Indoor Growing: Vegetables & Herbs Indoors (UK)
Indoor growing makes it possible to produce fresh vegetables and herbs year‑round, even in small UK homes, flats, and rented spaces. Whether you’re working with a sunny windowsill or a simple grow‑light setup, indoor growing gives you more control over light, temperature, and timing — without needing a garden or allotment.
This hub brings together practical, real‑world guides on growing food indoors. It’s designed to reduce overwhelm, cut through hype, and help you choose methods that actually work in UK conditions.
Getting started with indoor growing
If you’re new to growing indoors, start here. These guides focus on what’s realistic, what grows well inside, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes.
- What indoor growing really involves (space, light, expectations)
- Which vegetables and herbs are easiest to grow indoors
- Windowsills vs grow lights — when natural light is enough
- Low‑cost ways to get started without buying unnecessary kit
👉 Start with the basics before investing in equipment or complex systems.
Lighting & indoor environments
Light is the single biggest limiting factor for indoor plants in the UK. This section covers grow lights, light placement, and energy efficiency — explained simply and without sales pressure.
- Do you actually need grow lights?
- Understanding spectrum, PAR, and PPFD (without the jargon)
- How many hours of light indoor plants need
- Choosing efficient lights that won’t inflate energy bills
- Setting up shelves, spare rooms, or small tents safely
If indoor plants struggle, lighting is usually the reason — not soil or feeding.
LED grow light reviews & comparisons
Once you understand how indoor lighting works, the next step is choosing a grow light that actually suits your space. This section brings together hands‑on LED grow light reviews and comparisons, based on real use rather than spec sheets alone.
These guides focus on:
- How different LED lights perform in real indoor setups
- Noise, heat output, and day‑to‑day usability
- Energy efficiency and running costs in UK homes
- Which lights make sense for small spaces vs larger setups
- Honest pros, cons, and limitations — not just highlights
Rather than listing every model available, this section features a small number of well‑tested lights across different budgets and grow sizes. The aim is to help you make a confident choice without wading through endless product pages.
If you’re comparing brands, wondering whether a popular model is worth it, or trying to match a light to a specific indoor setup, start here.
What you can grow indoors
Not all crops are suited to indoor growing. This section focuses on vegetables and herbs that perform reliably indoors, especially in limited space.
- Leafy greens and salad crops
- Herbs for cooking and regular harvesting
- Compact fruiting plants like chillies and tomatoes
- Varieties bred for containers and low light
You’ll also find advice on which crops are better left outdoors, saving you time and frustration.
Containers, soil & growing systems
Indoor growing isn’t limited to pots of compost. This section covers different growing methods, from simple soil setups to hydroponics and aeroponics.
- Choosing the right containers for indoor plants
- Soil vs coco vs hydroponic systems
- Drainage, airflow, and avoiding mess indoors
- Self‑watering systems and space‑saving designs
The goal here is stability and ease, not chasing maximum yields.
Feeding, watering & plant care
Indoor plants rely entirely on you for water and nutrients. These guides focus on simple routines that keep plants healthy without overfeeding.
- How often to water indoor plants
- Common signs of over‑ and under‑feeding
- Organic and low‑input feeding approaches
- Keeping plants healthy in dry indoor air
Consistency matters more than precision.
Common indoor growing problems (and fixes)
Most indoor growing problems are predictable — and fixable. This section helps you diagnose issues quickly and get plants back on track.
- Leggy seedlings and weak growth
- Yellowing leaves and stalled plants
- Mold, fungus gnats, and indoor pests
- Poor flowering or fruit set indoors
- Hand‑pollination for indoor vegetables
These guides are designed to keep you growing rather than starting over.
Harvesting & using indoor‑grown produce
Indoor growing is about regular, small harvests, not bulk crops. This section covers when and how to harvest, plus simple storage tips.
- Harvesting leafy greens and herbs correctly
- Encouraging regrowth and repeat harvests
- Storing small indoor harvests efficiently
- Using fresh produce without waste
Even a small setup can make a noticeable difference to everyday cooking.
Tools & accessories for indoor growing
You don’t need much equipment to grow indoors, but the right tools can make things easier and more reliable.
- Grow lights and timers
- Small fans for airflow
- Trays, pots, and shelves
- Indoor watering cans and accessories
This section focuses on useful, long‑lasting kit, not gimmicks.
Small spaces, flats & low‑energy setups
Indoor growing works best when it fits naturally into your home. These guides focus on practical setups for real living spaces.
- Indoor growing in flats and rented homes
- Quiet, low‑profile setups
- Energy‑conscious growing choices
- Combining indoor and outdoor growing through the year
Indoor growing should support your lifestyle — not dominate it.
Where to go next
If you’re just starting out, begin with easy indoor vegetables and herbs and a simple lighting setup. If you already grow outdoors, indoor growing can help you extend the season, start plants early, or keep fresh greens going through winter.
This hub will continue to grow as new guides are added. Everything here is written with UK conditions, real homes, and practical budgets in mind.
Use the sections above to explore what fits your space, your energy use, and the way you want to grow food.