How to Grow Veggies in Winter with a Windowsill Vegetable Garden

Too early to grow vegetables? No! Learn how to grow veggies in winter with our windowsill vegetable garden tips.

Seed packets have arrived at Gertens, and although we are a few months away from lazy summer days tending to our tomatoes in our outdoor vegetable garden, it is possible to keep your green veggie thumb from turning brown.

You will be pleased to know you can grow your own window sill edibles in the winter months with these simple tips.

Shopping (seed selection)

Shopping is always the fun part. There are a wide selection of edibles available now, however with shorter daylight hours try growing these varieties. Arugula 'Rocket' (Roquette) widely used in summer salads these tangy leaves are perfect for salads and for brightening many dishes. Lettuce 'Salad Bowl', an all American award winner; large lime green leaves are nutritious and sweet. Lettuce 'Spicy Salad Mix', a salad mix all in one! This custom blend of green and red lettuces has spicy greens like curly cress. The blend is succulent and can be cut every few weeks for a table ready treat. All of these greens are cool season plants that are perfect for the winter window sill garden.

You will need:

• Sunny window
• Seed tray or shallow pots that accommodate your sill
• Plastic lid or bag, to create the green house effect (optional)
• Seeding mix
• Seeds
• Jump Start heating mat, especially designed for the window sill
• Watering can or spray bottle

Ready, Set, Go:

• Place heating pad as directed.
• Read seed packet for spacing and planting depth.
• Fill pots or tray with soil mixture.
• Water and moisten soil.
• Plant seeds as directed.
• Water (mist) again slightly.
• Cover with lid or bag.

Ready to Eat:
Take care and time to monitor watering. Misting the soil before the seeds emerge is always helpful.

Watering Tip:
If the soil looks dry then water slightly. You can always add water a little at a time but it is hard to take it away. Over-watering will be bad for harvest once the seeds emerge. The secret will be the heating pad you have employed. The heat pad will keep soil temperatures optimal for seed germination. Once lettuce and arugula emerge they are hardy and require very little special care from you. So now it’s time to sit back and watch them grow. Baby and mature leaves can be harvested.