According to research from the University of Vermont:
“Nearly 90% of people worldwide who spend at least 22 hours a day inside. Americans spend most of their time (90%) either indoors or in vehicles. Children spend less than one hour daily outside, which is 50% less than their parents did as children”.
With all this time inside, it is time to bring nature indoors. Gardening is a great way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and decrease screen time.
What about feeding yourself with organic vegetables freshly plucked from the pot? Here is a list of the easiest vegetables to grow indoors.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a big backyard or garden. Your living room will do just fine. Just simple home care with few essentials will save you from all that grocery trips plus prevent you from spending several bucks.
Scroll down and find all about growing vegetables indoors and which ones are the best.
Can you grow vegetables indoors all year round?
Yes! The vegetables can be grown indoors, in your apartment, all year round. It’s just that you should know the exact amount of light for the plants to survive. Different areas of your home offer an additional amount of light. An average window provides low to medium natural light for plants.
If you plan to grow high-light vegetables indoors all year round, like cherry tomatoes, you need to increase the lights’ level with lights like lamps or LED grow lights, especially in winter months when the day length is short and natural light is low.
The Pros and Cons of Indoor Gardening
For gardening vegetables indoors, you need to control the plant’s growth and the environment. Maintain the potting soil quality, water, and manual fertilization.
The pros of setting up an indoor vegetable garden include less expense. You have your own indoor vegetable garden that saves you endless trips to the grocery store, which means clean eating, and healthier food. And it also allows you to control the internal environment of your plants.
Indoor gardening does come with challenges, which are a lack of light, wind, and pollinating insects. You must maintain proper air circulation to keep oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, allowing flower pollination.
Moreover, if you have an indoor garden, there might be some diseases and bugs which can affect your plants. Plus, it’s extra homework, environmental concerns, pet issues, and much more.
Choose containers that have enough drainage holes and are a perfect size. Use a good-quality potting mix. Plus, you need to consider supplemental lighting too for growing indoors. You must look after growth, lights, soil type, and other environmental factors. To automate your indoor gardening experience, you can use a smart indoor garden. Check out the latest buying guide.
20 Vegetables You Can Grow Indoors
1. Swiss Chard:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 4-6 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny window or grow lights for 6 hours
It is a nutritious, delicious, and ornamental vegetable that is easy to grow. Also, it is available in several colors, which makes growing a perfect delight indoors.
You can grow it during the cold weather to indulge in a constant supply of greens.
A deep pot is not required because it has a shallow root system, but remember, it results in large leaves. They thrive in cool temperatures. If you want an immediate jump, get started with seedlings indoors and transplant the pot outside as soon as the climate becomes warm.
This vegetable is ready after 4-6 weeks. Moreover, it needs a shaded location, which means you need to cover it. It can turn bitter during summer, so give it enough amounts of water.
2. Bell Peppers:
- Temperature – warm
- Harvesting time – 8-13 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow light for 14-16 hours
Bell peppers are a type of warm-season crop. They resist almost all garden pests and come in sweet, spicy, and hot varieties with a range of different shapes, +colors, and sizes. Start planting their seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date. They need a long growing season, which is around 8-13 weeks.
They need light to offer the healthiest, largest fruit, so avoid putting it in the shade. Moreover, the potting mix should be well-drained with perfect consistency. Make sure to avoid planting them in place of nightshade plants like potatoes, eggplants, and tomato plants, resulting in peppers’ exposure to the disease.
For seed germination, the soil’s temperature should be around 70 °F, so place it in a warm area. Set the seeds 1/4 inch deep. Once the night temperatures are around 60 °F, transplant the seedlings outdoors and maintain a space of 18-24 inches.
Maintain adequate moisture in the soil by a plastic covering them. Water 1-2 inches every day but for hot weather, water them every day. Peppers of sweet variety reap within 9-10 weeks, while Caliente ones harvest in 21 weeks.
3. Carrot:
- Temperature – cool
- Harvesting time – 8-11 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow lights for 10-12 hours
Carrots grow well in cool temperatures. They need a high temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius and a daytime temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. They grow well in small gardens, and they can accept a slight shade.
Get a well-drained loam, potting mix for growing them. Seed them in rows, with them being 1-2 inches apart. Place the seeds ½ inch deeper. Allow them to stay in the soil until they are ready to harvest. Remove some dirt from the root top gently and check their size.
The reaping time is different for carrot varieties. Baby carrots get ready to reap them in 8-10 weeks, while mature carrots take around 11 weeks.
Click here for our in-depth guide on growing carrots indoors.
4. Scallions:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 8-11 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow lights for 6 hours
They also do well when planted indoors and are known as perennials, reaching 3 feet in height and getting 12 inches taller or short. They are easy to care for and don’t need much sunlight. For scallions, you don’t even require a seed to start the row. For scallions, you don’t need seeds. You can place the entire scallion in a glass with one inch of water.
Once the roots reach a couple of inches in length, put them in a shallow container with potting mix, they can grow now. Harvest green tops while leaving a one-inch stem to allow regrowth. Scallions are ready to reap in 8-11 weeks.
Scallions need full sun exposure and well-drained, sandy soil. Seedlings of scallions emerge within one to two weeks. The temperature should be at least around 45 degrees.
5. Garlic / Garlic Greens:
- Temperature – cool
- Harvesting time – 8-16 weeks
- Light environment – a sunny spot with partial shade
Garlic is one of the easy-to-grow crops. Plus, it has an intense flavor and can be easily used for culinary purposes. Garlic is planted during autumn and is harvested during midsummer. The big garlic bulbs are grown during late Autumn, with the roots being developed during winter and fall. During early spring, they result in the production of foliage. In cooler areas, planting usually starts during September and November.
Choose a sunny spot for planting garlic. Get hands-on, well-drained, fertile soil, good drainage, and more. Place garlic cloves 2-4 inches apart and deeply around 2 inches.
Keep the young garlic shoots in temperatures around 15-20 °F, plus keep them covered. During spring, shoots of garlic emerge. Garlic is sensitive to long days of summer. Leave single or dual stalks for harvesting. Four weeks before harvest, garlic bulbs start drying, so don’t give water during July.
It’s better to seed garlic in fall in sunny locations, while in winter, keep them covered.
The best time to reap garlic is from early August to late July.
Check out our guide for growing garlic.
6. Cherry Tomatoes/Tomatoes:
- Temperature – warm
- Harvesting time – 8-12 weeks
- Light environment – full light with eight hours of sun
- When to plant – late spring and early summer
Tomatoes are easy to grow, plus they are highly productive and versatile in your kitchens. They are the crop of summer, and they love the sun. They cannot tolerate frost. The reaping time of the tomato ranges from 9-14 weeks.
Select an area with light for planting tomatoes. Choose a light shade for them if you place them in harsh heat, especially in southern regions. You need to drain the soil properly if you plan on growing tomatoes. If you grow tomatoes using seeds, start growing them indoors for 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost dates. For young plants, keep them in the shade for a few hours during the first day and then increase their direct sunlight exposure.
If you want to learn how to grow tomatoes indoors, check out our guide.
7. Onion:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 4-6 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow light for 6-7 hours
- When to plant – fall or spring
Onion is a type of cold-season crop which is easy to grow. During midsummer, you can reap onions. Seed onions during fall or spring with raised beds of 4 inches in height. The onion bulbs grow into full onions after around 31/2 months. The ideal temperature for planting onions is about 20-28 °F. Cover the seeds well with ½ inch of potting soil.
A planted crop during fall needs 4-6 weeks of warm temperatures to turn fully established. The onion crop remains dormant in the cold season but becomes ready during spring. Choose a location having enough light where different plants do not shade the onions.
They must receive 6-7 hours of daylight every day, so set them 4-6 inches apart. They are a type of leaf crop so fertilize them after a few weeks to achieve big onion bulbs. Onions harvest during late summers before the start of cool temperatures. They are susceptible to day length and classified into long, short, and day-neutral types.
8. Green Onions:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 3-4 weeks
- Light environment – full sun exposure of 6 hours or 6 hours of grow light
Green onions are one of the most versatile veggies which can grow in almost all locations.
Prepare a plant bed for green onions and choose a sunny location and well-drained soil. Dig the soil around 12 inches deep.
Place seeds ½ inches apart. The green onion seeds germinate when the soil temperature is around 19-30 degrees Celsius. The onion seeds might take a month to grow.
If you dwell in cold weather, set the seeds indoors eight weeks before the last frost. Green onions need moist enough with 1 inch of water every week. Reap the onions when they mature. After 3-4 weeks, green onion shoots grow to around 6-8 inches and are ready to eat.
If you want to learn how to grow green onions indoors, check out our guide.
9. Lettuce:
- Temperature – cool
- Harvesting time – 6-8 weeks
- Light environment – full sun with 6-8 hours
Lettuce is shallow-rooted, quick-growing, and is one of the best vegetables to grow indoors without any deep containers. Choose a pot that is 2-4 inches deep and can be filled with well-drained soil. Sow the seed and keep them moist. It starts germinating in a week. Let the lettuce grow for 4-6 inches in height before you harvest.
It needs partial sun. You need to plant lettuce 3-7 weeks before the last frost and in fall 11-14 weeks before the first frost. Allow hardening of 1 week before transplanting. Allow lettuce to grow 6-12 inches apart. Make sure to harvest lettuce when five leaves are mature and 2 inches tall.
Check out our guide for growing lettuce indoors.
10. Broccoli:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 7-16 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area with partial shade in hotter weather
Broccoli is a thick-stemmed, stout vegetable that gives a long harvest season with side shoots for several weeks.
The growth rate of broccoli ranges from moderate to slow. The maturity time of broccoli varies between 7-16 weeks based on different varieties.
This vegetable is usually sown during early spring for reaping in summer. However, late summer planting can also result in a fall harvest.
The mature size of broccoli is between 18-20 inches tall. Plus, it needs complete sun exposure with moist, rich, well-drained loam soil.
However, they need partial shade in hotter climates. The bloom time of broccoli is seasonal. Set the seedlings 1-2 inches deeper 18 inches apart. They need a temperature of around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Peas:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 8-10 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow lights for 8-10 hours
They are the best vegetables for indoor growing as they don’t need your attention and proliferate without hassle. Not only that, but they don’t need a sunny place but keep the soil moist.
Peas like cooler conditions, so seed them earlier during the season. During the warm season, peas stop producing.
Peas take around 8-10 weeks for mature growth. They come with the shortest season, so seed as much as possible. Peas need enough amounts of light, which is around 8-10 hours. Make sure to sow pea seeds 2 inches apart. Peas are delicious, and you can utilize them in all recipes now and then.
12. Mushrooms:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 3-4 weeks
- Light environment – shade as sensitive to heat and sunlight
They are the favorite amongst all chefs and especially for people who love the delicious flavor. Mushrooms are utilized in several recipes and are available in several species.
Mushrooms grow in sizes between 2-12 inches, and they need shade for complete growth.
They are sensitive to high heat and direct sun exposure. They need a well-draining loam for perfect growth. Mushrooms neither have seeds nor roots.
Maintain the warm temperature of the soil for the proper production of mushrooms. Regular moisture for mushrooms is essential for adequate growth. Mushrooms grow well in moist, cool temperatures, especially in temperatures ranging between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The seedlings of mushrooms take 3-5 years for the complete growth of filaments. After which, the fruiting bodies of mushrooms grow in just a few days during spring. It’s recommended to harvest mushrooms at ground level to prevent animal or weather damage.
Want to learn more about growing mushrooms Indoor? Check out our guide
13. Basil:
- Temperature – warm
- Harvesting time – 8-9 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow lights for 4-6 hours
It is one of the easiest herbs you can grow indoors and use in many recipes. Basil is one of the real sun lovers who need 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Basil can also do well under fluorescent lights. But you need to keep the lights on for around 12 hours. Keep the soil moist regularly and maintain a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Basil needs loose, well-drained soil. Basil germinates immediately in a week or so at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave the basil as long as it keeps growing. The more it grows, the more flavorful it becomes. It takes around 11-13 weeks to plant.
Want to learn more about growing basil Indoor? Check out our guide
14. Green Beans:
- Temperature – warm
- Harvesting time – 8-12 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow light for 6-8 hours
These plants result in long vine growth or low bush types. Green beans tend to grow several inches and come in flat or round shapes.
For immediate fresh eating, have them in the tender or young state before developing seeds. They are a type of annual vegetable you can increase and are best planted during spring.
The flowers of green beans appear within two months. The reaping time varies depending on the type. Bush beans grow 2 feet tall, while pole beans are 10-15 feet tall. They need sunny exposure and well-drained soil.
Green Beans grow well in 8 inches deep and require a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, and need 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Harvest the indoor beans when they reach the desired height.
15. Dwarf Beans:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 7-9 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow light for 6-8 hours
They are smaller string beans that grow well indoors because you cannot grow them on a vine. The dwarf beans are loaded with enough fiber and vitamins, plus they are pretty delicious.
The dwarf beans get ready for meals in just 7-9 weeks once you pick them up. You can sow the dwarf beans in pots during the late winter. The compact size and rapid growth make them the ideal choice for indoor growing. They grow well in 8 inches deep.
Beans require a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, and they need 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Reap the indoor beans when they reach the desired height. Pick the pods carefully and snap them open from each plant.
16. Spinach:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 6-7 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area or grow light for 10-12 hours
It is also grown similarly to lettuce, and you can use them in salad recipes. Spinach is similar to lettuce and can be quickly produced in small indoor spaces. This is a form of leafy green vegetable to grow indoors that plants generously in a cooler environment.
Keep the seeds separated to prevent overcrowding. You can use them in smoothies, different recipes, and much more. It grows well in fall and spring, plus it thrives well in cooler temperatures. They need 12 hours of sunlight each day with a temperature of around 60 degrees F.
The mature size of spinach is about 6-12 inches in height. Moreover, spinach must be placed in a sunny place with partial shade and moist soil.
17. Arugula:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 4-5 weeks
- Light environment – midday shade
Arugula is a type of annual vegetable which is fast-growing. You need to seed it during late summer or early spring. Arugula is a cold-season vegetable that is ready for harvest after six weeks of the seedling. The mature size of the arugula is around 12 inches in height. Plus, it needs to be placed in a sunny area for growth. The soil type for arugula is well-drained and humus-rich.
The temperature range for the arugula is around 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit. When the seedlings grow 3-4 inches tall, you can pull the whole root out or thin them out.
18. Cauliflower:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 4-8 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny window or grow lights for 6-8 hours
- When to plant – spring
It is a cabbage-type crop that grows well in cool weather and is not a simple vegetable. It is extremely sensitive to changes in temperature. For white varieties, you need to blanch it and then cover its head with the leaves.
Cauliflower plants generously in cool temperatures, especially during early spring or midsummer. They have a slow growth rate, and they get ready to be reaped within 2-3 months. The mature size of cauliflower is around 12-30 inches. It needs a sunny place with rich, well-draining soil to grow well. In warmer temperatures, a partial shade helps in preventing them from bolting.
The bloom time of cauliflower is during spring and fall. Set the cauliflower seeds at ½ inch depth and 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For the cauliflowers to mature well, they need 2-3 months.
19. Kale:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 8-9 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area with partial shade or grow lights for 6 hours
- When to plant – spring to late summers
Kale is a relative of cabbage, which is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. It is grouped in greens and is one of the ornamental plants with curly, textured leaves. It is a cool-season vegetable. Moreover, it comes with faster growth and grows from seeds and takes two months to harvest completely. It is a type of biennial vegetable that grows annually.
Kale is best planted during spring in cooler environments and during late summers in warm climates. The mature kale grows 1-2 feet tall, and it needs to be placed in a sunny place with part shade. Kale requires loamy, moist, and well-drained soil. The bloom time of kale is in early spring.
For a warm, dry climate, it’s best advised to put it in the shade. Otherwise, it will lose flavor, and the leaves might wilt. For planting kale, the soil temperature should be around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information on how to grow kale, check out our guide.
20. Radishes:
- Temperature – cold
- Harvesting time – 4-6 weeks
- Light environment – Sunny area with partial shade or grow lights for 6 hours
Radishes are easy to grow and take only around 4-6 weeks after germination to get harvested. The best part regarding radishes is that they don’t need much light. It’s best to leave them spaced apart and don’t get them crowded.
Small radishes mature in 3-4 weeks, while larger radishes take around 8-10 weeks. This annual vegetable grows about 2-3 feet tall when mature. They need to be placed in a sunny place with partial shade to grow well. Sow the radish seeds ¼ to ½ inches in depth and put them 2 inches apart. For growing radishes in pots, you need lots of water with 4 inches of soil depth to make them grow immediately.
What vegetables should I start indoors?
The vegetables that easily thrive and start in your home easily include lettuce, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Peppers, Cabbage, Winter Squash, Onions, Peas, and much more. These vegetables can be quickly grown, and you can surely start them indoors.
Which vegetables can grow without sunlight?
With several vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and more that love soaking in the sunshine, several others can grow without natural light or as little as 3-6 hours of daylight each day. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beets grow in partial shade, while leafy vegetables like salad greens, spinach, and chard grow well without daylight.
Vegetables like arugula, Swiss chard, kale, lettuce, spinach, and root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, radish, beet, cabbage, cauliflower, and many more can grow without sunlight.
What vegetables grow the fastest?
The fastest-growing vegetables indoors include radishes, green onions, lettuce, baby carrots, spinach, peas, bush beans, kale, turnips, squash, cucumber, leafy greens, and much more. Not all veggies take spring to fall to mature.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now you know how growing vegetables indoors work. I hope this guide helps you understand what the easiest vegetables you can grow indoors are. We tried our best to offer you all the details regarding the best vegetables to grow indoors. It doesn’t require a green thumb to get started with your indoor garden.
