Do you want to start a vegetable garden but don’t have the space? Or do you just want to get yourself started? Look no further! Growing your own vegetables is a great idea for vegans, as veggies make up a huge part of a plant-based diet. Though they take time and effort to grow, having vegetables growing at home can actually save you a lot of time (less trips to the grocery store!) and money, helping to make vegan practical. It also allows you to try a greater variety of veggies and have more control over what you’re eating. There are plenty of ways to have a garden if you’re limited on outdoor space. The solution? Have a garden indoors (like on the windowsill or a set of shelves) or on a patio, deck, or balcony! It’s actually pretty easy to do; just make sure you pick veggies that are going to give you a high enough yield to make it worthwhile. You don’t want to expend all the time and effort growing a vegetable and end up having to buy it at the store anyways, since you got a very low yield. See below for some high-yield veggies that would be great for the indoor garden or patio garden, as well as some tips and tricks! Do you grow your own vegetables? Let me know!
The 5 Best Veggies for an Indoor Garden
Lettuce
Lettuce is a great plant for small spaces, as the leaves grow back after you pick them. It would be pretty easy to grow indoors, provided it had enough light and water, as it doesn’t require a ton of space. It’s also one of the prime examples of how much better home-grown veggies taste than store-bought, and it’s a lot cheaper to grow your own! Some of my favorite varieties are looseleaf, mesclun, and romaine. It’s also a super easy veggie to pick and wash because it’s just leaves. Want more info on growing lettuce? Check out Guide to Houseplants!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another good plant for indoors, as they have a pretty good yield as well. Make sure you choose a type of tomato that will be suited to your needs; if you eat a lot of salads, you may want to go for cherry or grape tomatoes. If you love them sliced on a sandwich, go for Big Boy or Roma. They’ll need a relatively deep pot, but other than that are pretty easy to grow. If you’re doing a strictly indoor garden, not a patio or deck, then I’d suggest going with grape or cherry tomatoes, as the plants don’t get as big, according to AeroGarden. Just make sure you eat them all before they go bad!
Peppers
Peppers are another great option for those wanting to garden indoors. Small, hot peppers (like jalapenos) work particularly well indoors, as they are prolific and don’t require staking. If you don’t mind a little staking and if you have a little more room to play with (or a small outside space), then definitely try some bigger peppers, like bell peppers. Peppers will keep growing indoors, as they are perennials in tropical climates, so you won’t have to replant them. Read up on growing peppers here.
Bush Beans
Bush beans (rather than pole beans) grow out instead of up, and therefore are better for indoor spaces, like pots or hanging baskets. You may still need to stake them, however, so these are still better suited for a patio space than a windowsill. They come in a bunch of varieties, and come in green or yellow. You’ll know they’re fresh, because the beans will ‘snap’ when you bend them. Check out Garden Guides for more info on growing specifics!
Herbs
Another great idea for your indoor garden are herbs. Herbs are notoriously easy to grow, and add a ton of great flavor to your food when they are fresh, rather than dry. Chives, mint, and basil are great for planting in containers. They’re hardy and produce more than enough to spice up all your dishes. If you don’t have any outdoor space at all, herbs will be a great option for you. Give it a try with these helpful tips from Organic Gardening.
Are You Ready to Start Your Indoor Garden?
All it takes to get started are some pots, soil, and seeds! I’d recommend doing window planters (or pots that sit on a porch, patio, or balcony, if you can, because the sunlight and access to rainwater will be good for the plants (especially if you forget to water a lot!). Otherwise, make sure the pot is big enough for the particular plant you’re putting in there, and get a great soil that is nutrient rich, like a potting soil (peat-based is especially good). You’ll also need to check into how much light the plants need, and make sure to pick one that fits your needs. Once you get the right plants for your space, whether that be inside or a small outdoor space, make the most of your new garden with The Monthly Dish. We use seasonal vegetables in the recipes, so that none of your fresh vegetables will go to waste! Try putting your tomatoes and basil to work in a Penne with Fresh Tomato and Garden Basil, or throw some peppers and tomatoes together to make some Vegetable Lo Mein! Check out this site for a bunch of great tips. Now that you know how easy it is, what are you waiting for? Start your indoor garden today!
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