Having a backyard garden is one of the best parts of summer, but what happens when summer is over? How can you enjoy fresh produce when it’s cold out? By growing spinach indoors! Greens are a great plant to grow in the winter; this guide will help you start.

Gardening 101 doesn’t just happen outside during the warmer months; it continues year-round with indoor options that are easy and fun.

Eating fresh greens in delicious summer salads is something I love. And for the longest time, I could only enjoy them in the summer months.

Luckily many advancements have been made with gardening, and you can now grow quite a bit inside your home even while the snow is falling outside.

Growing spinach indoors is a great way to keep a steady supply of leafy greens in your diet.

Whether you live in a small apartment or have plenty of outdoor space, indoor growing is a flexible, customizable option for any homesteader.

Is growing spinach indoors complicated?

Not at all; it’s actually easier than many people realize. All you need is a container, light, good soil, and a warm area, and you have what you need to get growing.

How to Grow Spinach Indoors

Actually growing the spinach is easy as long as you do the right prep work.

#1. Choose the Right Container

The first thing you will need is a good container, and what you use is up to you. If you only want to grow a few plants, you can use a few pots placing them in windows around your home.

If you want to grow many you can invest in a tower setup giving you multiple areas to grow plants in.

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Be sure to choose a container that provides enough space for the spinach to grow and has ample draining for healthier roots.

How to Grow in Containers

Since spinach roots need room to spread out, you may need to transplant the spinach if it should outgrow its original container.

a container of young spinach plants growing on a counter

What does spinach need good drainage?

No matter which container you choose, it is important to ensure there is ample drainage for excess water to escape.

Root systems that sit in over wet soil continuously can lead to fungus and root rot.

Check the container for holes in the bottom. If there are none you can add in holes yourself using a nail and hammer.

Be sure to set the container on a tray to keep excess water from spilling out onto the floor.

a hammer sitting on top of a metal herb growing container near to a nail

Hydroponics for Growing Spinach

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions to deliver essential minerals directly to the plant roots.

This method requires a bit more setup but it is a more efficient way to grow in the winter months.

To grow spinach hydroponically, you’ll need a hydroponic system. Look for hydroponic kits online or at your local gardening store. Yes, they are a bigger cost investment, but once you can use it again year after year to grow a variety of foods in the winter.

Hydroponic Growing Options for Indoors

a hydroponic grow system on a back patio

Lighting

Spinach needs plenty of light to grow. You can use natural light or artificial light sources like grow lights. If you’re using natural light, place your spinach near a sunny window. Spinach needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

If you’re using grow lights, choose ones that emit full-spectrum light for optimal growth. Position the lights about six inches from the plants and keep them on for 14-16 hours per day.

Watering

When it comes to watering spinach, it’s important to strike a balance between over-watering and under-watering. Spinach needs moist soil, but not soil that’s soaked through. Water your spinach when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Use a watering can or spray bottle to gently water the soil, taking care not to splash water on the leaves. To avoid leaf rot, consider using a watering probe to check the moisture of the soil.

a watering meter a the base of a pepper plant in a grow bag

Harvest

Spinach grows quickly! In just 40 days, you’ll be able to harvest your first crop of indoor-grown spinach. Simply snip off the outermost leaves when they reach a few inches in length. Leave the inner leaves to continue growing.

Storage

To store spinach, wrap it in a clean, damp cloth and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze spinach in freezer bags to enjoy later. Frozen spinach can be used in smoothies, soups, stews, and more.

Spinach is one of the most versatile leafy greens out there. Use it in salads, sandwiches, wraps, sautés, and omelets. Add it to your favorite pasta dishes, or use it as a substitute for basil in pesto. Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a super food that should be part of any healthy diet.

Growing spinach indoors is a simple, rewarding project for any homesteader. With the right containers, lighting, and watering techniques, you can grow delicious, nutritious spinach all year round.

Harvest, store, and use your spinach in a variety of ways to keep your meals fresh and healthy. Once you’ve got the hang of growing spinach indoors, try experimenting with other crops to create a thriving indoor garden.

More Alternative Growing Resources:

How to Grow Fresh Spinach Indoors All Year Long

Turn your windowsill into a spinach garden. This indoor growing guide is perfect for anyone wanting to add healthy greens to their diet

Materials

Containers or pots (with enough space for the roots)
Potting soil
Hydroponic system and nutrient solution (for hydroponic growing)
Spinach seeds

Tools

Hammer and nail (for making drainage holes if needed)
Watering can or spray bottle (for gentle, controlled watering)
Grow lights (if natural light is insufficient)
Plant saucer or tray

Instructions

Choose the right container that allows room for spinach roots to spread. If you’re growing several plants, a stackable or tower setup can help you save space.
Make sure the container has holes. If it doesn’t, you can easily add some by carefully poking holes in the bottom with a nail and hammer. Place the container on a tray to catch any extra water and avoid spills.
Give hydroponic growing a try. Invest in a hydroponic system that suits your space and reuse it yearly to grow spinach and other plants without soil.
Provide adequate lighting. Spinach needs six hours of light daily, so place your container in a sunny window. You can also use grow lights and keep them on for 14-16 hours a day to mimic sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, using a watering can or spray bottle.

Notes

Indoor plants may need a bit of extra nutrition, especially in potting soil. Consider a mild, balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks to support healthy leaves and steady growth.
If you’re using natural light, rotate the container every few days. This helps the plants grow evenly and prevents them from leaning too much toward the light source.
If the leaves start to yellow or look limp, you may be overwatering. Let the soil dry out a bit before the next watering and adjust as needed.

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Growing spinach indoors