Growing vegetables indoors doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, many vegetables grow well indoors.
Five vegetables that grow well indoors are:
Tomatoes
Peppers
Arugula
Radishes
Green onions
Tomatoes
Good varieties: jelly bean, black cherry and tiny Tim
Container size: from one to three gallons.
Most varieties of tomatoes grow well indoors, but small varieties are best. However, Romas are also popular due to their versatility.
Tomatoes are either determinate or indeterminate. Determinate varieties grow to only a certain height then stop growing. Indeterminates continue growing indefinitely, or until their season ends.
Determine varieties are easiest to grow indoors because they require less care. Regardless of the variety, most need a tomato cage or support.
Peppers
Good varieties: habaneros, jalapenos and shishitos
Container size: from one to five gallons, depending on the variety
Peppers’ size makes them perfect for growing inside. However, they need partial to full sun and some heat to thrive. Ideally, place them near a sunny south-facing window away from AC vents.
Many peppers can survive in one gallon or 12” containers, but two gallons or more is best. Some varieties, like poblanos will need much bigger pots.
Overwatering is a common problem with growing peppers indoors. Before watering your peppers, check the soil. If it is damp about an inch down, wait a day or two before watering. Likewise, make sure to water your soil directly, not your leaves.
Arugula
Good varieties: slow bolt and Astro. Most varieties will work.
Container size: from one to three gallons
Most salad greens will grow well indoors, but arugula is a popular option. Arugula is perfect for container gardens because of its size, ease and speed.
When grown outside in the summer, Arugula quickly goes to bolt. This makes it north for north-facing windows. Likewise, by growing it indoors, you avoid bolting and often end up with smaller leaves - perfect for salads!
Arugula does well in one-gallon pots but the more space it gets, the bigger it will grow. Many people like shallow but wide containers because it keeps the leaves small but allows multiple plants.
Radishes
Good varieties: Zlata, cherry belle and pink beauty
Container size: one gallon
Radishes are popular because of how fast they grow while staying small and manageable. While they need full sun and good soil, they are fairly easygoing.
The biggest struggle with growing radishes indoors is overwatering. They do not like wet feet, so if you struggle to water properly, growing them indoors will be difficult. Likewise, they need loose soil with good drainage and organic matter.
Do not grow daikon-style or cylindrical radishes indoors unless you have a large container. This is because they grow deeper and need more space.
Green Onions
Good varieties: any
Container size: one gallon or hydroponic
Green onions are easy to grow and ideal for beginners.
While they can be grown from seeds, it is easiest to grow them from transplants or regrow them. Seeds offer more variety but less success. Because they do not need much space, almost any variety will do well indoors.
Scallions are often grown from scraps. Next time you get scallions from the store, put the roots and last two inches into water. Place the container in an area that gets at least partial sun. In a few days, they will begin growing new tops.
I like putting my regrowing scallions in just water since it makes caring for them easy. However, some people prefer to put them in soil because it offers the plant more nutrients.
Regardless of how you grow your green onions, they do not need a big container. Many people regrow them in small mason jars. If you are placing them in soil, at least one gallon is recommended.
Do you have an indoor garden? For more ideas, check out my post on finding cheap or free containers.