spring • food • gardening • indoors • Newsletter • Health & Wellness • 2 min read • Mar 15, 2017 12:00:00 AM • Written by: Kat Smith
Springtime brings a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables to grocery stores and farmer’s markets, but you can cut out the middle man when you opt to grow your own edible plants right at home. Even if you live in a colder climate or have limited backyard space, you can get a garden started indoors as long as you choose the right plants and potting materials. Indoor gardening can not only improve your diet, but it can improve the air quality in your home as plants cleanse the air around them.
Best edible plants to grow indoors
Gardening indoors can actually have many advantages when it comes to environmental control, making it perfect for more temperamental plants like avocados, citrus fruits, and salad greens. So while it might be difficult to keep your outdoor plants from getting too much heat, moisture, or cold exposure, by bringing your flora indoors you can have greater control over these variation. Other plants that grow well indoors include garlic greens, herbs, tomatoes, and green onions, which are all relatively low-maintenance plants that don’t need too much direct sunlight.
Indoor gardening tips
When you start your indoor garden, it is essential to ensure good drainage in each pot with a tray or other water collection pan underneath. Store-bought potting mix will suffice for your soil, but you might make your own as you get used to gardening and understanding the nutrients that various plants need. If you don’t have great natural light in your home, grow lights can be an affordable and essential addition to your indoor edible plant collection.
Health benefits of growing your own
By growing more of the food you eat, you can eliminate questions about where your food is sourced and how it’s grown. You’ll also encourage yourself and your family members to eat more fresh fruits and veggies, which are a staple in any healthy diet.
If you have any health concerns or questions about your dietary needs, speak with a medical provider through MeMD, which can connect you with care anytime day or night.
