Winter Greens: Your Guide to Indoor Growing Herbs, Greens, and Microgreens

Best Herbs and Greens to Grow Indoors

Not every plant loves indoor life. Stick with easy wins that don’t need a greenhouse or daily babysitting.

Top indoor herbs for winter:

• Basil

• Cilantro

• Parsley

Best indoor greens:

• Lettuce

• Spinach

• Arugula

Microgreens (fastest payoff):

• Radish

• Broccoli

• Pea shoots

Microgreens are perfect for busy parents—they grow fast, need little space, and are ready before your kids forget you planted them.

How to Create the Right Indoor Growing Setup

Indoor plants need a decent imitation of outdoor conditions. Nothing fancy—just smart placement and consistency.

Light

• South-facing windows work best

• If sunlight is weak, use LED grow lights

Temperature

• Ideal range: 65–75°F

• Avoid cold drafts and heat vents

Humidity

• Winter air is dry

• Use a humidity tray or small humidifier

Think of it as basic comfort—plants don’t like dry air or temperature mood swings any more than people do.

Watering and Care (Where Most Beginners Go Wrong)

Indoor plants die more often from overwatering than neglect.

Watering tips:

• Check soil before watering

• Water only when the top inch is dry

• Drain excess water—no soggy roots

Feeding

• Use a balanced organic fertilizer every 2–3 weeks

• Less is more indoors

Pests are rare, but wipe leaves occasionally and keep things clean.

Harvesting Your Indoor Garden

Harvest often. It keeps plants productive and gives you a reason to cook something besides frozen pizza.

How to harvest:

• Snip leaves as needed

• Never remove more than one-third of the plant

• Use immediately for best flavor

Fresh herbs and greens make winter meals better—and remind you that spring isn’t gone forever.

Indoor winter gardening is practical, low-stress, and surprisingly productive. Start small, keep it simple, and let your indoor garden work for you—not the other way around.