8 Special Considerations for Growing Vegetables Indoors
Average time to read: 2.3 minutesWelcome to the wonderful world of indoor vegetable gardening! Have you ever wondered if it's possible to grow your own veggies without an outdoor garden? Well, the answer is a resounding "yes!" But indoor gardening has its own unique set of considerations that differ from growing outdoors. It's all about mimicking Mother Nature.
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Container Selection.
You can grow anything in a container, as long as the container is big enough. Outdoors, plants can send roots deep into the soil in search of the space they need. But indoors, they only have the room you give them. So how do you get it right?
Vegetables generally need at least 8 inches of soil depth, but the surface area they need varies between plant varieties. Check the specific requirements for your chosen veggies. A quick internet search should do it, but if you're looking for a nifty tool to help with spacing, we love the Seeding Square for this. (Or maybe you already completed the “cheat sheet” from our Garden Planning Guide!)
Oh! And always opt for containers with drainage holes; it's a must.
2. Light.
Plants are pretty clever – they can tell time through light cues. When you're growing veggies indoors, replicating outdoor sunlight becomes crucial. How else will they know when it’s time to germinate? Or time to set fruit?
During the summer, a sunny, south-facing windowsill might be enough. But if your windows are facing north or shaded, you might not be getting enough sunlight for your veggies. And, when it comes to colder months, the shorter days and weaker winter sun aren't going to cut it.
That's when plant lights or full-spectrum LED lights come to the rescue. They provide the essential light spectrum your plants need for photosynthesis. Set the lights to 12 to 16-hour days so your plants believe they are in the height of summer and begin producing fruits.
This mini greenhouse comes with a taller stand so the lights can be moved up as the plants grow.
3. Temperature.
Germinating seeds usually require warmer soil temperatures than seedlings. So after germination, the temperature should be lowered for growing on and building hardiness. You’ll need to create little micro-climates within your indoor veggie garden to ensure your plants are in the right temperature ranges for their type and stage of growth. (Read all about seed starting here.)
Seed Starting Mats and Clear Plastic Domes are great for locking in heat, while fans are perfect for cooling.
You should also be aware of the temperature swings in your home from day to night. For example, a sunny windowsill might be perfect for your plants during the day but if your windows are uninsulated, opened a crack, or just drafty, it may get far too cold for your plants to be left there overnight.
4. Air Circulation & Humidity.
Stagnant air is a recipe for moisture-related troubles in indoor gardens. To keep air circulating, place a fan nearby and let it direct a gentle breeze over your plants for a few hours each day.
During the summer, this might be all you need to do. But in the winter, when our cozy homes get a bit too dry, increasing humidity is a smart move. You can do this with a spray mister, which can be used to mist your garden once or twice a day, or by placing a humidifier nearby for more consistency.
These indoor peas were hot, wet, and humid due to stagnant air. They developed a fatal case of powdery mildew; early signs can be seen on the leaves here.
5. Watering.
Just like their outdoor buddies, indoor plants need consistent watering. Be careful, though, as overwatering is a common pitfall that leads to root rot and other issues. Always choose pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing waterlogged soil. And here's a handy tip: water your plants at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can invite diseases.
6. Nutrition.
Your indoor plants are entirely dependent on the soil and nutrients you provide. So, choose a high-quality potting mix. This creates a healthy environment for your plants' roots, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients and aeration.
As for nutrition, choose a water-soluble fertilizer. Whether you prefer synthetic (chemical) or natural (organic) fertilizer options, there are plenty of choices. These days, many environmentally conscious gardeners are partial to liquid seaweed like this one.
Whether you’re looking for potting mix, fertilizer, or both, if you're uncertain, a visit to your local garden supply store for a chat with their staff. They are usually very knowledgeable and can help you find the right fit.
Some plant families are especially heavy feeders. This indoor cucumber plant could not have produced a crop without supplemental nutrition.
7. Pollination.
In outdoor gardens, bees and other pollinating insects take care of pollination. But indoors, you’ll need to do it yourself. Use a small paintbrush to gently brush the insides of each blossom on flowering vegetable plants. This transfer of pollen from one flower to another is essential for fruit production and should be done every few days to ensure new blossoms are not missed.
8. Pest Management.
Just like in outdoor gardens, we don’t overthink companion planting in this community but we DO keep herbs around to get the job done. Regardless of what veggies you choose to grow indoors, it’s a great idea to have some herbs around. Their ability to attract beneficial insects won’t be of much use indoors (for obvious reasons!) but their ability to confuse or repel pests will still serve its purpose.
For pest management indoors, follow a simple rule: quarantine new plants until you're sure they're pest-free. If you spot any unwanted guests, isolate the affected plants and treat or dispose of them as needed.
When everything goes well, you can harvest healthy, vibrant, fresh produce from your windowsills all year-long.
There you have it! Are you inspired to give it a try?
Indoor vegetable gardening is all about creating a haven where plants can thrive as if they were in the great outdoors. By following these considerations (with a little preparation, curiosity, and patience), you can enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of your labour all year round. Happy gardening!
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