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How to start an indoor lettuce garden when the weather is getting cooler and the days getting shorter.
Growing a Fall/Winter Indoor Garden: Lettuce, Herbs, and More!
Hey everyone! Ready to keep your garden game strong, even when the temps start to drop? Growing an indoor garden in the fall and winter is a super fun way to stay connected to nature and enjoy fresh veggies and herbs right from your cozy home. September and October are prime times to kick off your indoor garden adventure, and don’t worry if you’re new to this – I’ve got your back! Whether you’re a total newbie or already have a green thumb, let’s dive into growing lettuce indoors and a few other cool-weather plants you’ll love.
Starting an Indoor Lettuce Garden in September/October
Lettuce is like the MVP of indoor gardening. It’s super easy to grow, perfect for small spaces, and tastes amazing when it’s fresh from your own home. Here’s how to get started:
1. Pick Your Lettuce Type
Not all lettuce is great for indoors, but don’t worry, some varieties totally thrive inside. Go for loose-leaf types like:
Butterhead
Romaine
Oakleaf
These little guys grow fast and don’t need much space, making them perfect for small pots or containers. Plus, they’re super tasty!
2. Find the Right Containers
Lettuce doesn’t ask for much – a pot that’s about 4-6 inches deep will do the trick. Just make sure it has drainage holes (nobody likes soggy roots). You can totally use whatever you have lying around – old food storage bins, planters, anything works! Toss some pebbles at the bottom for better drainage, then fill it with good-quality potting mix.
3. Light & Temperature
Lettuce loves cool weather, so fall is its time to shine indoors. But, it still needs sunlight. Set your pots near a south-facing window where they can soak up at least 6 hours of sunshine. No bright windows? No problem! Grab a basic grow light to help out.
4. Watering & Care
Lettuce likes a good drink but hates being waterlogged. Keep the soil slightly moist – water it when the top inch feels dry. Oh, and lettuce is happy in temps around 60-70°F, so your home is already its perfect hangout. Just keep it away from drafty spots or heating vents.
5. Harvest Time
The best part about lettuce? It’s a “cut-and-come-again” plant. Snip those outer leaves and let the inner ones keep growing. You can start enjoying baby greens in 3-4 weeks or wait a little longer for full-sized leaves in 6-8 weeks. Your salads just got way cooler!
Other Awesome Plants for Your Fall/Winter Indoor Garden
Lettuce is just the beginning! There are tons of other plants that love cooler temps and small spaces. Got a balcony, porch, or deck area? Lucky you! Any easily accessible outdoor space will do. Let your plants soak up some sun outside during the day, then bring them inside at night when it gets chilly.
Pro Tip: Have a separate, designated table by the door or window to place your pots and plants on when you bring them inside for the night. This makes it easier to move them in and out, and keeps any soil droppings to a minimum. When it gets really cold up here in Maine, you bet I simply keep my citrus trees and larger potted plants by the window in my mudroom!
Here’s what else you can grow:
1. Herbs
Herbs are like the BFFs of indoor gardening. They’re small, easy to grow, and go with everything. Plus, they smell amazing. Try growing:
Basil: Perfect for indoors during the cooler months (it hates frost). Revisit my Get Growing with Chef Lola basil tips for planting and harvesting.
Parsley: Super hardy, grows well in sun or shade.
Cilantro: Loves cool weather, perfect for a sunny windowsill.
Thyme: Doesn’t need much water – just don’t overdo it!
Mint: Grows like crazy, so give it its own pot or it’ll take over.
You can pop these on your outdoor space during the day to get some sunlight and then bring them inside when the temp drops. Easy peasy!
2. Spinach
Spinach is another cool-weather superstar. Like lettuce, it doesn’t need much space and thrives in shallow pots. Plant it on your balcony, porch, or deck, and bring it inside on those chilly nights. It’s perfect for smoothies, salads, or just a healthy snack.
3. Radishes
Radishes are super fun to grow – they mature in just 30 days! Talk about fast food. They do need a bit more space than lettuce, so aim for a pot that’s at least 6-8 inches deep. You’ll be munching on crunchy radishes in no time.
4. Kale
Kale is a total toughie. It thrives in cooler temps and can handle a little frost, making it perfect for fall. It grows well indoors in shallow soil, and you can harvest baby leaves for salads or wait for larger leaves to throw in smoothies.
5. Green Onions (Scallions)
Want something ridiculously easy? Green onions are your go-to. You can even regrow them from the ends you buy at the store! Stick the white roots in some soil, water them, and you’ll see fresh growth in a few days. Perfect for adding a little zing to your dishes!
Balancing Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
Like I keep saying, if you’ve got a balcony, porch, or deck, you’re in luck! Use it as a little indoor/outdoor garden space. During the day, let your plants soak up some natural light outside. When the temps dip at night, bring them indoors to keep them cozy and frost-free. This way, you’re getting the most sunlight possible – perfect for those shorter fall and winter days!
Final Thoughts
Starting an indoor garden this fall or winter is a great way to keep the green vibes going when it’s cold outside. Whether you’re growing lettuce, herbs, or experimenting with radishes and kale, the key is picking plants that thrive in cool temps and small spaces. With a little love and care, you’ll be harvesting fresh veggies and herbs all season long. Happy growing, everyone!
In case you missed it:
You can revisit my “Get Growing with Chef Lola” segments from July and August, about planting and harvesting home grown basil.
Happy planting! 🪴