Indoor Gardening Ideas & Tips

 In these difficult times many people have turned to gardening as a way to relieve stress but lots of us do not have the luxury of a garden especially if we live in the centre of London, or even any outside space at all.  However, we do have window ledges where plants can be grown as long as they receive sufficient light and nutrients and we remember to water them. 

So plant some seeds and watch them grow.   As psychologist, psychotherapist and author, Corinne Sweet says, 

‘Gardening is a brilliant de-stressor.  If you don’t have a garden, even doing window boxes and pots can help, as getting your hands dirty is a good way to get grounded and more relaxed. It puts us back in touch with our primaeval [sic] selves and helps iron out modern-day stresses.’ 

Getting started:

As I mentioned the trickiest part of indoor gardening is to make sure the plants have the right amount of water, without overwatering and washing away the seeds.  Also the plants must receive plenty of light and not be placed in a drafty area.    

What to grow in: 

Empty yogurt pots are the perfect size or even using old eggshells and pots and trays.  You can even use an old washing powder container.  Make sure the containers are well drained.  

What to grow: 

Lettuce can be grown in pots with potting soil.  Sprinkle seeds and cover lightly and then place in a sunny area. Micro greens are some of the best vegetables to grow indoors and can be grown all year round. These include miniature greens from radishes, mustard greens, chard, broccoli, lettuce, and more.   They grow quickly, they require very little space, and they are absolutely delicious.  Herbs are especially good for growing indoors such as basil, parsley, oregano, chives and to brighten up the living space, flowers if you wish such as marigolds and petunias and some edible flowers.  Nasturtiums are a particular favourite for growing indoors with a nice peppery flavour, high in vitamin C. (as I said before they need plenty of light and a well drained soil. 

Where to buy: 

Wholesale Microgreen even provide you with a starter kit and how-to guide.

The Green Seed Company give you a handy guide as to what to grow with some edible flowers as well. 

Suttons’ spring list illustrates seven big pages with the various tomato plugs on offer and then moves on to red-hot chillies. 

Thompson and Morgan offer much the same in a slimmed-down list if you do not wish to be spoilt for choice.