Introduction
Did you know that 42% of Brits grew their food in 2023? It’s true! And with our unpredictable weather, indoor vegetable gardening is becoming more popular. I’ve been cultivating my indoor vegetables for years now, and let me tell you, it’s brilliant!
Whether in a cosy flat in London or a cottage in the Cotswolds, growing veg indoors is a smashing way to ensure fresh produce all year round.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 easiest vegetables to grow indoors in the UK for 2024. So, pop the kettle on and let’s dig in!
Why Grow Vegetables Indoors in Britain?
One of the best reasons to grow indoors is to beat the unpredictable UK weather and to have fresh produce regardless of the season or location.
As a small and populated island, people can only sometimes access space. Indoor urban farming is perfect for small spaces in urban areas like London.
With the environment being a primary focus, growing your produce can reduce food miles and your carbon footprint.
The weather in the UK is becoming less predictable and more extreme leading to problems like pests, drought, and overwatering. Growing food indoors gives you more control over growing conditions without pesticides.
Food security in the UK is essential. As an island nation, we rely on imported food.
Essential Kit for Indoor Vegetable Gardening in the UK
To get started growing your food indoors, you will need some equipment:
Containers and grow bags
As you are not planting in the ground, you will need several pots or grow bags to grow your indoor vegetables.
Grow lights (crucial for dark British winters)
Grow lights are unnecessary for the summer months, provided you have a sunny spot where the plants get at least 6 hours of good light per day.
Quality compost and peat-free potting soil
Next, you will need good-quality soil or compost to fill the plant pots. Local garden centres or even Amazon are good places to start.
Watering can or self-watering systems
Most vegetables like lots of water so you will need a watering can or a self-watering system.
Plant food suitable for edibles
It is important to remember that you are eating what you grow and want to avoid chemical-based plant feed.
Top 10 Easy Indoor Vegetables for UK Homes
The top 10 easy indoor vegetables to grow in the UK are also some of the most used and useful to have on hand in the kitchen. The following list starts with the easiest vegetables to grow indoors.
1. Microgreens
Microgreens have become very popular over the last few years. Growing microgreens is a beginner-friendly, affordable and accessible way to get nutrition. Other reasons to grow microgreens are:
- You get quick results in the UK’s short growing season
- They are packed with nutrients
- A variety of British favourites available, like rocket
2. Salad Leaves
The next step up from growing microgreens is growing your salad leaves. Although salad leaves require a little more attention, they are affordable and easy to grow.
Some other reasons to grow salad leaves are:
- Cut-and-come-again for continuous harvest
- Mix of rocket, spinach, and mustard greens for full flavour
- Ideal for small spaces like city flats
3. Herbs (Basil, Coriander, Mint)
How many times have you bought fresh herbs only to have them perish before you can use them? Growing your herbs means you will always have fresh herbs to hand.
The best herbs to start with are basil, coriander and mint because:
- Essential for British and international cuisines
- Aromatic additions to any indoor space
- Easy to maintain on a windowsill
4. Cherry Tomatoes
If you have conquered growing microgreens, salads & herbs, it is time to step up to the cherry tomato. Given some good sunlight, cherry tomatoes are:
- Compact varieties ideal for indoors
- High yield, even in small pots
- Nothing beats homegrown tomato flavour
5. Chillies
If you can grow tomatoes, you can grow chillies! Another great addition to the indoor garden because:
- Add spice to British curries and other dishes
- Decorative plants that thrive indoors
- Long-lasting harvests throughout the year
Learn how to grow chillies from seed here – How to grow chillies from seed
6. Spring Onions
Forever valuable in so many ways, the humble spring onion grows well indoors and is easy to maintain. You might want to grow spring onions indoors because:
- Quick results for impatient gardeners
- Minimal space required – perfect for crowded kitchens
- Can be regrown from supermarket scraps
7. Spinach
Spinach is a superfood that is very easy to grow, especially indoors:
- Nutrient-rich and versatile in British cooking
- Grows well in cooler indoor temperatures
- Continuous harvesting for months
8. Radishes
Radishes are a tasty kick in any salad which taste even better grown at home. Quick to offer results, radishes are:
- Fast-growing crop (3-4 weeks)
- Compact root vegetable for container growing
- Adds a peppery crunch to salads
9. Baby Carrots
Is there anything more delicious than buttery baby carrots? You might be surprised to know that baby carrots grow well indoors. They are also:
- Sweet, homegrown flavour
- Fun for children to grow and eat
- Choose shorter varieties for indoor pots
10. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are growing in popularity due to their kitchen versatility and health benefits. It would be best if you considered growing mushrooms because:
- Unique option that thrives in low light
- No sunlight required – perfect for British winters
- Grow different varieties not found in shops
Tips for Successful Indoor Vegetable Gardening in the UK
For a more significant crop from your indoor harvest, here are some tips from what I have learned over my time growing indoors:
- Maximising natural light in typically grey British weather will boost your crop
- Supplement low winter light with grow lights in colder seasons
- Managing the humidity in often damp British homes
- Regular feeding with British-made organic fertilisers for better yields
- Carry our pest management without harsh chemicals
Common Mistakes for British Indoor Gardeners to Avoid
To help you avoid the same mistakes, here are some things I have learned growing indoors:
- Try to avoid overwatering in our humid climate
- Underestimating the need for light in winter months, use lights
- Using outdoor compost for indoor plants (brings in pests & diseases)
- Don’t neglect to feed plants in nutrient-poor potting mixes
- Choosing vegetables unsuited to indoor temperatures
Conclusion
Growing vegetables indoors is a fantastic way for us Brits to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all year round, regardless of our famously fickle weather.
With these top 10 easy indoor vegetables to grow, you can create a thriving indoor garden in your home, whether in a bustling city or the quiet countryside.
Remember, start small, be patient, and don’t be afraid to experiment—it’s all part of the joy of gardening!
Before you know it, you’ll harvest your own vegetables and herbs, adding a personal touch to your Sunday roast or weeknight curry. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some seeds, pots, and compost, and let’s get growing!
