best indoor vegetable garden system
This list of the best indoor vegetable garden systems will help you get your favorite summer veggies growing inside over the winter. Now you can have access to a summer harvest no matter what the weather is like outside your window.
Gardening 101 tips that bring fresh organic food indoors so you can enjoy it all winter long.
Be sure to grab the FREE Gardening Tools Checklist below!
Indoor gardening has quickly become a popular option for homesteaders and gardeners all over. Before, we were limited to our short growing seasons; now, we can enjoy the summer foods we love even if the snow is falling outside.
Over the last few years, indoor growing systems have flooded the market, and that can make it pretty tricky to know what the best setups are. We have our favorites list ready for you to check out, along with the pros and cons of each setup. Use this list as your starting point for finding an indoor growing system that fits your home, your time of life, and your budget.
Is an indoor vegetable garden worth it?
We love the idea of gardening indoors and find it’s a great compliment to a summer garden. Before, indoor gardens were limited to a few pots of herbs near to a window; now, with the advent of home hydroponic systems, a whole new world has been opened up for gardeners all over. Besides having fresh produce year-round, indoor gardening also offers a rewarding winter project the entire family can enjoy.
What is a hydroponic garden?
A hydroponic garden is a unique type of indoor garden that allows plants to grow in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution, rather than in soil. Plants in a hydroponic system have direct contact with the nutrients they need to grow, which can lead to faster growth rates and larger yields. Hydroponic gardens can be surprisingly easy to set up and maintain, with systems available for beginners as well as experienced gardeners. It’s a fun and efficient way of gardening that can provide fresh, produce all year round.
What are the different types of indoor gardening systems?
There are several types of indoor gardening systems available, each with its own unique benefits:
- Hydroponic Systems: As mentioned earlier, these systems allow plants to grow in a nutrient-dense, water-based solution. They are available in different types, such as deep water culture (DWC), aeroponics, and nutrient film technique (NFT).
- Aquaponics Systems: These are a combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics. The waste produced by the fish serves as an organic food source for the plants, and the plants naturally filter the water the fish live in.
- Aeroponic Systems: In these systems, plants are grown in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium. The roots hang in the air and are misted with the nutrient solution.
- Vertical Gardens: These indoor gardens utilize vertical space to grow plants, making them ideal for those with limited room.
- Container Gardens: These use traditional gardening methods but are done in containers placed inside the home. They are perfect for growing small amounts of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Each system has its own pros and cons, and the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and resources.
Supplies for Indoor Gardening:
Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant
Grow Your Own Vegetables 20 Packet Variety, Garden Pack – High Yield Easy Seed Starter Kit for Growing Veggies at Home – Gardner Set with 8,000 Heirloom Seeds for DIY Outdoor & Indoor GardenWolezek Grow Lights for Indoor Plants, Full Spectrum LED Plant Grow Light with Adjustable Stand and Sturdy Clip, 5-Heads Plant Light with Auto 6/12/16H Timer, 3 Light Modes, 5 Levels DimmableBN-LINK Durable Seedling Heat Mat Warm Hydroponic Heating Pad Waterproof 10Worldgsb Glass Spray Bottles, 16oz Refillable Containers, Empty Boston Round Bottles with Labels & Adjustable Nozzle for Cleaning, Gardening, Aromatherapy, Pets, Plant, Hair -Clear (1 Pack)Andhuhu Watering Can with Long Spout, Watering Can for Outdoor Plants, Small Watering Can for Plants, Indoor Watering Can Plastic for Flower Garden, Removable Nozzle, 34 oz/1 Liter, Black
BEST Indoor Vegetable Garden Systems
Let’s look at some of the top indoor vegetable garden systems available.
#1. Counter Top
iDOO 12 Pods Hydroponics Growing System with 6.5L Water Tank, Hydro Indoor Herb Garden Up to 14.5
We love this countertop option! The 12 Pods Hydroponics Growing System has enough room to grow herbs or leafy greens you can use for a lovely salad. With 12 pods, you have enough room to grow a variety of plants. The light is included, meaning you can place this setup where you may not have enough lighting for quality growth.
Pros: Very affordable all-in-one option allowing you to try indoor gardening without spending a fortune.
Cons: This is a smaller setup, and if you want enough to feed a family, you may want to invest in a bigger setup.
#2. Vertical Stand
If you have more room to dedicate to your indoor garden, then this vertical setup might be a good fit. We love this Hydroponics Growing System not only because it has more room for growing but also because it works great on the floor or even a table. It comes with everything you need to grow including the lights, trellis support, and base.
Pros: This system comes with a trellis support so you can grow larger plants such as tomatoes or vining plants such as cucumbers.
Cons: The larger size means a larger price tag and if you have a smaller budget you may want to skip over this option.
#3. Shelf Setup
If you are looking for a more involved system that has everything you need to get started, then this Plant Shelf with Grow Light and Cover is it. All you need are the seeds, plants, and containers, and you are good to go. We love that this option is on wheels so it can be easily moved around. With so much room, you can really grow a full garden inside your home.
Pros: Loads of room and easy to relocate as well as a simple setup that looks to be more durable than other options.
Cons: This setup definitely has a bigger price tag, which is something to keep in mind. Partner that with the fact that you will need to provide the containers, this can make it an even bigger expense.
#4. Mini Greenhouse
Finally, this option will give you a little everything. We love this Mini Greenhouse with LED Grow Lights because you can put it just about anywhere. The covering helps to keep the plants warm, and the lights give plenty of growing light. You can put this on a cart so you can move it around, it has loads of room for a variety of plants, and the price tag is more on the reasonable side.
Pros: We love how vertical this option is, giving you all the key components, allowing you to put it just about anywhere.
Cons: Not easy to move as each part is separate from the other.
Choosing the Right Indoor Garden Setup
Selecting the best indoor garden setup depends on several factors.
#1. Consider the space available in your home. If you have limited space, compact options like a mini greenhouse or vertical garden would be ideal.
#2. Decide on the types of plants you wish to grow. Certain setups might be more suited for growing herbs, while others might be perfect for growing tropical plants or vegetables.
#3. Keep your budget in mind. The cost of indoor garden setups can vary widely. If your budget is limited, start out with something small and work your way up as your skills grow with indoor gardening.
#4. Consider the amount of time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining your indoor garden. Some setups may require more care and attention than others.
By taking all these factors into consideration, you can choose an indoor garden setup that best fits your needs and preferences.
Tips for setting up your indoor garden
To set up your indoor garden successfully, consider the following tips:
#1. Choose the Right Location: Your indoor garden needs to be in a location that gets plenty of sunlight, preferably near a south-facing window. If that’s not possible, consider using artificial lights.
#2. Opt for Suitable Planters: Choose pots or planters that have good drainage. Overwatering is a common problem in indoor gardening, and good drainage can help prevent this.
#3. Select Appropriate Soil: Not all soil is created equally. Choose a type that’s best suited for indoor plants, generally a mix that’s well-draining and lightweight.
#4. Regulate Temperature and Humidity: Indoor plants require a certain level of humidity and temperature, which may vary depending on the type of plants. Ensure your indoor garden environment can provide the correct levels.
#5. Feed Your Plants Properly: Indoor plants may need supplemental feeding. Use an appropriate fertilizer to provide necessary nutrients that are not readily available in the soil.
#6. Regularly Check for Pests: Even indoor plants can be affected by pests. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests and take immediate action if you find any.
With so many options out on the market, knowing the main setups will help you to choose the one that will work best. Walk your home and look at where you can set up an indoor garden, then come back to this article and find the style that will work best. No matter how much space you have and what size budget you are on, you can find a system that will give you summer products all winter long.
More Indoor Growing Reads:
Find this post and more at our favorite blog hop!
