You want to start growing some plants at home but don’t know where to begin. This guide will show you some of the best kitchen gardening plants for your home.
Growing vegetables from seeds or seedlings is a great way to save money and enjoy fresh produce. However, it might seem overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. There are hundreds of types of vegetable seeds out there, and they come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Some require soil, others water, and some even need light.
This article will give you a quick overview of all the different types of garden plants that you can grow indoors. So, dig in and learn about the best kitchen plants to grow.
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Benefits of kitchen gardening
There are many benefits to kitchen gardening, including the ability to grow fresh, healthy food without the use of chemicals. Kitchen gardens also provide a way to teach children about where their food comes from and how it is grown. Additionally, kitchen gardening can be a relaxing and therapeutic activity.
How to get started
Getting started with kitchen gardening is easy. All you need is a sunny spot in your yard or on your balcony, some basic gardening supplies, and some seeds or seedlings. Once you have your garden set up, you can start planting.
Here are some of the best plants to grow in the kitchen garden
1. Carrots
Carrots are one of those easy-to-grow veggies and very forgiving. You need to provide them with enough water and sunlight. If you live in a colder climate, you might consider growing them indoors during winter.
They prefer cooler temperatures, so planting them in spring or fall is best. Carrots are like deep, well-drained soil rich in composted manure. A good rule of thumb is to add 2 inches of compost to every bed of carrots.
You’ll know your carrots are ready to harvest when the tops die. To keep them healthy, try planting them in rows rather than mounds.
To avoid carrot fly problems, ensure no standing water sources are nearby. The tiny flies lay eggs in wet areas, which hatch into larvae that eat away at the roots.
2. Beets
Beets are another popular root veggie that does well in cool climates. They are extremely hardy and can withstand a wide range of weather conditions.
Unlike other root crops, beets thrive in poor soil. Their leaves turn red as they mature, making them an excellent choice for summer eating.
Choose a variety with long roots and small leaves if you want to grow beets. Plant them in early autumn after the last frost date.
3. Herbs
Herbs are one of those things we don’t think about much anymore. But they’ve been used for cooking, medicine, and even magic since ancient times. And now, thanks to modern technology, you can grow some of your favorite herbs yourself.
The most important thing to know about herbs is that they like lots of light. You’ll want to give them plenty of sunlight during the day and keep them out of direct sunlight at night. You might consider putting them inside during winter if you live somewhere cold.
You can find seeds online, or you can buy plants already grown. Either way, you’ll want to start small and work your way up. Start with a few pots and see how many herbs you use. Then, once you know what works well for you, you can expand into larger containers.
4. Hot Peppers
Pepper plants are among the easiest vegetables to grow. You don’t even need a garden to enjoy them. You can buy pepper seeds online and start growing peppers inside your home. These tropical perennial plants require lots of sunlight, so provide plenty of natural lighting during the day. If you live in a cooler climate, consider purchasing a heat mat to help keep the temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pepper plants like it hot, so give them enough room to spread out. Plant them in a pot at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. When planting, add some compost to the bottom of the pot. Water regularly, especially during the summer months. If there’s no frost, peppers will start forming within three weeks. Keep watering until harvest season arrives.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is a simple growing crop and doesn’t require special care. Choose varieties that do well in your areas, such as butterhead lettuce for hot weather and romaine lettuce for cooler temperatures.
Lettuces have shallow roots, so you won’t need to dig deep to plant them. Instead, gently push the seedlings to the ground below the surface with a spade or trowel.
6. Onions
Onions are another common kitchen staple you can easily grow independently. Like other vegetables, onions do best in loose, fertile soil, so add some manure or compost to your garden bed before planting.
Keep in mind, though, that onions take a lot of room. Plant them in groups instead of individually, and leave enough space between each group.
7. Potatoes
Potatoes aren’t technically vegetables, but are still easy to grow at home. Hundreds of varieties are available, including fingerling, baby, and new potatoes.
Potatoes like plenty of water and warm temperatures. If you live in a cold climate, try planting them indoors in early spring. Just remember to provide them with plenty of bright light.
8. Radishes
Radishes are delicious when sliced thinly and served alongside meat. Like other root crops, radishes need warmth and dry conditions. They also like good air circulation around their roots. In addition, they benefit from some sunlight. If you grow radishes in a greenhouse or conservatory, provide plenty of light.
Sow seeds directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed or plant seedlings 4–6 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds will germinate in 7 days at 70°F (21°C). When growing under lights, it is best to keep the temperature above ambient temperature no more than 65°F (18°C).
9. Leafy Salad Greens
Leafy salad greens are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in small spaces. You can plant them directly into the ground or start seeds indoors and transplant them later. They’re easy to care for, too. Just keep them watered regularly and fertilize them once every month or so. Some varieties even tolerate light frosts.
They don’t take up much space, either. A single head of lettuce takes up just 2 square feet of garden real estate. And you can harvest several heads each week. So it makes sense to grow them in large quantities. If you live in a climate where temperatures drop below freezing during winter, consider growing hardier types such as romaine, butterhead, oakleaf, and red-leaf lettuce.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most popular fruits in the world. And while it might seem like they grow best outdoors, there are plenty of indoor options.
The trickiest part of growing tomatoes indoors is getting enough sunlight. You don’t want too much heat because that could damage the fruit. But you also don’t want too little because that can stunt growth.
A good rule of thumb is to give each tomato plant 12 to 15 hours of direct sun daily. Consider adding additional lighting if you live somewhere where winter temperatures dip into the single digits.
You can start seedlings directly in pots or trays filled with potting soil. When the plants are ready to transplant, gently loosen the roots, place them in larger containers, and water them well.
When you bring them inside, keep the temperature around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t let them freeze.
If you’d rather buy your grown tomatoes, head to our guide to the best cherry tomatoes.
11. Turnips
Turnips are similar to rutabagas and are often used interchangeably. Both are tasty root vegetables that store well. Try turnip greens as an alternative to collard greens.
Like rutabaga, turnips prefer cool weather. Plant them in late summer through fall. Because they’ll mature quickly, you can leave them in the garden until the first frost. Then, pull them out and store them in a root cellar.
| Plant Name | Type | Growth Conditions | Harvest Time | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Basil | Herb | Full sun to partial shade | 4-6 weeks after sowing | Adds flavor to pasta, salads, and more. |
| 2. Tomatoes | Vegetable | Full sun | 60-85 days after planting | Great for salads, sauces, and salsas. |
| 3. Mint | Herb | Partial shade to full sun | All year round | Adds a refreshing flavor to beverages and dishes. |
| 4. Rosemary | Herb | Full sun | All year round | Enhances the flavor of roasted meats and vegetables. |
| 5. Chives | Herb | Full sun to partial shade | 60 days after sowing | Adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. |
| 6. Peppers | Vegetable | Full sun | 60-90 days after planting | Used in a variety of culinary dishes. |
| 7. Cilantro | Herb | Partial shade to full sun | 45-70 days after sowing | A staple in Mexican and Asian cuisines. |
| 8. Thyme | Herb | Full sun | All year round | Pairs well with poultry and roasted vegetables. |
| 9. Green Onions | Vegetable | Full sun to partial shade | 60-90 days after sowing | Adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. |
| 10. Parsley | Herb | Partial shade to full sun | 70-90 days after sowing | Used as a garnish and flavor enhancer. |
| 11. Oregano | Herb | Full sun | All year round | Common in Mediterranean and Italian dishes. |
| 12. Kale | Leafy Green | Full sun to partial shade | 50-70 days after sowing | Nutrient-rich addition to salads and smoothies. |
| 13. Cucumbers | Vegetable | Full sun | 50-70 days after planting | Ideal for salads and pickling. |
| 14. Radishes | Root Vegetable | Full sun to partial shade | 20-30 days after sowing | Quick-growing and great for salads. |
| 15. Spinach | Leafy Green | Partial shade to full sun | 40-50 days after sowing | Rich in vitamins and minerals. |
How can you use kitchen gardening to improve your health?
1. Kitchen gardening can help improve your overall health by providing fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
2. Gardening also provides you with moderate physical activity, which can help to reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
3. exposure to sunlight while gardening can also help improve your mood and mental health by boosting serotonin levels in the brain.
4. Gardening can relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
5. Gardening is a great hobby for children, especially since it helps teach them about nature and how food grows.
6. Gardening teaches kids responsibility as they learn to keep their environment clean, maintain healthy habits, and stay organized.
7. Gardening can encourage family bonding time and enhance relationships between parents and children.
8. 9. Gardening is a fun hobby anyone can enjoy, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or socioeconomic status.
10. Gardening has been proven to lower blood pressure, increase circulation, and help relieve pain.
11. Gardening is not only relaxing, but it is also very rewarding.
12. Gardening is inexpensive and requires little space, making it perfect for any household.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What Is Called Kitchen Gardening?
Fruits and vegetables are grown using kitchen wastewater in the kitchen garden in the house’s backyard. In addition to Home gardens, Nutrition gardens, Kitchen gardens, and Vegetable gardens are also known as Nutrition gardens.
2. How Does Kitchen Gardening Work?
In this process, the nutrient-rich wastewater from the kitchen is used to fertilize the soil. The nutrients in the wastewater are absorbed by the plants growing on top of the soil.
3. Is It Safe To Grow Fruit And Vegetables Without Purchasing Fertilizer?
Yes, it is safe to grow fruit and vegetables without purchasing fertilizer. It’s just important to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer when using water treatment systems.
4. Will My Home Be Contaminated If I Install A System To Collect And Treat Wastewater From My Kitchen?
No, it won’t contaminate your home. All that happens is that the wastewater will run into a drain or septic tank. This doesn’t pose any threat to your home.
5. Can You Still Cook With The Treated Wastewater?
Yes, you can continue cooking with the treated wastewater. However, ensure that all surfaces you touch are either stainless steel or porcelain coated before touching anything else once you wash dishes.
Conclusion
Kitchen gardening is one of the most effective ways of improving your diet. It also offers many other benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep quality, helping to combat depression, etc. These benefits clarify why so many people choose to do kitchen gardening. I hope this article helped you in starting kitchen gardening.
