Indoor Gardening Projects for Winter

Tin can planters - header image with Quickcrop logo

Winter can be a difficult time for us gardeners, as outdoor growing grinds to a halt for the most part. You can however keep the fires burning by embarking on some indoor projects over the winter months.

Grow Microgreens

Microgreens’ are a fun little experiment to try out indoors. These are small shoots of vegetables that are harvested when the first true leaves appear, meaning that they ‘mature’ very fast.

Microgreens are packed full of nutrition and make for a novel addition to the dinner or salad plate when fresh outdoor-grown vegetables are less plentiful in supply. Varieties that are well-suited for indoor cultivation include radish, broccoli, kale, sunflower, or pea shoots.

Tips:

Microgreens are best grown in shallow trays with good drainage. You can even repurpose takeout containers with holes poked in the bottom.
Use a light, sterile growing medium such as a seed-starting mix or coconut coir.
Sow seeds densely, but in a single even layer.
Mist twice a day until sprouting (for even moisture); then water from the bottom to prevent mold.
A sunny, south-facing window is best to provide the light that microgreens need to grow. If necessary use an LED grow light placed about 4-8 inches above the greens.
Harvest with a clean scissors when the first true leaves appear.
Clean trays between batches.

Further Reading: https://www.quickcrop.ie/blog/indoor-gardening-microgreens

DIY Cold Frame

A cold frame is a kind of mini-greenhouse structure that can be used to protect plants from harsh weather, gradually harden them off before transplanting outdoors, or get a headstart on the growing season in early spring.

They can be pricey to buy new, so a DIY cold frame can be a practical alternative. Cold frames can be built from simple repurposed materials such as leftover wooden pallets, old windows, or clear acrylic panels.

The classic cold frame design consists of a timber frame placed directly on the soil, with a clear transparent ‘roof’ or lid that slopes downward and is designed to catch heat from the sun. However they can also be constructed as a rectangular structure.

There are a good few Youtube videos of successful DIY cold frame projects if you’re looking for some inspiration. Here are some pointers from us:

Tips:

Cold frames work best when positioned with a slight south-facing tilt to maximize sunlight.
Use sturdy, weather-resistant materials.
Ensure the lid can be propped open to prevent overheating and reduce humidity on sunny days.
Add a simple thermometer inside so you can monitor temperature changes and check how well the structure is working.
Place the cold frame on well-drained soil or gravel to avoid excess moisture buildup.
Grow cold-hardy crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes, or young brassicas for best results.
Anchor the frame securely if you live in a windy area.

Grow Succulents

Succulents are rewarding plants to grow at any time of the year, but they can certainly give us gardeners something fun to try out over the winter. Due to their slow growth habit they make ideal houseplants (they won’t quickly outgrow the pots you plant them in).

New succulent plants are easily created from leaf or stem cuttings; this is particularly fun as they produce miniature versions of the parent plant which can be used for novelty displays (like the sardine can pictured below) before they need to be potted on to larger pots.

Tips:

A bright south-facing window that receives a good level of sunlight is best.
Rotate weekly so all sides get light.
If natural light is weak, use a grow light placed 6-12 inches above.
Succulents go semi-dormant in winter: from October to March, plants should only require a light misting with a spray bottle.
If leaves seem to be ‘wrinkling’, they may need a small drink of water.
Avoid growing them on a windowsill that is poorly sealed or susceptible to drafts.
Succulents prefer dry air (low humidity), so winter heating suits them fine.
Succulents are desert plants, so you should use a compost that drains very well and is quite low in nutrients.

The mix we use for succulents is:

2 parts potting compost
1 part coir
2 part coarse sand and
1 part perlite

Upcycled Plant Containers

How about upcycling some household items in order to bolster your container garden options for next spring? This is a great way of cutting back on waste as well as getting creative.

Look for items that can hold soil and support plant growth. Examples include:

Plastic containers such as yoghurt cups, old buckets or food tubs.
Glass jars or bottles can work really well for small herbs or succulents.
Tin cans
Old shoes or boots (!) or tyres for an extra-quirky touch.
Old furniture dressers can be transformed into tiered planters.

Clean thoroughly: Remove labels, dirt, or residues.
Create drainage holes: Use a drill, hammer, or nail to make drainage holes and prevent waterlogging.
Seal edges (if needed): For items that might rust (like metal cans), consider painting or coating the inside.

Some more Ideas:

Teacups & mugs for a bespoke indoor herb garden.
Old bathtub lying in the shed? - make a raised bed with it.
Broken wheelbarrows can make for mobile garden containers.

Grow Your Own Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest and most forgiving types of mushrooms to grow at home, making them a perfect indoor project for the colder months. They grow quickly, produce generous yields - and don’t require sunlight. Instead what you need to ensure is a clean setup, good airflow, and consistent moisture levels.

Oyster varieties such as blue, pearl, or pink oysters are all well-suited to beginners and can be grown in everything from purpose-made mushroom grow kits to simple DIY buckets or bags.