Snow Outside, Green Inside: A Guide to Indoor Winter Gardening

When winter comes, the world around us can look dull and dreary, but having fresh plants indoors can bring a bit of brightness to your home. Indoor gardening in winter is a great way to have fresh herbs, flowers, or even small veggies right inside your living space. With a few supplies and some planning, you can create a green space that stays alive all winter long.

Which Plants Can You Grow Indoors in the Winter?

To grow plants inside during the winter, it's best to pick kinds that don't need a lot of light or warmth. Good choices include:

Herbs: Basil, mint, chives, and parsley are easy to grow indoors and can add fresh flavor to meals.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, and kale can grow inside, giving you fresh greens even when it's snowing outside.
Root Vegetables: Small carrots, radishes, and beets can grow well inside if you have deep pots.
Houseplants and Flowers: Try low-care plants like pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies. For a splash of color, African violets and Christmas cacti bloom well indoors, too.

What Do You Need to Start an Indoor Garden?

Once you've chosen your seeds or seedlings to grow, you'll also need some basic supplies to start your indoor garden, including:

Containers: Use containers with drainage holes so water doesn't build up, and place them on trays to catch any extra water that drains out. Be sure to choose containers that are an appropriate size for the plants you'll be growing.
Soil: Indoor plants need potting soil or a well-draining growing mix. Some plants, like herbs or succulents, may need specialized mixes.
Grow Lights: Winter light can be too dim for some plants, so you may need to get some LED grow lights or fluorescent bulbs to help them grow indoors.
Watering Tools: A small watering can or spray bottle is ideal for watering without flooding the soil.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks to keep plants healthy.

Steps for Creating a Garden Indoors

Once you have your supplies, it's time to set up your garden. Here are the steps you'll need to follow:

Choose a Location: Place your plants near a south or west-facing window if you can. Avoid spots near drafts or heaters.
Set Up Containers and Soil: Fill each container with soil, leaving a little space at the top. Use trays beneath them to catch any extra water.
Plant and Water: Plant your seeds or seedlings and water them. The soil should be damp but not soaked.
Add Light Sources: If there's not enough light, use grow lights. Position the lights 6 to 12 inches above the plants, and keep them on for 10 to 12 hours a day.
Take Care of Your Plants: Water the plants when the soil feels dry, adding water so that the soil is moist but not soggy. Fertilize every few weeks to make sure that your plants have enough nutrients. And keep an eye out for any issues that might need to be fixed to keep them growing strong.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Indoor gardening in winter can be a little more challenging than gardening outdoors. Watch for these common problems, and take quick action if you see them:

Leggy or Weak Plants: If plants grow tall and thin, they likely need more light. Move them closer to a window or add a grow light.
Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves usually mean that you're overwatering the plant or the pot isn't draining well. Check that the pot has enough drainage holes, and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Curling Leaves: If the leaves of your plants are curling up, you may not be watering them enough. Houses can be very dry indoors in the winter, so make sure that the soil is kept moist.
Pests: Bugs like aphids or spider mites can show up even in the winter. If they do, try spraying a mild soapy water mix on your plants or using an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Slow Growth: Plants can grow more slowly in cooler temperatures. Keep your indoor garden space at 60 to 75 degrees for the best growth.