Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Public concern about genetically modified foods and the pesticides used on them continues

to grow.

Combined with the increase in the number of food allergies, consumers have becoming willing

to pay more for organic produce.

However, the increase in price for buying organic is more than many people are able to pay.

Because people want to know exactly where their food is coming from, how it was grown, and

what it contains, the art of gardening has been resurrected.

Not everyone has a yard, but the good news is that much of what we buy from the supermarket

produce department can be grown indoors.

Urban Gardening

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Urban gardening is increasing in popularity, and it is truly amazing how much food can be grown

in as small a space as 10 square feet with some of the newest techniques, such as hydroponics.

The variety of plants that can be grown either indoors or on the smallest patio, as well as the number

of creative ways to grow them, is limited only by our imaginations.

Luckily, there are a lot of extremely imaginative gardeners with great ideas about how to make the

most of even the smallest space.

Sprouts, vegetables, fruits, herbs and even teas can not only be grown in a small apartment, but can

help transform any space into a healthier environment.

Getting Started

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Here are a few essentials to consider, when getting started:

Pots:

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Indoor plants require adequate drainage, so the pots should have either holes or stones in the bottom.

Potting mix:

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Organic potting mixes are available at most gardening centers and have been formulated for specific

types of plants that have been proven to thrive in that type of soil.

If you’re feeling creative, you can even make your own mixes.

Compost:

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

There are even methods for creating your own indoor compost that will virtually eliminate food

waste altogether.

Light:

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Adequate sunlight is also a factor, so if you don’t have many windows, you might consider purchasing

grow lights.

It’s guaranteed to be a good investment, since it allows you to maintain optimum light and temperature

conditions year round.

Sprouting:

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative
Grains, seeds and nuts can be sprouted on a windowsill in trays or jars.

Sprouts are jam-packed with beneficial enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

They’re inexpensive, require very little care, and can even be eaten raw.

Many of them even contain anti-cancer properties in addition to other vital nutrients.

Some popular sprouts include alfalfa and sunflower.

Choices, Choices…

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Vegetables that can be grown indoors include:

Tomatoes

Eggplant

Squash

Kale

Peppers

Spinach

Carrots

Lettuce

Herbs

and more….

Space Is Not An Issue…

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Instead of a hanging indoor houseplant, consider a hanging basket of lettuce as greenery that

doubles as an ingredient of a healthy salad.

Or create a space-saving mason jar garden.

Even if you don’t have adequate space for full-grown vegetable plants, you don’t have to miss out

on their superior taste and nutritive value.

Studies have shown that “microgreens”, which are the young seedlings and shoots of veggies like

kale, Swiss chard, radishes and beets may have even more nutritional value than the full grown versions.

Grow Fruits, Too

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

Surprisingly, it’s even possible to grow fruits as well as vegetables indoors, including some that

grow on small trees.

Yes…

Avocadoes

Mulberries

Lemons

Mandarin oranges

Figs

Strawberries

Pineapples

and even watermelons…

…can be grown indoors.

Growing a lemon tree indoors serves the triple purpose of oxygenating the air, providing a lovely

natural scent without toxic chemicals and producing flavorful fruit rich in vitamin C.

According to experts, with proper mulching, almost anything is possible.

Get Creative

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

One of the bonus features of container gardening is the opportunity it provides for exercising

your own creative flair to create beauty as well as healthy food.

Many gardeners make caring for their gardens more enjoyable by planting flowers for a splash

of lovely color as well as scent in the same pot as vegetables and herbs.

There is even a guide that explains which plants grow well together.

More Food for Thought…

Growing Food Indoors - A Healthier Alternative

As the prices of organic herbs and produce continue to skyrocket, it won’t take long for this

investment to pay for itself.

You can even sell any surplus at your local farmer’s market.

Sharing with your neighbors is also a great way to strengthen community ties.

The psychological benefits of gardening are as compelling as the economic, nutritional and social

benefits, which is definitely food for thought.

Sources:

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/indoor-organic-gardening.htm

https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/tip-growing-organic-food-inside-your-home-year-round

http://inhabitat.com/diy-create-a-personal-urban-patio-garden-not-matter-how-small-your-space/

http://greatist.com/health/best-plants-to-grow-indoors

 

About the Author:
Philip Piletic – Originally from Europe, currently situated in Brisbane, AUS where I work & live. I have a strong interest in ecology, “green” practices and generally living a sustainable and responsible lifestyle. I love to share my experience with others by contributing to several blogs and helping others achieve success.
If you want to include a social media, here’s my Linked in: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philippiletic

 

Have you grown food indoors?

What have you grown?

What are your best tips for indoor gardening success?

Share your experiences, thoughts and comments with us.

 

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