Planting with the A-Team | How to Start an Indoor Vegetable Garden

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How to Start an Indoor Vegetable Garden

Indoor vegetable gardening is the perfect way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all year round, regardless of weather conditions. This can be a great solution for people who live in homes with little to no yard, or staying out of the brutal Arizona summer heat! In this guide, we will share with you the basics of starting an indoor vegetable garden, and how to keep it alive and enjoy fresh food and herbs.

Step 1: Choose a Location

The first step before you begin planting your vegetable garden is to choose the right location for the seedlings. Find a spot that receives plenty of natural light, such as a south-facing window or a room with skylights. This can include direct sunlight. The general rule of thumb is to aim for morning sun and afternoon shade.

Step 2: Choose Your Vegetables

When it comes to indoor vegetable gardening, it's important to choose the right plants for your space and growing conditions. Some vegetables that do well in indoor environments include herbs, leafy greens, and small root vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and chive onions.

Step 3: Soil and Containers

We are almost ready to begin planting! The right soil and containers are essential to your success in growing an indoor vegetable garden. Use a seed-starting potting mix, as these are specifically formulated for growing plants from the seed stage. Choose containers that are large enough to accommodate the root systems of your plants. Remember to choose containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, or drill your own in the bottom

Step 4: Planting

We can now begin planting. Fill your container with seedstarting potting soil, and press your finger into the soil to open up space for the seeds. Grab a pinch of seeds from your package, place them in the space and cover them with soil. Be sure to leave space between the top of the soil and the top of the pot for when you are watering.

Step 5: Watering and Feeding

Proper watering and feeding are crucial to the health of your infant vegetable plants. Water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot. Most plants do not appreciate having “wet feet”, so let the first couple layers of soil dry a bit in between waterings. You may also use a high-quality organic fertilizer to nourish your plants when they are past the seedling phase, and follow the instructions on the label for best results.

Step 6: Harvesting and Enjoying

The best part of indoor vegetable gardening is the harvest! As your plants grow, harvest them regularly to encourage continued growth and production. Enjoy your fresh produce in salads, soups, stir-fries, and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Step 7: The Reward

Indoor gardening is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that will provide you with fresh, produce all year round. With minimal knowledge and effort, anyone can start an indoor vegetable garden and enjoy the numerous benefits of homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Here is a list of our Top 10 easy to grow indoor foods!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Lettuce Microgreens

Citrus

Peppers Green Onions

6. Strawberries

7. Peas

8. Squash

9. Garlic

10. Celery

1 tablespoon instant dry yeast | 1 tablespoon sugar | 1 cup warm water | 1 teaspoon salt |2 teaspoons dried rosemary | teaspoon dried basil | 1 teaspoon dried oregano | 6 cloves minced garlic | 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour | 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons olive oil | 1 tablespoon butter

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large mixing bowl, add yeast, sugar, and water. Stir in salt, rosemary, basil, oregano, and garlic. Add in 2 cups of flour and the parmesan cheese and stir until combined. Gradually add in the remaining 1/2 cup flour (if needed) until you have a smooth and elastic dough that is tacky, but doesn't stick to your hands. Transfer to a lightly greased mixing bowl, cover, and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle a baking sheet with olive oil. Divide the dough in half and shape into two separate round loaves. Place loaves onto the prepared baking sheet. Let rise another 15 to 20 minutes. Top each loaf with 1/2 tablespoon butter. Bake in the 375 degree oven for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.

12 carrots tops removed | 3 tablespoons butter melted | 3 tablespoons honey | 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper | 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish optional

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Slice carrots, at an angle, into 2 to 3 inch pieces. Transfer cut carrots to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle melted butter and honey over carrots and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and spread out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast in the 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until carrots are caramelized and tender. Garnish with parsley, if desired.