If you think gardening stops when the seasons change, these vegetables and herbs prove otherwise. Many popular crops adapt well to indoor conditions and still provide harvests without a full outdoor garden.
Most of them are leafy greens or herbs that thrive in containers and require just 4–6 hours of light. They grow quickly, don’t demand much space, and can even double as houseplants.
You’ll enjoy the beauty of fresh greenery along with the convenience of picking ingredients straight from your windowsill. Let’s explore 10 great options you can grow indoors.
#1 Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest leafy greens to grow indoors. You can regrow it from the base of a store-bought head or start it from seed in a shallow pot. The compact roots make it a perfect fit for windowsill containers.
Keep the soil evenly moist, and you’ll have crisp leaves ready in just a few weeks. With staggered plantings, you can ensure a steady supply of fresh salad greens. Having lettuce nearby means you’ll never run out of a quick, healthy garnish.
#2 Spinach
Spinach grows quickly and does especially well in cooler indoor conditions. Place the pot under a sunny window or use LED grow lights to keep it thriving. Keep the soil moist but not soggy to encourage leafy growth.
Harvest the outer leaves regularly, and new ones will keep sprouting for weeks. Because it matures so fast, you can enjoy multiple harvests from one container. Fresh spinach at home also saves you trips to the store for this nutrient-rich green.
#3 Radish
Radishes are perfect for indoor pots since they grow quickly and don’t need much space. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil, and water consistently to avoid dry, woody roots.
They tolerate cooler conditions, which makes them easy to care for indoors. In just three to four weeks, you can pull up crisp radishes ready for eating.
You can even enjoy the edible leafy tops in salads or stir-fries. A few small containers of radishes will keep your meals colorful and fresh.
#4 Arugula
Arugula adapts beautifully to indoor growing and adds a peppery punch to dishes. Scatter seeds into a pot filled with potting mix, water lightly, and keep the container near a light source.
Harvest young leaves for tender, mild flavor, or wait until they grow larger for a bolder taste. This green thrives in cooler indoor temperatures, making it a low-maintenance crop.
Cut leaves regularly, and the plant will continue producing for weeks. A few pots of arugula can keep your salads interesting year-round.
#5 Mustard Green
Mustard greens are fast growers and thrive even in modest indoor setups. Plant them in small pots or containers filled with nutrient-rich soil. Keep them near a window where they can get at least a few hours of sun.
Their tender leaves add a spicy bite to salads, soups, and stir-fries. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth and to keep plants compact. With their quick turnaround, mustard greens are perfect for an ongoing indoor harvest.
#6 Microgreens
Microgreens pack impressive nutrition into tiny leaves, and they’re incredibly easy to grow indoors. All you need is a shallow tray, soil or a grow mat, and seeds. In less than a week, you’ll have a fresh batch of greens to harvest.
Clip them when they reach a few inches tall and add them to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. They don’t take much light or space, making them a top choice for beginners.
Growing microgreens is also a fun way to experiment with different flavors.
#7 Basil
Basil is a favorite herb that grows happily indoors with just a bit of attention. Start it from seeds or cuttings, and plant it in a sunny container near your kitchen. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from getting leggy.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and it will reward you with aromatic leaves. Fresh basil adds instant flavor to pasta, pizza, and sauces. Having a pot on your windowsill makes cooking more convenient and flavorful.
#8 Scallions
Scallions are among the simplest plants to grow indoors. You can place cut-off root ends in a glass of water, and new green shoots will appear within days.
For longer harvests, plant them in a small pot of soil. They grow quickly and don’t require much care beyond occasional watering.
Keep them near a sunny window for best results. A steady supply of scallions adds freshness to soups, stir-fries, and salads without ever running to the store.
#9 Mint
Mint grows vigorously indoors and quickly fills its container with lush greenery. Start it from cuttings or a store-bought bunch by rooting stems in water before planting them in soil.
Keep the pot in partial sunlight and water regularly to maintain healthy growth. The refreshing flavor works well in teas, desserts, and savory dishes.
Pruning helps control its spread while keeping leaves tender. A single mint plant indoors can supply your kitchen with endless uses.
#10 Ginger
Ginger is an easy root to grow indoors from a store-bought rhizome. Plant a piece with visible buds in a pot with rich, well-draining soil. Keep it in indirect light and water moderately to prevent rotting.
New shoots will appear, and over time, you can harvest pieces of the root. The leaves are also edible and add a mild ginger flavor to soups or stir-fries. Growing ginger indoors gives you a steady supply of fresh spice right at home.