How To Start A Small Indoor Kitchen Garden At Home

In this time where every food is processed, and every vegetable and fruit is grown with artificial fertilisers, having a kitchen garden is a blessing! It’s 100% organic, better for health and always fresh! 

Be it a big farmhouse or a tiny apartment, a kitchen garden can add the necessary greenery to your living spaces, also making them aesthetically pleasing! 

In today’s blog, let us understand the whats, whys and hows of growing a kitchen garden!

Why You Should Grow Kitchen Plants at Home

One of the best advantages of having a kitchen garden is that you don't have to go to the supermarket to get them! We have all had moments when we have forgotten to buy a few vegetables from the market and remember it only when we have already laid the base for a particular dish.

On the other hand, growing your own plants means no chemical and hybridly grown food, making your eating habits healthy without even trying. It also decreases food waste and constantly filters the air. In addition to that, gardening in itself is a very therapeutic hobby. Taking care of plants, watering them, and watching them grow brings satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, thereby positively impacting our mental health.

What is an Indoor Kitchen Garden?

An indoor kitchen garden is a small setup where herbs, vegetables, leafy greens, or microgreens are grown inside the home, usually near a kitchen window, balcony, or well-lit corner. These gardens can be created using pots, containers, jars, or both indoor and outdoor planters, depending on the available space.

Indoor kitchen gardens are ideal for urban homes because they require minimal space and maintenance. From basil and mint to spinach and tomatoes, many plants can thrive indoors with proper sunlight and watering.

12 Best Kitchen Garden Plants List for Beginners

Herbs

Growing herbs has to be one of the easiest kitchen plants to grow indoors, and they are perfect for daily cooking. They grow in tiny indoor planters, and all they need is daily watering and some fresh air and sunlight! A few herbs that can be grown easily are: 

• Mint

• Basil

• Coriander

• Parsley

• Curry leaves

• Oregano

Leafy Greens

The best thing about growing leafy greens is that they grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times. Some of the easily grown leafy veggies are: 

• Spinach

• Lettuce

• Fenugreek leaves

• Kale

Vegetables

With proper care and sunlight, certain vegetables also grow in small indoor settings. All you need to do is place them in comparatively deeper pots so that they have enough space to grow properly. These veggies are: 

• Cherry tomatoes

• Green chillies

• Spring onions

• Capsicum

Microgreens

Microgreens are one of the ideal choices for beginners since they grow quickly in shallow trays and are packed with nutrients. A few examples are: 

• Mustard microgreens

• Radish microgreens

• Sunflower microgreens

• Wheatgrass

Things You Need to Start a Kitchen Garden at Home

The secret to creating a perfect kitchen garden lies in its tools. Not many, not too few, just these few essentials are enough.

Pots or Containers

Different plants need different types of pots. As mentioned above, for leafy greens like mints and coriander, you can go for cute indoor planters and sometimes even wall mounted test tube planters. On the other hand, for veggies like cherry tomatoes, we need deeper planters.

However, no matter the shape or size of the planter, the most important thing is having a drainage hole. It plays the most significant role in keeping the plant perfectly healthy because it drains away the excess water. 

Remember: Excess of anything is bad! 

Good Quality Soil

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. For indoor kitchen gardening, always choose light, nutrient-rich potting soil that allows proper airflow and drains water well. Heavy garden soil may seem like a good option, but indoors, it can hold too much moisture and affect root growth.

A good soil mix keeps the roots healthy, supports faster growth, and helps your kitchen plants stay fresh and green for longer. Think of it as the foundation of your little indoor garden!

Seeds or Saplings

Using saplings instead of raw seeds is the easiest way to begin if you are new to kitchen gardening. You don't have to start from nothing because they are already half-grown and easy to maintain. 

However, seeds are easier on your pocket and are a perfect choice if you want to grow different plants together. 

Watering Tools

That aesthetic watering can that you see in the TV shows? You don't need them to water your plants. You might want them, yes. But watering plants is the easiest task while growing a plant. 

Based on your plant type, the watering could be a spray bottle, a sprinkler, or even a simple mug. The main motive is to provide the plant with sufficient water! 

However, it is important to keep in mind that overwatering the plant can weaken its roots and ultimately damage it. Make sure that the soil is a little dry before watering them again.

Sunlight or Grow Light

Most kitchen garden plants love sunlight and need around 4-6 hours of light every day to grow properly. A bright kitchen window, balcony corner, or sunny shelf usually works best for herbs and leafy greens.

If your home does not receive enough natural sunlight, grow lights can be a great alternative. They help indoor plants get the light they need to stay healthy, fresh, and full of growth throughout the year.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Kitchen Garden

Choose the Right Spot

Choose a spot where it gets an ample amount of sunshine and air. Windows of your kitchen or balconies are perfect spots for keeping indoor plants.

Pick the Right Plants

If you are a beginner, then start with low-maintenance plants. Do not over-crowd by adding too many plants altogether.

Prepare Pots and Soil

Pots with drainage and good soil are the key factors related to your plant’s growth. Ensure that the pots have a drainage hole and the soil is healthy. 

Plant Seeds or Saplings

Plant seeds according to the recommended depth mentioned on the packet. If using saplings, place them gently into the soil and press lightly around the roots.

Water and Care Regularly

Water the plants based on the soil’s moisture content. You do not have to water them regularly, but consistently according to the plant’s needs. Make sure it never overflows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Kitchen Gardening

• Avoid overwatering the plants or watering them without checking the moisture of the soil. 

• Never use pots without drainage holes.

• Do not keep the plants in dark areas of your living spaces.

• Do not grow many plants at once.

• Do not ignore pest control.

• Using ordinary soil. 

Simple Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Garden Healthy

• Trimming herbs regularly makes room for fresh growth. 

• Use natural compost for better nutrition

• Water the leaves of the plants and keep them dust-free.

• Rotate pots for balanced sunlight exposure.

• Always drain out excess water. 

• Start small and expand your garden gradually. 

Conclusion

In short, starting a kitchen garden is the best way to bring freshness into your daily life. With a few lookouts and care, your kitchen garden will bloom! 

Happy gardening!

FAQs

What are the best kitchen plants for beginners?

Leafy plants require minimal maintenance and are easy to grow. Therefore, any plants like mint, basil, coriander, spring onions, and spinach are the best kitchen plants for beginners. 

How often should I water kitchen plants?

The key to watering plants depends on the soil’s moisture. If the soil is too moist or watery, avoid it. If not, it can be watered. 

What are the best kitchen window plants?

Herbs, climbers, and creepers are excellent kitchen window plants. 

Do I need special pots for indoor kitchen gardening?

No, you do not necessarily need special pots. Only one criterion: it needs to have proper drainage holes.