15 Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors

Today, it cannot be denied that more and more people are being hooked with farm-fresh produce. There are many reasons on why such is the case, and one of them would be the fact that they are fresh. They are grown without pesticides, and hence, being better for your health. This is more than sufficient for you to be convinced that starting your own indoor garden can be a good idea. However, the problem is that many do not have an idea on what to grow. In the rest of this article, you will gain insights on some of the practical choices with regards to the edible plants that you can grow indoors. When they have grown, pick them up and they will be ready to be consumed.

Avocado

While growing with an avocado pit is the easiest option, this is not considered by many people because they cannot grow edible fruit. If you want to sow and eat what it will bear, it is best to buy a dwarf plant that is available commercially. As it is grown, make sure that it is watered generously in order to influence its healthy growth. This should be planted because it is rich in flavonoids, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B6. Based on studies, avocados can help reduce eye degeneration and cardiovascular diseases.

Peppers

In order to grow peppers, it is required that you have a warm temperature in the household and that there is a spot that receives light from the sun, such as the windowsill. While there are many types of this plant, some of the most commonly grown indoors are banana peppers and cherry peppers. Make sure that there is more than enough space. They are also better to be grown from sprouts and not from seeds. Once they are ripe, they can be pickled and can be a major ingredient for your salad and other cooked food items.

Lettuce

Are you a salad lover? If that is the case, then you must consider planting lettuce indoors. You only have a window that faces on the southern direction, which will provide the plant with abundant sunlight. For the plant to thrive, you will need to have moist soil, which should be also well-drained. Once you have the lettuce seeds, just plant them and wait for at least 4 weeks, wherein maturity will be reached and they will be ready for harvesting. The good thing about lettuce is that they can be planted continuously after making the harvest.

Basil

If you love herbs, you have a good reason to plant basil. This will also make a good addition to your salad or for making aromatic oils and for plating in order to make the food more appealing. It can be easily grown in a container as long as you have the right kind of fertile soil. Another thing that is essential for the pot is to have sufficient way to be drained because basil will not be able to tolerate too much water. If you are growing basil that will be used as food flavoring, it needs to be grown with an organic fertilizer.

Carrots

To plant this vegetable, you simply need to buy carrot seeds and a pot. Make sure that they are pressed gently and covered with thin soil afterwards. For best results, do not forget to keep the moisture in the soil through watering. In about two weeks, harvest will be ready. The most evident indication that it can be already harvested would be when it has already grown ¾ inch from the top. Carrots are good not only because they are edible, but also because they are rich in carotenoids for better eye health.

Scallions

Scallions are comparable to garlic when it comes to their nutritional value and their importance when it comes to alternative medicine. They can help the body in terms of being protected from free radicals and in the prevention of cancer. Once you have the scallions in your hand, have the bulbs wrapped with the use of a rubber band. Place it in a glass that is filled with about an inch of water. See to it that water will be changed every day. Transfer it in a pot after about a week and allow it to grow fully.

Mandarin Oranges

The little fruits that will grow from this tree, when consumed, will provide the body with magnesium, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and antioxidants, among others. Dwarf mandarin orange trees are readily available in various shops. This is the best that you can do to make sure that it will survive. Have it planted in pots that are big with holes at the bottom to allow the water to drain. As soon as the fruits turn orange, it is a good sign that they should already be picked.

Lemons

Considered by many to be a superfood, lemons are abundant in antioxidants and Vitamin C. Eating lemons is linked to the reduction of heart disease and different types of cancer. It is also good for cleansing, which will allow the body to get rid of toxins. There are trees that are sold that have been already pre-grown for at least two years. It is important that they receive sufficient sunlight and to be watered regularly. While watering is important, it should not be too much in order to keep the right moisture of the soil.

Tomatoes

This is another essential for people who love salads or tomato juices. It can also be used for making tomato paste that will provide enhanced flavor to your food. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They are best grown outdoors, but they are also able to survive the indoors as long as they are placed facing the window in the south direction. See to it that the pots will be turned from time to time in order to ensure even distribution of sunlight to both sides of the plant.

Radish

This is another good option if you are looking for plants that can be grown easily indoors. After just a few weeks, it will be ready to be eaten. The container should have a width of at least 14 inches and should be placed in a window that receives sufficient amount of sunlight through the day. The seeds should be planted at a depth of at least half an inch and should be spaced out an inch apart from each other. The plant bed should be moist but not too wet.

Mushrooms

While mushrooms are good ingredients for cooking, many people avoid them because they are expensive. The good news is that you can plant gourmet mushrooms even at the comfort of your own home. A clean source, such as wood or compost will be needed for growing mushrooms. For best results, purchase the commercial kits that are available and follow the specific instructions that will be provided by the seller.

Ginger

Most people would think of ginger as a root that can add a unique flavor or spice to a wide array of dishes. However, it can also be eaten raw, especially in the field of alternative medicine. It is known for the reduction of inflammation and elimination of pain caused by arthritis. Simply plant an entire root in soil. As it is covered, make sure to expose the parts with the buds.

Rosemary

This is another herb that should be grown by people who love robust flavor in their food. Aside from its scent, it is also known as a source of carnosic acid, which can help in the reduction of bad cholesterol in the body and in weight management. Its propagated cutting can be planted in soil, although the better choice would be buying seeds. Adding a teaspoon of lime can help in order to make the soil healthier.

Garlic

This is one of the choices that can be planted any time of the year. Most people liked that it is easy to grow and maintain. Simply plant the head of the garlic in a pot with fertile soil and that is facing the sun. It would be better to choose bigger cloves. Make sure that you water it daily. Garlic is rich in allicin and other anti-inflammatory compounds and can be an ideal choice for pain management.

Mint

Mint leaves are tasty. If you drink, they would add a good flavor in your cocktail. For salads, they can be a good flavoring as well. For alternative medicine, it can be taken in a variety of ways in order to aid in digestive problems. The seeds should be planted in a deep and wide pot. It is also important to prevent dryness of the soil to ensure its survival.