egg carton or cut off the lower part of a quart of milk) to successfully grow these flavor-packed babies. Keep soil moist, and harvest with kitchen scissors as needed.

How to revive spring onions?

They’re easy to grow completely for free, using scraps to revive the plant. Keeping the roots attached, cut off the ends of the bulbs and add them to a jar with water. Change the water every few days and watch your spring onions revive! Trim when you’re ready to eat, and keep growing.

Can you grow snow peas indoors?

Yep, peas are perfect for your indoor veggie harvest. Snow peas and dwarf peas both work well for year-round growing and don’t need much care other than biweekly watering. You’ll likely need some dowels to support the plants. Be ready to harvest the veggies as soon as they're ready, and consume them at peak freshness! Gingery pea and cucumber salad, anyone?

Can you grow mushrooms in a log?

If you have extra surfaces to rest a log or small bag on, you can grow fungi in even the most cramped of indoor spaces! A wide range of mushroom growing kits rely on just a spritz of water to get going, and can be decorative, like this Shiitake Mushroom Growing Log, or more rustic, like the mushroom growing bags from North Spore. Freshly harvested mushrooms are perfect for the grill, risotto, or even in a gift bag for a unique present!

Can lettuce be grown indoors?

According to the Million Gardens Movement, lettuce is a great green to grow indoors, because the plant has shallow root systems that don’t need large containers. Lettuce can be grown in any container that’s at least six inches deep, and you don’t need to worry about rabbits munching on it outside! Bibb, leaf, romaine, and more types of lettuce can all be grown from seeds or pre-potted plants, but if you’re serious about harvesting salad in the kitchen, consider splurging on a device designed to replace your need for the produce aisle. A smart garden LED set sits on kitchen countertops while LettuceGrow’s hydroponic plant stand doubles as decor.

What is the best way to grow indoor plants?

Consider organic soil and compost. Both will be a little bit more expensive than other options, but it is the best suited for growing indoors. After a few weeks, the nutrients in that soil will run out and you will have to start feeding your plants fertilizer. For this, I recommend a liquid organic fertilizer.

How to grow a garden in a small space?

Don’t over complicate it or be overly ambitious. Trying to keep up with 50 different plants is going to be a nightmare, and in the end many of them will die. Instead, start with just a few, like 3-5 herbs (or an indoor garden starter) easy vegetables you can grow.

What to start with for a garden?

Herbs, leafy greens and green onions are great options to start with. You can start with seed packets or even your own kitchen scraps (which can actually cut down on the time to harvest).

How long does it take for leafy greens to grow?

Leafy Greens. You can get seed packets for each individual plant or even a seed packet of mixed greens. On average, they can take 30-60 days to mature to the point where you can cut off the leaves to eat. A faster way to grow leafy green is to regrow them from kitchen scraps.

How many foods can I grow from seeds?

You’ll be able to easily grow 35 foods from seeds or kitchen scraps all year long. You don’t have to have a green thumb to start your own kitchen garden. You can grow your own herbs, vegetables, leafy greens and even fruit indoors with just a few simple tips. This is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to grow food indoors, ...

How to source food?

There are a couple of options on how to source your food. You can buy seed packets or even reuse seeds from food you already have. It can take longer to grow as the seed needs to germinate, but it’s a great option if you don’t have a food source available. But if you do have food scraps, reuse them. They’re an excellent source to regrow your favorite produce.

How long does it take for a plant to mature?

You can get seed packets for each individual plant or even a seed packet of mixed greens. On average, they can take 30-60 days to mature to the point where you can cut off the leaves to eat.

What can I grow at home?

Other foods you can grow this way include celery, beet greens, bok choy, and green onions. Mushroom stems, onion ends, and sprouted potatoes can also be used to grow food at home. Growing at home helps you eliminate food miles and the climate impacts of shipping food around the world.

Why do plants like to be kept on top of the fridge?

Because plants also like warmth, which they would naturally get from the sun, some folks keep their plants on top of the fridge (which gives off a bit of warmth and warm air rises). Keep plants away from air conditioning units and strong fans and choose a location with generally consistent temperature and humidity.

How to store seeds in jars?

Soak 1-2 tablespoons of seeds in the jar overnight . After soaking, drain, rinse, and store upside down so excess water can drain out. Rinse at least twice a day until your seeds sprout and store in the fridge in a container lined with paper towel or filled with cold water (change the water regularly).

How long do baby greens need to be apart?

Baby greens are essentially micro greens that have been given more time (around 2 weeks) and space (space around an inch apart).

How long does it take for microgreens to grow?

Microgreens and baby greens. Microgreens are packed full of nutrients, only take around 10 days to grow, and take up a tiny amount of space. Choose from fast growing radish greens, spicy water cress, or substantial sunflower greens.

What seeds can you sprout?

You can even sprout many raw nuts and beans. Be sure to buy seeds that are meant for eating instead of planting, as they’re treated and processed differently.

Can you grow food indoors?

Growing food indoors. If you don’t have access to outdoor space, you can still grow good food indoors. You can find creative solutions for growing just about anything indoors, but some plants especially thrive indoors.

What are some edibles that can be grown indoors?

Microgreens. Microgreens are tiny fresh sprouts that are among the most effortless edibles to grow indoors, especially considering they don’t take up much space or time. Typically, they're a mix of seeds from various greens and herbs, such as beets, radishes, kale , Swiss chard, and basil .

What are the pros and cons of indoor gardening?

The Pros and Cons of Indoor Gardening. When gardening indoors, you ultimately control all aspects of the plant's growth and environment. You maintain its water, soil quality, and even manually fertilize the plants.

How to boost luck with tomato plants?

You can also boost your luck by feeding your tomato plant with a water-soluble organic fertilizer after repotting. Once the plants start setting flowers, shake them periodically to allow the pollen to fall from flower to flower. You need to perform this manual pollination; without it, no fruits will form.

How to grow lettuce in a container?

Lettuce (and other salad greens) is quick growing and shallow-rooted, so it will not need a deep container. Choose a planter that is two to four inches deep and fill it with moist, well-draining soil. Sow your seeds by gently pressing them into the surface of the soil, then mist to keep them moist—you should see germination within about one week. Allow the plants to grow at least four to 6 inches before you start harvesting. Cut or pull the outer leaves and allow the center of the plant to continue growing .

How long does it take for a peat moss seed to germinate?

Lightly cover the seeds with damp peat moss so the seeds don’t dry out. Keep the soil moist, and your seeds should germinate within two weeks, though the number of days to maturity will depend on the variety you are growing. 02 of 07.

Can you grow peppers indoors?

Pepper plants are tropical perennials. They shrivel at just the hint of frost, but when indoors, they can thrive. Plant some sweet or hot peppers from seed or pot some plants from your garden in late summer and bring them inside. You might not get a huge harvest, but they will fruit.

Do you need seeds to grow scallions?

And you actually don’t even need seeds to get them started! You can root the whole scallion in a glass of water and plop the bunch of them in one glass with only about one inch of water in the bottom; some gardeners have even had success replanting the root end of scallions after using the tops.

How to save space in a potted plant?

Stacking your potted plants is a great way to save space and water. Simply put small pots on the surface of larger pots. The smaller pots can drain into the bigger pot, and provide some cooling mulch. The little pots will also enjoy the lift, getting closer to any natural light. If you only have a high window, you can hang pots. As the plant grows you slowly lower the pot. This is particularly useful for growing vines such as grapevine.

How to get rid of bugs in your home?

You can still keep the home clean as well as keeping it green. The easiest way to remove bugs is by vacuuming. If you need to spray pests, use Methylated spirits. On the whole, there are fewer pests on indoor plants than outdoors plants. The key to good pest control is diversity. Have a wide variety of plants and avoid monocropping.

Can you grow food indoors?

Growing food indoors is easy if you simply buy plants. However, you can raise a lot of plants without expense by propagating from the foods you buy at the grocery store.

How to grow lettuce in a window box?

Just get yourself a packet of mixed cut-and-grow-again lettuce seeds, fill that planter with soil, and sow the seeds according to the packet’s instructions. You should see sprouts within a week, and within a month, you’ll have lovely lettuce leaves to gnaw on.

How long does it take for lettuce to sprout?

You should see sprouts within a week, and within a month, you’ll have lovely lettuce leaves to gnaw on. Advertising.

Can you stick bamboo poles into soil?

Sure, as the beans grow they’ll obscure a bit of the view, but enough light still gets through to illuminate the indoors, and seeing all of that greenery in the dead of winter is really quite lovely. If you don’t want to go the twine route, you can just stick long bamboo poles into the pot of soil, and lean those against a wall.

Can you grow dill in a window box?

It’s lovely to be able to add fresh herbs to anything you’re cooking, and with the exception of dill (which needs a lot of sun and heat and is very temperamental), you should be able to grow just about any cooking herb you can imagine. Woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano do very well in window boxes, as will cilantro, winter savoury, and chives.

Can brassicas grow outside?

Like lettuces, brassicas are notoriously easy to grow, and do well all through the winter months. In fact, if you live in a place where the weather doesn’t dip far below freezing, you can likely grow these outside all winter long, provided that you have a cloche or cold frame over them .

What is the best food to grow in the slow growing cycle?

Any vegetable or herb like these ones that are edible at any part of the growth cycle are a great choice. Slow growing foods like tomatoes must flower and fruit and require more space and optimum conditions over a longer period of time to reach harvest.

How to keep potting mix moist?

To keep the potting mix moist, use a household watering can with a long, narrow neck to easily apply the water right where you need it, directly into the soil or saucer. If the quality of your tap water is a concern, you may need to boil and cool it first or use distilled water. e Air Circulation.

How much light do herbs need?

Moderate to High Light 12-16 Hours a Day. Recommended temperature: 70°F/20°C. Herbs really do prefer life outdoors and most like a lot of sun. But, with good lights and patience you can grow several varieties indoors. It may be hit and miss, but if you like the challenge, go for it.

What group of plants do best with full light?

Depending on the herb, Group 2 may do fine with shop lights or better with higher heat and light. Fruiting plants like tomatoes ( Group 3) do best with full light and warmer temperatures, placing the plant directly below grow lights (6 to 12-inches above their tops).

Can artificial light grow indoors?

Artificial grow lights are recommended for indoor food growing. Natural light can also help but may not be sufficient, especially in winter months. The fast-growing, cool-tolerant vegetables listed in Group 1 (above) enjoy moderate light and warmth (60°F/15 ° C).

Can you grow vegetables indoors?

Yes, you can grow vegetables indoors. I have grown a variety of vegetables and herbs including lettuces, arugula, spinach, kale, carrots, radishes, beet greens, tomatoes and more. Best of all, I grow these indoor foods just using normal shop lights and no other special equipment. Most of the recommended indoor food plants can be started ...

Can you grow edible plants indoors?

Plants with edible stems and leaves are quick and easy to grow indoors. Fruiting plants are slower and require extra supplies and care. Decide what you want to grow based on the growing conditions you can provide. Light (natural and grow lights) and room temperatures can determine what you’ll grow where.

Why do bell peppers grow indoors?

Growing bell peppers indoors allows for proper control of the growing environment which is essential for beautiful peppers. In addition, there is a longer growing season indoors which will yield more vegetables for longer periods of time. Picking right when it's ready will also encourage new peppers to grow quickly without strain on the plant itself.

What vegetables are good for a beginner gardener?

Beets. Beets are not only a colorful addition to your plate, they are also nutritionally heavy in vitamins and minerals. Easy to grow, beets are the perfect vegetable to grow for a beginning gardener as the plants are tolerant of many different growing environments.

How long does it take for garlic greens to grow?

Garlic greens are sprouting, green shoots that have a mild, garlicky flavor. They are very easy to grow and only require a pot, soil, a sunny window, and water whenever dry. They take about 10 weeks from planting to harvest, and will continue to give off greens indefinitely, adding a punch to salads, baked potatoes, and anything that needs a little garnish.

What is a chives plant?

A quirky little plant, chives are convenient to have sitting on a kitchen countertop ready to be cut and plopped into your favorite dish. These plants like a bit of humidity so place a small dish filled with pebbles and water nearby to provide the perfect environment for a healthy plant. In a few short weeks you'll have aromatic chives for all your favorite dishes.

How to ensure that you are eating the most healthy, delicious, and inexpensive food?

The best way to ensure that you are eating the most healthy, delicious, and inexpensive food is to grow it yourself. You might think that growing your own fruits and veggies will be difficult and time-consuming, but there are so many delicious foods that you can grow in your house!

How long does it take for an avocado tree to grow?

These plants are difficult to care for and the process includes plant support, careful feeding and pruning, and transplanting as needed. Avocados can take up to 10 years to grow to the fruit-bearing stage and that's if all conditions are just right.

How long does it take for mushrooms to grow?

Harvest is usually 4 - 5 weeks from start to plate so growing these ...

How much is indoor farming worth in 2022?

The indoor farming technology market was valued at $23.75 billion in 2016, and is projected to reach $40.25 billion by 2022. Yields are typically much higher than traditional farming methods.

What are the challenges of global food shortage?

There are many challenges to overcome before fears of a worldwide food shortage can be allayed, including rising temperatures and more frequent droughts caused by global warming. These obstacles are making traditional farming methods increasingly inefficient and unpredictable. Traditional farming has also been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Aero Farms?

AeroFarms ’ indoor farm in New Jersey grows greens including baby kale, baby arugula and baby watercress using 95% less water than conventional agriculture on just one percent of the land required. The crops grow under LED light with no pesticides and a fraction of the fertilizer used on traditional farms.

What is vertical farming?

Start-ups like Square Roots, Plenty, and AeroFarms currently practice vertical farming, which is a form of indoor farming that relies on artificial lighting such as LEDs instead of drawing on natural sunlight.

Does indoor farming require pesticides?

As well as fewer miles and less water, indoor farming doesn’t require pesticides. This is better for the environment and human health as it eliminates the risk of water contamination due to run-off, and is in line with increasing consumer demand for non-GMO produce.

Is vertical farming cost effective?

According to Puri: “vertical farming is a more nascent technology within the indoor farming sector and the costs of running a vertical farm with artificial lighting and air conditioning is currently not as cost effective as relying on natural sunlight in greenhouses.”. light commonly deployed in vertical farms.

Is indoor farming putting youth back in agriculture?

Indoor farming is putting the youth back in agriculture. Plenty. But despite being an emerging option for youth in the city, Barnard predicts most will remain traditional farmers. “The world still needs the field and will need the field forever. We support the field by growing in addition to the field.