Q&A: Can I Grow Lettuce in Winter? Maybe in a Pot Indoors?

As the first frost creeps in and your garden settles into its winter slumber, you might find yourself gazing longingly at your empty raised beds, wishing you could get your hands back in the soil. Or maybe like our client Angela who asked this question, longing for some fresh greens for your winter plate. As we suggested some options for her, we got to thinking about all the ways we can scratch our gardening itch without braving the freeing temps outside. From sprouting fresh greens on your kitchen counter to giving your houseplants a little TLC, winter is the perfect time to indulge your gardening passion indoors. Here are some easy indoor projects that’ll keep you happily gardening all winter long.

1. Grow Sprouts

A perfect project to get kids excited about the magic of seeds and gardening, sprouts are one of the easiest and quickest ways to garden indoors during the winter. You can grow alfalfa, radish, broccoli, or mung bean sprouts right on your kitchen counter. All you need are sprouting jars, seeds, and some water. They typically only take a few days to grow, and you can enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or as a nutritious snack. All you need is a sprouting jar, some seeds, and these step-by-step instructions.

2. Microgreens

Microgreens are tiny, nutrient-dense vegetables that can be grown in small containers right on your windowsill. These include varieties like arugula, mustard greens, or radishes. They grow quickly (usually within 7-14 days) and are perfect for people who want fresh greens without needing a lot of space. Microgreens growing kits from Gardener’s Supply come with everything you need to get started. True Leaf Market is another great source for seeds and supplies.

3. Hydroponic Countertop Garden

If you're looking for a more high-tech solution, try a hydroponic countertop garden. These systems let you grow herbs and greens indoors using water, light, and liquid nutrients. It's an excellent way to have fresh, homegrown produce all winter long without the mess of soil. Bonus: it also provides a good solution for growing lettuce, cilantro, and dill indoors during the heat of summer.

4. Windowsill Herbs

If you love using fresh herbs in cooking, consider growing your favorites like basil, parsley, thyme, or chives right on your windowsill. Choose a sunny spot, plant in small pots, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. This is a low-maintenance way to keep fresh herbs within arm's reach for all your culinary creations.

5. Start Seeds for Next Season

Winter is the perfect time to start seeds for your spring and summer garden. Using seed trays, grow lights, or a sunny windowsill, you can get a jump start on the growing season by starting vegetables and flowers indoors. This can become a bit more complicated of a project, requiring some special equipment, calculated timing, and daily tending, but it’s also possible to start small and keep it simple. Either way, seed starting can be really rewarding. Crops like tomatoes, peppers, and flowers like marigolds are often started indoors in February and March to give them a head start. You also have exponentially more options for varieties of veggies when you buys seeds instead of plants.

6. Give Your Houseplants Some Love

Winter is also the perfect time to give your houseplants some extra care. Check them for pests, repot if necessary, and make sure they’re getting the right amount of light. Some plants may need a little more water during the dry winter months, while others may go dormant and need less. If you’ve read all your gardening books, maybe it’s time for a houseplant handbook or this fascinating read about how these beauties came to live inside with us.

7. Try Indoor Flowering Plants

If you miss the blooms of summer, try growing indoor flowering plants like amaryllis, paperwhites, or orchids. These plants are perfect for bringing some color to your home during the darker months. Many of them can be forced to bloom indoors, making them a fun and rewarding winter project.

Keep that gardening spirit alive during the winter months, there's always something satisfying about nurturing plants, no matter the season. Who knows? You might find winter is your favorite gardening season of them all!