Now that the majority of us are stuck inside our homes and supermarket trips are ‘only for essentials’, you may be wondering whether or not you can grow a tasty crop of carrots on your windowsill at home. And the good news is, you can. Even if you don’t have the luxury of a garden, there’s still plenty you can do to enjoy a tasty crop of vegetables all year round. Basics like carrots and potatoes, plus leafy greens, can all be grown in your home, as well as fruits such as strawberries and tomatoes.
“If you don’t have a garden, or you only have small outside space with very little sunlight, growing fruit and vegetables indoors may be the best option for you,” explain the expert growers from gardening furniture and tools company (billyoh.com). “Once you have the necessary kit – deep containers and good soil – growing indoors is straight forward. “The important thing to do is pick the varieties you know will do well inside and find a sunny spot in the house to keep the plants strong and healthy.” To help inspire you, here are the varieties which will thrive indoors.
Vegetables and herbs you can grow in your home:
- Radishes
Radishes don’t need a lot of light to grow so are perfect for indoor gardening. They do need lots of soil through so make sure you use a deep container. - Herbs
Herbs are great for growing on a windowsill. Simply cut and use in your cooking. In the chilly months, make sure they’re not too close to a window. The cold air will make then wilt. Good herb varieties to try include basil, rosemary, thyme and parsley. - Potatoes
Potatoes will grow indoors but will need lots of space and light as the plants get bigger. Plant in planter pouches by a sunny door or window. - Leafy greens
Spinach, kale and lettuce will all grow well indoors and will produce a crop all year round. Drainage is important for these veg so grow in a pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil. - Carrots
You won’t get huge carrots by growing indoors although you will be able to enjoy the vegetable all year round. You will need a deep container and either a sunny spot or growing lights. - Mushrooms
Invest in a mushroom kit and you’ll be able to grow the fungus indoors. We love, Mushroom Windowsill Kit – White Button, £11.99, suttons.co.uk
Fruit you can grow in your home:
- Tomatoes
These are worth starting indoors but putting on a deck or patio once the plant gets going. Tomato plants do need up to ten hours of sunlight a day for tasty, sweet fruit.
You won’t get huge carrots by growing indoors although you will be able to enjoy the vegetable all year round. You will need a deep container and either a sunny spot or growing lights. - Strawberries
Strawberries can be started off indoors but like tomatoes need lots of sunlight for a delicious crop. Move outside once the plant begins to grow or invest in some growing lights. - Peppers
A sunny spot on a windowsill is perfect for growing peppers. Peppers do need around ten hours of sunlight a day. Invest in a deep container too.
Want to learn how to harvest your vegetables? Head over to our sister mag, Grow Your Own to find out how to get started.
