The leaves are turning, the mornings are a bit crisper and all of the big box stores have hauled out their Christmas items....that can mean only one thing - its time for NHG to head indoors!As I sifted through listings looking for my Raleigh area home, the garden potential of the backyard and the indoor gardening space were priorities. I use intensive, raised bed gardening outdoors so I can grow a lot in a little space outdoors and the same is true indoors. I have set up in my indoor garden in a dormer nook in my bonus room that measures 48" deep by 74" wide. I have two 4' x 18" chrome finished utility shelves equipped with shop light fixtures to grow my herbs and tender greens.
My indoor garden is great in summer months to grow lettuce and spinach that cannot tolerate the summer heat but it really comes into its own during the winter when it serves as my main source of fresh herbs and greens. What I have growing so far are:
- 13 Genovese Basils
- 3 Cilantros
- 1 Oregano
- 1 Mint (on consignment for my neighbor who wants it for a Kentucky Derby party next year)
- 4 Rosemarys
- 2 Garlic Chives
- 2 Leaf Lettuce varieties
- Basil and Cilantro microgreens
I will light up additional shelves as the season wears on to add more lettuces and more microgreens (I love arugula and mustard for salad and sandwiches) but this is the official start of the off-season garden.