Let nature take over your kitchen! We recently shared with you some ideas on how to decorate your kitchen with plants, and now we invite you to take it a step further and set up your own vegetable garden (even if it’s just a tiny one).
Doesn’t seem possible? Follow these tips and very soon your favourite room will be filled with the smell of fresh basil or mint. Let’s get started!
Natural light
Whether direct or indirect, natural light is essential for the success of your indoor vegetable garden. It should receive at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight per day. Don’t have a very bright kitchen? We recommend placing your plants near south- or west-facing windows, which receive the most hours of daylight.
Is your kitchen too dark? Don’t worry, technology comes to the rescue. There is a wide variety of indoor hydroponic gardens that you can use; they include their own lighting and irrigation system and fit almost anywhere.
Islands and worktops
If you have enough space, we recommend placing pots on islands and worktops. Not only will they add an extra burst of life throughout the room, but you'll have them on hand to pick up...and ready to use!
Think vertical
If, on the other hand, you're short on space or prefer to keep your work areas uncluttered, think vertical!
There are many models of planters specifically designed to create your small vertical vegetable garden on the walls of your home. You can also take advantage of open shelves or on top of wall units or hoods.
The perfect spot
Wherever you decide to place your mini garden, remember to keep it away from heat sources. Not only from the cooktop, but also from appliances that radiate constant heat, like the refrigerator, or occasional heat, like the toaster.
Drafts won't do your plants any favours either.
Aromatic herbs
Aromatic herbs are the ultimate kitchen plants: basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, oregano... Not only will you have the satisfaction of harvesting your own herbs and having a natural air freshener, but you will also help to reduce the use of plastic, since these herbs are usually sold in large containers.
Non-stop harvesting
Want to grow your favourite salad ingredients? Then make sure you choose lettuce, rocket or lamb’s lettuce varieties that allow you to harvest them continuously. This way, you can pick the leaves you need and they will grow back.
Size matters
If you want to start growing vegetables, we recommend growing small varieties, such as peppers or cherry tomatoes. Larger vegetables need deeper soil, which is rarely available in a kitchen.