7 Indoor Gardening Projects That Anyone Can Do
Bringing a bit of the natural world inside doesn't require a greenhouse or a massive budget. Many of us find that as the seasons change or our schedules tighten, we need a more accessible way to stay connected to our plants, or we just want a project we can tackle in the off-gardening-season. These ideas focus on high success rates and low maintenance, designed to fit into your existing home life without creating a mess or a second job. Here are just some home gardening projects that anyone can do.
Countertop Herbs
Culinary herbs are the most functional way to start your indoor gardening journey. If you have a bright (preferably south-facing) window or some grow lights, you can grow fresh herbs just about anywhere. Focus on hardy options like rosemary, thyme, or mint. Use terracotta pots because they allow the soil to breathe, which helps prevent root rot. Having fresh basil within reach while you're cooking dinner adds a wonderful aroma to the kitchen and upgrade to your cooking, a simple project that provides immediate, edible rewards for your efforts!
Low Light Gardens
Not every home is blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows. If your space is a bit dim, look toward snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants. These houseplants are nearly indestructible and actually prefer to be left alone. They don't require frequent watering nor do they require direct light, meaning they'll grow pretty steadily in places where other, needier houseplants tend to die off.
Glass Terrariums
Terrariums act like mini ecosystems and are perfect for people who enjoy a bit of added design with their plants. You can use anything from an old glass jar, to a fish bowl, so a terrarium-specific container. Layer pebbles for drainage, charcoal to keep things fresh, and potting mix on top. Small ferns or mosses thrive in the humid, greenhouse-like environment created by the glass. Since the water cycles within the container, you won't have to water it often. It's like having a tiny, self-sustaining forest!
Forcing Spring Bulbs
You can enjoy spring flowers like hyacinths or paperwhites even in the middle of winter. By placing bulbs in a glass vase with just enough water to touch the base, you can actually force them to bloom early. The process is fascinating to watch as the roots reach down and the stems shoot upward. The scent of a blooming hyacinth can brighten an entire floor of your home, and though it's a temporary project, it still brings tons of seasonal joy indoors.
Regrowing Kitchen Scraps
You shouldn't throw away your vegetable ends before considering their second life. Scallions, leeks, and bok choy are incredibly resilient and can often be regrown from the scraps. Place the root end in a shallow glass of water and watch them sprout within days. Once they've established new growth, you can move them into a small pot with organic soil or keep them in water (just refresh it often). It's a great way to reduce waste and get a near-endless supply of certain veggies!
Windowsill Microgreen Tray
Microgreens are perfect for those who want quick, but also useful results. You can use a shallow recycled container or a specialized seedling tray filled with a thin layer of soil. Sow seeds like radish, arugula, or kale densely across the surface. Within a week or two, you'll have a carpet of nutritious greens ready for harvest, all you need to do is snip them with scissors to top your salads or sandwiches. It’s a fast, productive project that requires very little space or commitment.
Vertical Succulent Frames
If you're short on table space, try taking your garden to the walls. Succulents have shallow root systems, making them ideal for vertical planters or picture frames filled with sphagnum moss. These plants come in plenty of striking shapes and colors, from deep purples to pale blues. They need very little water but plenty of bright, indirect light. It's a creative way to turn living plants into a piece of art that doesn't clutter your countertops or shelves.
Starting an indoor garden shouldn't feel like a chore. Whether you're growing herbs for a Sunday roast or placing a hardy plant in a dim corner, these projects are meant to be manageable for those without the space or layout for beefier gardening setups, and they offer a way to keep your hands in the dirt regardless of the weather outside. Pick one that fits your space and see how it brightens your home!