How to Grow an Indoor Vegetable Garden
An indoor vegetable garden is great for those who want fresh vegetables all year or those who want to get a head start on their outdoor garden. Beginning your plants indoors allows you to start plants earlier in the season. You will need an area in your home that gets a lot of sunlight. You will also need containers, seeds, grow lights and good quality soil to get started.
- Choose an area in your home for your garden. A sunny south facing window is best for indoor gardening. The amount of space you will need depends on how many plants you want to grow. Be sure that the area has no drafts.
- Gather containers. To start seeds, you will only need small containers. As your plants grow, you will want to transfer them to larger containers. You may also put seeds directly into the larger containers you will be using later. Be sure your containers have drainage. You will have to place the pots on top of dishes, to catch the water that escapes through the drainage holes. Plant containers should be deep enough for the roots of your plants.
- Fill your containers with soil. You should fill your pots two inches from the top.
- Decide on which seeds you would like to plant. Place seeds in containers, according to package directions. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and then water.
- Cover containers with plastic wrap. This will help the seeds sprout. It will have the effect of the plants being in a greenhouse.
- Check your plants daily to see if they need more water. However, be sure not to over water. Keep the soil moist, but not drenched.
- Fertilize once per month with fertilizer made for vegetables. Check the label and follow the instructions for how much to use.
- During winter months when there is less sunlight, you will want to use supplemental lighting for plants. These are available at your garden supply store or online.