How to Start Your Indoor Garden This Winter

Winter's here, which means it's time to let your outdoor garden take a well-deserved break. However, that doesn't mean your green thumb has to hibernate too. In fact, indoor gardening might just be the perfect winter hobby you didn't know you needed.

Even if you're working with a small apartment or limited counter space, you can grow fresh herbs and vegetables all winter long. Plus, there's something really satisfying about snipping fresh basil for your pasta while temperatures drop outside.

Here's everything you need to start your own indoor winter garden.

Look for a window that faces south: That's where you'll get the most natural light throughout the day. No south-facing window? No problem. East or west windows can work too, though your plants might grow a bit slower.

Get some grow lights: If your home doesn't let in a lot of natural light, it's time to consider grow lights. Simple LED grow lights work great and won't spike your electricity bill. Place them about 12 inches above your plants and keep them on for 10 to 14 hours daily. Set a timer so you don't have to remember to turn them on and off.

Use this list of affordable grow light options to check out what's available.

While you won't be growing giant tomatoes or zucchini indoors, there are tons of plants that actually love the indoor life.

Start with herbs. They're practically made for windowsill gardens:

• Basil: The ultimate kitchen companion; pinch it regularly to keep it bushy
  
  
• Mint: Nearly impossible to kill, and great for tea
  
  
• Rosemary: Loves a sunny spot, and makes your whole kitchen smell amazing
  
  
• Chives: Super easy, and adds flavor to everything

Graduate to vegetables. Once you've got the hang of herbs, try these:

• Salad greens: Lettuce, spinach and arugula grow fast and don't need much space
  
  
• Cherry tomatoes: Small varieties of tomatoes will reliably grow indoors
  
  
• Radishes: From seed to harvest in just three to four weeks
  
  
• Microgreens: Nutrient-packed, and ready to eat in about two weeks

If you want to be more adventurous, you could experiment with a mushroom growing kit. Mushrooms don't need any light, and you can grow the shiitake and oyster varieties right on your counter.

Container choice matters: Plants don't like soggy roots, so make sure your pots have drainage holes. Use containers that give your plants room to grow. Herbs can handle smaller pots, but vegetables need more space.

Soil isn't just dirt: Use a quality potting mix, not garden soil from outside. Indoor plants need soil that drains well but still holds some moisture. Look for mixes labeled for containers or indoor plants.

Location, location, location:  Keep plants away from heating vents and cold drafts. Both can stress your plants and slow their growth. A steady temperature between 65 and 75 degrees works best.

Think vertically: Short on space? Use shelves or hanging planters to create a vertical garden. You'll fit more plants and create a living wall that's basically free home decor.

Find the watering sweet spot: Indoor plants usually need less water than outdoor ones. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it's still moist, wait another day. Overwatering kills more houseplants than anything else.

Feed your plants: Indoor plants can't get nutrients from the ground, so they need your help. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Your plants will thank you with bigger harvests.

Harvest regularly: The more you pick, the more your plants produce. Snip herbs frequently to encourage bushier growth. Harvest salad greens by cutting outer leaves and letting the center keep growing.

Growing your own food indoors does more than just save you money on groceries. It reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on packaging and transporting produce. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about eating food you grew yourself, especially in the middle of winter.

Indoor gardening also helps combat those winter blues. Taking care of plants, watching them grow and having living green things in your space can seriously boost your mood during the darker months. It's like bringing a little bit of summer inside.

Expecting outdoor results: Your indoor lettuce won't be as big as summer lettuce. That's normal. Indoor plants grow smaller but are often more tender and flavorful.

Going too big too fast: Start small with a few herbs. Once you get the hang of it, expand your garden. It's better to have three thriving plants than 10 struggling ones.

Forgetting about air circulation: Indoor air can be stagnant. A small fan on low helps strengthen stems and prevents disease. Your plants will be happier with a gentle breeze.

Giving up too soon: Seeds can take time to germinate, especially in cooler indoor temperatures. Be patient. Most herbs and greens will sprout within 7 to 14 days.

Starting an indoor garden might feel daunting, but it's really just about giving plants what they need: light, water and a little attention. Start with one or two easy plants, learn what works in your space, and build from there.

Want to make your whole home as green as your new garden? Enter your ZIP code below to find renewable energy plans that help your home go green.