How to Start Your Indoor Garden This Winter

It’s wintertime here in our neck of the woods, which means it’s time to let your outdoor garden relax until warmer weather comes around. But that doesn’t mean your green thumb can’t get a little exercise indoors.

Even if space is at a premium in your home, you can find plants and vegetables that will thrive inside. And just like outdoor gardening, indoor gardening is a great way to stay connected to your green lifestyle goals and take care your mental health, too.

Here’s a look at what you need to get started indoor gardening in winter.

Every gardening project starts with identifying where the best light is to help your plants thrive. For indoor gardening, you’ll want a window that faces south. If you don’t have a southern-exposure window, invest in some supplemental grow lights. Our pals over at The Spruce have collected a list of their favorites.

There are a ton of great plant options for the budding horticulturist, but the ones that might be the most rewarding are plants you can eat for dinner. Homegrown veggies taste great and reduce your reliance on supermarket produce, which has a larger carbon footprint. Start with some of your favorite herbs, like basil or rosemary, or start with heartier vegetables like carrots, bell peppers and spinach. You can even buy a kit for growing your own mushrooms!

Research the proper care and environmental needs of each plant so you can set up your garden the right way. Just like outdoor gardening, understanding your plants is key to a thriving indoor winter garden.

The most rewarding part of indoor gardening is watching those little seeds turn into sprouts and those little sprouts turn into plants. With a little care, patience and love, you’ll have a greener indoor space and a harvest on your table for your family to enjoy.

Have fun!