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.
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. Don’t worry, I have a list that will make it a bit easier to decide. Our favorites list 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?
Who doesn’t love the idea of gardening indoors? I sure do. It’s a great compliment to a summer garden, allowing us to extend the season by months instead of weeks.
Having even a few herbs growing near a warm and sunny window that you can use in January is worth the effort by far.
Before, indoor gardens were limited to a few pots of herbs, now, with home hydroponic systems and other unique options, a whole new world has been opened up for gardeners all over.
Not only can you have a supply of fresh produce year-round, indoor gardening also offers a rewarding winter project the entire family can enjoy.
What are the different types of indoor gardening systems?
There are several types of indoor gardening systems available, from traditional to advanced.
- Container Gardens
- Vertical Gardens
- AeroponicGardens
- Hydroponic Gardens – My favorite way to grow food indoors!
What is a hydroponic garden?
A hydroponic garden is a unique type of indoor garden that allows plants to grow in water that is nutrient-rich instead of soil. Plants in a hydroponic system have direct contact with the nutrients they need to grow, which can lead to faster growth rates.
Hydroponic gardens today are easy to set up and just as easy to maintain, with systems available for beginners allowing you to get a garden started and growing right on your kitchen counter in just a few minutes.
Hydroponics is growing in popularity, and that means there are many affordable options available on the market today. This approach to growing indoors is a fun and efficient way of gardening that can provide fresh produce all year round.
BEST Indoor Vegetable Garden Systems
Let’s look at some of the top indoor vegetable garden systems available along with the pros and cons of each. Refer to this list when you are ready to bring your love of fresh food indoors.
#1. Traditional Container Gardens
This setup allows you to grow a small collection of plants such as herbs. You can use traditional containers such as flower pots, jars, or buckets.
You can purchase a container kit to get started or reuse items from your home turning them into the perfect container to grow your herbs.
If you use a container without drainage, be sure to add pebbles or glass stones to help keep the roots from sitting in water.
Pros: A great way to reuse items around your home, turning them into a vibrant indoor herb garden. By far the most affordable option.
Cons: You will need to find a sunny window or invest in grow lights to ensure plants get the light they need to grow. You will also need to be aware of how much you water as the soil can get too wet causing issues with the roots.
#2. Vertical Gardens
These indoor gardens utilize vertical space to grow plants, making them ideal for those with limited room. You can purchase a vertical planter that has containers around allowing you to grow a large variety of herbs.
Many of these setups have wheels making that make it easy to move around a room even once easy to move around a room even once they are planted.
RooTrimmer 5 Tier Vertical Planters Stackable Gardening Planter for Strawberries, Flowers, Herb and Vegetables, Brick Red
STEADY HOME Self-Watering Wall-Mounted Planter Indoor/Outdoor Decor with 4 Pots, Easy to Use Living Wall Planters to Create Vertical Garden, Vertical Planter for Home(Black)3 Tier Stackable Garden – Indoor / Outdoor Vertical Planter Set – Self Watering Tiers From Top Down – Grow Fresh Herbs In The Kitchen or Patio – Smart Planting Pots – Used for Strawberries Herbs Peppers Flowers and Succulents (Stone)
Pros: Allow you to grow more plants in a small more compact area.
Cons: These containers can be very heavy once planted so be sure you have it where you want it before you add the soil.
#3. Shelf Setup
If you are looking for more room to grow that includes lights and warmth, this Plant Shelf with Grow Light and Cover is it. It is a full garden on wheels, giving you the freedom to move it around.
You will need to supply the containers but the selves allow you to use just about any size. A cover and thermometer help to keep the warmth where it needs to be for optimal growth indoors.
I love that this option is on wheels, so it can be easily moved around. With so much room, you can 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
This option is good if you have a colder home and worry about your plants. It is similar to the shelf setup, but on a much smaller scale.
This Mini Greenhouse with LED Grow Lights gives you the lights, starter tray, and cover to help regulate the warmth inside.
It is compact, yet it has enough room for a variety of plants, and the price tag is more on the reasonable side.
Pros: A smaller option allowing you to try indoor growing without investing too much money or taking up too much room.
Cons: Not easy to move as each part is separate from the other.
#5. Hydroponic Systems
If you have a bigger budget, you can invest in a Hydroponics Growing System. These setups hav more room for growing and can be kept in a corner of a room. It comes with everything you need to grow, including the lights, container, and wheels, allowing you to move it around easily. ,
This setup allows you to grow using nutrient-rich water instead of heavy soil. Most of these gardens are compact yet still allow you to produce a nice fresh food supply.
You can choose from a small countertop option to a large floor vertical garden.
Most have wheels, allowing you to easily move them around or even outdoors on a warm day to get access to sunshine.
Pros: This system comes in a variety of sizes, allowing you to choose the best setup for the room you have to grow in.
Cons: The larger size means a larger price tag and if you have a smaller budget you may want to skip over this option.
Our Favorite is the Gardyn Studio, a vertical floor option that grows a lot of food in a small amount of space. Now, you can turn a corner in any room into a winter vegetable garden.
#6. Counter Top Hydroponic
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.
Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden – Herb Garden with Grow Light, 15 Pods Stainless Steel Indoor Garden Kit, Auto Timer, Gardening Gift for All AgesHydroponics Growing System kit with Trellis,Smart Hydroponic Gardening System with LED Grow Light, Indoor Hydroponic Herb Grow Kit for Short Tomato,Pepper,Cucumber (6200LC)Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System 12 Pods, Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, Adjustable Height Up to 10.8inch, Hydroponics for Family
Choosing the Right Indoor Garden Setup
To be sure you are making the best choice, refer to this checklist.
#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.
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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.
