Producing food indoors is a growing trend for cooks who choose fresh fruits and vegetables. A whopping 35 percent of U.S. households garden at home. Food plants require special care. For newbies and seasoned gardeners, it’s vital to develop a schedule, including plant food and lighting. Apps like Getplanta offer information and smart reminders about the best times to water, clean, and fertilize. Here are four indoor food plants, which may benefit from gardeners receiving guidance on step-by-step care.
Kale
Ample lighting is essential for optimal kale health. Partial or full sunlight results in better plant growth. Kale plants also prefer soil with slight acidity and a high organic levels. Keeping the soil moist is vital, and the plant grows well at temperatures of approximately 60 degrees. Continue to feed and fertilize kale during the growing season.
As a food high in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, kale is a great addition to any diet. Whether stir-frying or steaming, the green or purple leaves bring distinct color and taste to the dish. For gardening home chefs, edible kale leaves have multiple culinary uses, including kale chips, soups, kale sausage, and salads.
Rosemary
Rosemary plants grow best in warmer weather and dry soil. It’s not a shade plant and requires sufficient sunlight. If planted indoors, supplemental lighting is an option to ensure optimal growth. Adequate drainage helps keep the plant soil dry. Warmer temperatures up to 80 degrees work well for these plants, which enjoy moderate weather. The plant doesn’t require heavy fertilization.
Although the rosemary leaves have little nutritional value, the plant packs a flavorful punch when added to vegetable and meat dishes. As an antimicrobial, the herb also provides health benefits upon consumption.
Mint
Easy-to-grow mint plants require soil and moisture to thrive. Mints will grow in light or shade and may require pruning to help the plant during growth spurts. The plant is highly adaptable in heat and humidity, preferring high humidity to thrive. Gardeners may mist the mint plant during times of low humidity, such as colder months of the year.
Fresh mint is a home-chef staple, adding delicious flavor to Indian, American, and British cuisine and contemporary desserts, such as ice cream. Mint also enhances the flavor of some alcoholic beverages and herbal teas.
Cilantro
Use no direct sunlight for cilantro, because the plant prefers the shade or indirect light. Warm weather is best, as the plant thrives at 75 degrees. The deep roots respond better to periodic watering and adequate drainage.
Also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, the tart taste of cilantro is a welcome addition to a wide variety of culinary dishes, such as soups, salads, meat, and guacamole.