Winter doesn't mean the end of fresh homegrown food. While outdoor gardens sleep under frost, your indoor garden can thrive - with the right crops and techniques.
This guide covers the best plants for winter growing, how to manage lower light levels, and why heated homes create unique challenges (and opportunities).
Why Winter Indoor Gardening Works
Indoor conditions in winter aren't as hostile as you might think:
- Consistent temperature - Heated homes stay in the ideal range for many plants
- No pests - Fewer insects find their way inside in winter
- Cool-season crops shine - Lettuce and greens prefer cooler conditions
- Fresh food premium - Shop-bought salads are expensive and sad in winter
Best Crops for Winter Growing
Microgreens
The ultimate winter crop. Ready in 7-14 days, tolerate low light, and packed with nutrients. Grow on a windowsill with minimal equipment. Pea shoots, sunflower, and radish microgreens are beginner-friendly and delicious.
Sprouts
Even easier than microgreens - no soil needed. Grow in a jar on your counter in just 3-5 days. Mung beans, alfalfa, and broccoli sprouts provide fresh crunch when nothing else is growing.
Lettuce and Salad Greens
Lettuce actually prefers cool conditions and tolerates lower light. Winter's shorter days slow growth but don't stop it. Baby leaf varieties ready in 4-5 weeks even in reduced light.
Herbs
Parsley, chives, and mint continue producing through winter. Basil struggles with low light but survives near a bright window. Rosemary and thyme go semi-dormant but stay alive for spring.
Green Onions
Regrow from kitchen scraps in water or soil. Place root ends in a glass of water and watch them sprout. Harvest green tops repeatedly - they keep growing back.
Spinach
Cool-weather champion that actually grows better in winter conditions than summer heat. Slow but steady growth provides harvests when outdoor gardens are frozen.
Managing Low Light
Winter's biggest challenge is reduced daylight. The sun is lower, days are shorter, and cloudy skies are common.
Maximise Natural Light
- Clean windows - dust reduces light transmission significantly
- Use south-facing windows when possible
- Place reflective surfaces (white paper, foil) behind plants
- Rotate plants weekly for even growth
Supplemental Lighting
Grow lights transform winter growing. Even a basic LED panel makes a dramatic difference. Run lights 12-14 hours daily to compensate for short winter days.
Dealing with Dry Indoor Air
Central heating creates desert-like conditions indoors. Humidity can drop below 30% - lower than the Sahara. Plants suffer:
- Crispy leaf edges and tips
- Increased water needs
- Spider mites thrive in dry conditions
- Wilting despite moist soil
Solutions
Group plants together - They create a humid microclimate around each other.
Pebble trays - Place pots on trays filled with pebbles and water. Evaporation raises local humidity.
Misting - Spray leaves regularly, especially for herbs. Avoid misting in evening to prevent fungal issues.
Room humidifier - Benefits both plants and people in winter.
Watering in Winter
Watering needs change in winter - but not always how you'd expect:
Why Plants Need Less Water
- Slower growth means less water consumption
- Lower light reduces transpiration
- Cooler temperatures (away from heat sources) slow evaporation
Why Plants Might Need More Water
- Heated air dries soil quickly
- Plants near radiators or heat vents dry out fast
- Dry air increases water loss from leaves
Self-watering containers excel in winter. They maintain consistent moisture regardless of heating fluctuations, and the reservoir acts as a humidity source.
Starting Seeds for Spring
Late winter is the perfect time to start seedlings indoors for spring transplanting:
Timing
- February: Start peppers, aubergines (slow growers)
- March: Start tomatoes, courgettes
- April: Start cucumbers, beans (fast growers)
What You Need
- Seed starting compost (lighter than potting mix)
- Small containers with drainage
- Bright window or grow light
- Consistent warmth (20-25°C for germination)
Winter Growing Calendar
December-January
Focus on low-light crops: microgreens, sprouts, green onions. Existing herbs will slow but survive. Start planning spring garden.
February
Days are lengthening. Start pepper and aubergine seeds if you have grow lights. Lettuce growth picks up.
March
Significant light increase. Start tomato seeds, sow more lettuce. Herbs resume active growth.
Quick Wins for Winter
If you're new to winter growing, start with these virtually foolproof options:
- Microgreens - Success in under 2 weeks
- Regrowing green onions - Zero cost, zero effort
- Sprouting seeds - Just a jar and some seeds
- Potted herbs from supermarket - Extend their life in good conditions
Grow Through Winter
Garden Stack self-watering planters handle winter's dry air and irregular conditions beautifully. Consistent moisture for your herbs and greens without daily attention - even when heating dries the air.
See Garden Stack