Grow your own indoor edible garden

Many people who grow their own edible plants turn it into a lifetime hobby. It’s the feeling of satisfaction from avoiding supermarkets, and a nod to your own ingenuity and self-sufficiency.

From dwarf varieties to fully-fledged alpha greens, plenty of herbs and vegetables can thrive indoors.  

Growing your own food is as healthy as it gets in terms of nutrition. Whether it’s the dead of winter, or the warm eclipse of summer – your edible plants can still grow. A sunny windowsill or two will help, but you can grow in shaded areas too. Here are a few tips on how to grow your own edible garden, and what indoor edible plants and vegetables to grow.    

Getting started 

You’re busy with a million other things, so let’s get down to the nitty gritty. To start an indoor garden, you’ll need to consider the following:

1. Choose well-draining soil. Use a pot with holes in the bottom or pile up some stones to let some of the water drain through. Make sure to capture some water under the pot with a shallow drainer, or else you’ll be walking in puddles.

2. Buy some potting mix. It’s easy to grab some soil – head on down to your local hardware store, gardening market or go online. Look for a general potting mix or go with organic.  

3. Place on a sunny windowsill or in a well-lit area. Maximum light is ideal, yet some plants might require different exposure to the sun. In absence of sunlight, you can use grow lights.  

4. Think about indoor temperature, humidity levels and watering. Each plant may differ, so do your research to make sure you buy plants that work with your home’s temperature. 

5. Use a vegetable garden kit to start with – remember to choose something that complements your house and fits the space.  

Choosing your garden varietals 

If you’re just starting out – stick with plants, vegetables and herbs that are resilient and grow well in part-shade or full-shade. Once you fine tune your green thumb you can be a little more adventurous. 

The world’s your oyster when it comes to herbs. Small and compact, you can grow them indoors. Whether you want to grow basil, rosemary, chives, or add a little mint to your summer smoothie, herbs are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. 

If you’re after fruits and vegetables, consider adding these to your indoor garden: 

Avocados. Chock full of healthy fats, these fruits pack a punch! Purchase a dwarf avocado plant – be warned, they can grow up to 3 meters! 

Carrots. A great source of vitamins and minerals, purchase carrot seeds or a window box and you’re good to grow!  

Lemons. Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, you’ll never be left without your citrus friend to fight off colds and clean your palate.  

Mushrooms. Your funky-fungi flavorful varietals are a good source of fibre. Grow them in a laundry basket or purchase a kit. 

There you have it! The rare satisfaction that comes from eating what you nurtured, and a confidence boosting sense of self-sufficiency.  

Looking for other fun ways to get active? Check out the range of exciting classes on offer at Virgin Active clubs, or book a tour of your local gym.