7 Vegetables You Can Grow Indoors (Even in a Small Space)

If you’ve ever looked at your windowsill and wished it were a garden bed, you’re not alone. Here are seven vegetables you can grow indoors. Whether you’re living in an apartment with no yard or just want to extend your harvest year-round, indoor vegetable gardening can be surprisingly rewarding. It’s also easier than many people think.

You don’t need a greenhouse or grow lights that take over your living room (though those help). With the right vegetables and a little know-how, you can grow vegetables indoors successfully, even in a small space.

This guide will walk you through seven of the easiest and most productive vegetables to grow indoors, with practical advice on light, container size, and care.

1. Lettuce: The Easiest Leaf to Love

Lettuce is one of the most forgiving vegetables you can grow indoors. It thrives in cool temperatures, doesn’t need deep soil, and grows quickly. That makes it perfect for windowsills or countertop containers.

Light needs: 10–12 hours of light per day. A south-facing window will do, but supplemental grow lights will keep it from getting leggy.

Container size: Shallow containers (4–6 inches deep) with good drainage.

Tips:

• Use a loose, well-draining potting mix.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Harvest the outer leaves first to keep the plant producing.

If you’re short on time or patience, try a cut-and-come-again mix like mesclun or baby romaine. You’ll see sprouts in just a few days and can start harvesting within three weeks.

2. Radishes: Fast, Crunchy, and Compact

Radishes are a fantastic option for small space gardening. They grow quickly, need very little attention, and don’t take up much room. You can even grow them in containers as small as a loaf pan.

Light needs: 6–8 hours of direct sunlight, or 10–12 hours under grow lights.

Container size: At least 4–6 inches deep. Look for short, round varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ for best results indoors.

Tips:

• Sow seeds directly into the container.
• Thin seedlings to give each root space to grow.
• Harvest in about 25–30 days.

Radishes don’t just give you a crisp bite for salads. Their leafy tops are edible too and make a good substitute for spinach in recipes.

3. Microgreens: Tiny Leaves, Big Flavor

Microgreens are perfect for anyone new to indoor vegetable gardening. They grow quickly, require minimal space, and are packed with nutrients. Plus, they look beautiful on a kitchen counter.

Light needs: Bright indirect sunlight or 12 hours under a grow light.

Container size: Shallow trays (1–2 inches deep) with drainage holes.

Tips:

• Use a fine seed-starting mix.
• Mist the soil to keep it damp but not soaked.
• Harvest with scissors when leaves are about 2 inches tall (7–14 days).

Popular microgreens include arugula, basil, beet, kale, and sunflower. You can buy pre-mixed seed packets or choose your favorites. They’re perfect sprinkled on eggs, tacos, or soups.

4. Green Onions: Endless Harvest from Kitchen Scraps

If you’ve ever stuck a green onion base in a glass of water and watched it regrow, you already know how easy these are. For a continuous indoor harvest, plant them in soil and give them light.

Light needs: 10–12 hours of light, but they tolerate less.

Container size: Small pots or jars 4–6 inches deep.

Tips:

• You can regrow store-bought green onions several times.
• Plant the white root ends in soil with just the tips above ground.
• Snip greens as needed, and they’ll grow back.

Green onions are perfect for windowsills and can be grown in a narrow container to save space. If you want more yield, start from seed.

5. Spinach: Cold-Loving and Productive

Spinach is a compact, fast-growing leafy green that adapts well to indoor conditions. It prefers cooler temperatures and grows best in well-drained soil with steady moisture.

Light needs: 10–12 hours of light per day.

Container size: 6 inches deep or more, especially for full-sized leaves.

Tips:

• Choose smaller, heat-tolerant varieties for indoor gardening.
• Harvest outer leaves first.
• Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Spinach is nutrient-dense, easy to add to meals, and grows well in the same container as radishes or green onions if you’re low on space.

6. Peppers: Small Plants with a Big Payoff

Yes, you can grow peppers indoors—but smaller varieties work best. Look for dwarf or compact chili types like ‘Thai Hot’ or ‘Mini Bell.’ They’re surprisingly beautiful, often doubling as edible houseplants.

Light needs: 14–16 hours of strong light per day, preferably from a grow light.

Container size: 8–10 inches deep, with good drainage.

Tips:

• Start from transplants or grow seeds under a heat mat.
• Don’t overwater. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
• Hand-pollinate flowers with a small paintbrush if you don’t have insects indoors.

Peppers take a bit longer to mature, but they’re worth the wait if you have a sunny spot or are willing to invest in a grow light.

7. Carrots: Yes, Really! (If You Choose the Right Kind)

Carrots indoors might sound ambitious, but it’s possible with the right setup. Short or round varieties like ‘Parisian’ or ‘Thumbelina’ are perfect for small pots.

Light needs: 12 hours of direct sunlight or grow light.

Container size: At least 8 inches deep.

Tips:

• Use a deep container with loose soil to prevent misshapen roots.
• Thin seedlings early to avoid crowding.
• Keep the soil consistently moist.

You won’t get a huge crop indoors, but pulling up a few homegrown carrots is a fun way to involve kids or bring a little surprise to your windowsill.

What to Keep in Mind for Indoor Vegetable Gardening

Indoor gardening is different from outdoor gardening, but not necessarily harder. Here are a few reminders to set yourself up for success:

• Light matters most. If your plants aren’t thriving, it’s usually due to poor light. Invest in an LED grow light if needed. Even a clip-on version can make a huge difference.
• Water carefully. Indoor plants are more prone to overwatering since there’s no sun or wind to help dry the soil. Check moisture levels before watering.
• Pick the right container. Always use containers with drainage holes. Recycled yogurt tubs, metal tins, and glass jars are cute, but not always practical without proper drainage.
• Watch your temps. Avoid placing containers near heat vents or drafty windows. Most vegetables prefer temperatures between 60–75°F indoors.

You don’t need to grow everything. Start with one or two vegetables you love and build from there. Even a single tray of microgreens or a pot of green onions can be a reminder that good things still grow—even inside a small apartment.

Want to expand your indoor garden? Try herb gardening.

Indoor Gardening FAQ

Add FAQ schema here.

Can you grow vegetables indoors without a grow light?
Yes, but success depends on the vegetable and your window placement. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach can grow in bright window light. Fruiting plants like peppers need a grow light for best results.

What grow vegetables indoors year-round? What are the best ones?
Lettuce, microgreens, green onions, and radishes are your best bet for continuous year-round growing.

Do indoor vegetables need pollination?
Leafy greens and root crops don’t. Fruiting vegetables like peppers and tomatoes will need hand-pollination if no insects are present.

Ready to Start Your Indoor Garden?

Even if you only have a windowsill and a mason jar, you can start growing vegetables indoors. Try lettuce or microgreens first, then experiment with peppers or spinach once you’re ready to expand. The beauty of indoor vegetable gardening is that it can grow right alongside you—small steps, one container at a time.