The best way of ensuring that you’re eating the most healthy, inexpensive, and delicious food is growing it yourself. The idea of growing your own vegetables and fruits is great on numerous levels.
You not only save money but also avoid GMOs and pesticides. Furthermore, you’ll avoid contributing to the global warming discharges related to the industrial food system.
You probably think that growing your own vegetables indoors will be time-consuming and difficult. However, this guide will reveal how easy it is to grow these vegetables in your home.
Rhubarb
Although the plant won’t flourish as well in a bed as it would in a container, you can still plant it indoors successfully. To offer space for their lengthy root system, plant them in a container at least 12 inches across that’s approximately twice as deep.
Drainage is especially important with rhubarb, so include more drainage holes if necessary. The period for planting is dependent on the variety, so it’s important you establish when you need to start planting it.
Bear in mind that you need to plant the crown from 1-3 inches beneath the soil surface and it needs at least six hours of daily sunlight. After a few years, the roots will probably have filled the container, forcing you to split the plant and repot them.
It’s best you avoid harvesting any of the new plants throughout the first year to give them sufficient time to develop healthy roots.
Carrots
Carrots provide a good source of various minerals and vitamins, including thiamin and potassium. You’ll need to buy carrot seeds and a window box or pot with drainage holes beneath.
It’s important you water the soil before you plant and put the container in a spot that obtains considerable light. The soil should also be moist but not soaked. You’ll know they’re ready for harvesting when they’ve grown to approximately ¾ of an inch underneath the green stem.
Bear in mind that carrots begin to lose their flavor and sweetness when they exceed their peak size. Once you pull them from the soil, remove the greens instantly, wipe any excess dirt, and allow them to dry before you store them in the fridge.
Scallions
You don’t need seeds to grow scallions. You simply need to purchase a bunch of scallions, wrap the bulbs with a rubber band, and insert it in an inch of water. Ensure you change the glass water daily and water the plants evenly; don’t allow the soil to become too dry before you water.
If you wish to use the white part of the vegetable, harvest them when they’ve attained six inches in height. Trimmed and washed scallions should last a week in the refrigerator. However, you can maximize freshness by wrapping them in a moist paper towel and storing them in a plastic bag.
Winter Squash
For most people, squash means big leaves on sprawling vines that generate heavy fruits. However, few options exist for planting in indoor containers. For instance, the butterbush variety thrives well in containers.
For best outcomes, begin with transplants approximately two weeks since your last frost date. You’ll require a container that’s at least 20 inches in diameter and depth with adequate drainage. The soil must be rich in nutrients without excess nitrogen and you can give the plants an inch of water weekly.
Final Thoughts
More people are embracing farm-fresh food for obvious reasons. To begin with, they’re environmentally friendly. You’ll also know the origin of the food without having to worry about deceptive food labels. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a farmer to grow these plants, so start now.
For more information on how to grow vegetables indoors, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave other suggestions.
