Published on April 14, 2025
Think gardening is only for people with sprawling backyards in the sun?
With a little creativity (and maybe even a few grow lights), your condo, apartment or any indoor living space can become surprisingly lush. From kitchen herbs to leafy greens, here are six simple tips to get your indoor garden growing.
Not sure where to begin? A good rule of (green) thumb is to grow what you eat. Start small and focus on the essentials. We suggest things like lettuce, peas, strawberries or even potatoes. By choosing foods you know you’ll use, you’ll make the most of your space and avoid harvesting something no one actually wants to eat.
Ideally, you’ll want a south-, east-, or west-facing window, with south-facing giving you the most sunlight throughout the day — perfect for plants that love to soak it up. Fruiting plants like tomatoes, peppers and strawberries are sun-hungry and need lots of light to thrive and produce.
But don’t worry if your place is a bit on the shady side. Many leafy greens, herbs, microgreens and even some root veggies can still flourish under grow lights. A small UV setup can go a long way toward keeping your indoor garden happy and productive.
Just like us, plants need room to grow.
When gardening indoors, make sure your containers are deep enough for the plant’s root system. A good starting point is a minimum of four inches deep, but many vegetables and legumes (like carrots, beans, or even bush tomatoes) will need closer to eight inches or more.
Cramped roots can stunt growth, dry out quickly or lead to unhappy, unproductive plants. Before you plant, take a quick look at the recommended container depth for each.
One of the biggest challenges of starting an indoor garden is dealing with pests. To prevent insects from hitching a ride in your soil, try “baking” it in the oven at 325°F for about an hour. This helps eliminate any bugs or larvae so they don’t eat your plants before you do!
Keep in mind that heat-treating soil also strips it of beneficial nutrients. To restore what’s lost, mix in some worm castings (aka worm poop). They’re packed with essential minerals that support healthy plant growth.
If you still spot bugs on your plants, try using insecticidal soap. It’s one of the gentlest, most plant-friendly pest control options out there. A few quick sprays should do the trick.
Keeping your plants hydrated is key — but remembering to water them every two days isn’t always easy. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance solution, try building a simple self-watering system using terracotta pots. It’s easy and effective, and your plants will love you for it. All you’ll need is two terracotta pots with drainage holes, a quarter-inch slice of a wine cork, and waterproof glue.
The porous terracotta allows water to slowly seep into the surrounding soil, keeping roots evenly moist. Depending on how thirsty your plants are and the humidity in your space, you’ll likely only need to refill every 4–5 days.
During the winter and early spring, shorter days mean less sunlight — and less warmth for your plants. Seeds and young seedlings are especially sensitive to the cold and need a cozy environment to grow strong.
A simple way to keep them warm is to create a mini greenhouse. Just put a few sticks in the soil around your container, then get a clear plastic bag and put it over the top, using the sticks to hold it above the plants. This DIY setup traps heat and moisture, giving your seedlings a little boost.
Ready to begin?
If you’re in (or visiting) the Greater Toronto Area, swing by the Evergreen Garden Market at Evergreen Brick Works. Our outdoor garden centre features Toronto’s largest selection of Ontario native plants. Whether you’re searching for compost, pots, tools, soil amendments, seeds or flowering bulbs, the Garden Market is a one-stop shop for all your gardening needs.
