Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors in Canada
If you're willing to invest in some equipment, you can grow a variety of plants, although not everything. However, if you're not keen on setting up artificial lighting and complex environmental controls, there are still plenty of options for you. Consider growing small plants on your windowsill or near a sunny window. This way, you can still engage in some decent gardening without breaking the bank or driving your partner crazy.
Popular Edible Plants for Indoor Gardening
Herbs
Herbs are a great choice for adding fresh flavor to your dishes. Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary are the easiest to grow and use in cooking and teas. They are relatively low-maintenance and require minimal sunlight. If you're looking to cook up a storm, these are your go-to plants.
Leafy Greens
If you have ample space and plenty of sunlight, you can consider growing leafy greens. However, if you want a weekly salad supply, you'll need to make sure you have the right conditions. Lettuce, for instance, is an excellent choice, especially if you want continuous production. A single sunny window isn't sufficient; you'll need a solid south-facing window and aCGRect frames trueedium to large space to accommodate several square meters of growing area.
To achieve continuous production, you will need to start a new box every week. This means that starting from Week 6, you will have uninterrupted lettuce every week as long as you plant new boxes regularly. Lettuce is my recommended choice, and while other vegetables like spinach and kale are also popular, lettuce is easier to manage indoors with limited space.
Bay Leaf and Rosemary
For those of you who already have some indoor plants, like bay leaf and rosemary, you can bring them in during the fall and keep them indoors under lights during the winter. Once spring arrives, you can move them back outdoors. This way, you can enjoy fresh herbs throughout the year without the hassle of maintaining a full-time indoor garden.
Growing from Seeds
I have personal experience with growing lettuce from seed in January. It is possible to start small with seeds and grow them into full-sized plants, particularly in a carefully managed indoor environment. For those with more space, starting lettuce or other leafy greens from seed can be a rewarding experience. Just make sure to give them the right conditions, including plenty of light and the right temperature to ensure healthy growth.
Remember, the key to successful indoor gardening is planning and consistency. Whether you choose to grow herbs, leafy greens, or other plants, the right conditions and regular care will help you achieve a bountiful harvest, no matter the size of your space.