Since the onset of COVID-19, and our federal, state, and local government reactions designed to reduce the spread of the virus, many of us have shifted to working at home. Even essential employees who still go back and forth to work have been spending more time in their homes as restaurants and bars have been forced to reduce hours, capacity, or close altogether. This shift to staying at home has led many to begin thinking about growing more edible plants for food in the home garden or indoors. This is a list of a four edible plants to get you started.
1. Microgreens and Sprouts
A microgreen or sprout is the first stage of a new edible plant that is eaten before the plant fully matures. Packed with nutrients, microgreens and sprouts are easy and fast to grow. A sunny window and a small pot or two is all you need to get started. Find microgreen and sprout seeds at your local garden shop, or online, and get growing your own nutritious microgreen sprouts.
2. Herbs
Herbs are a favorite for the kitchen grower. They come in a wide variety, are easy to grow, and can be used right away unlike fruits or vegetables that must bloom and ripen. Basil, Oregano, Mint, Thyme, and Rosemary are all considered herb staples. Lemon grass, borage, and pineapple sage are more exotic and can add a unique zip to dishes, drinks, and teas.
3. Lettuce
Lettuce is a fun edible plant to grow at home because picking the outer leaves allows the plant to keep growing. You can grow a weekly salad’s worth of Romaine Lettuce in two three-gallon pots placed on a balcony, patio, or even in a sunny south-facing window. Water weekly and allow the water to drain fully, then watch your lettuce crops thrive.
4. Green Onions
Many of us have seen viral posts of green onions growing in water glasses above a kitchen sink. While some internet plant growing methods are easier said than done, the fact is that green onions can be grown from their root bases and if you change the water weekly and keep them in s sunny spot, you really can harvest onion tops over and over again.
Practice Make Perfect
Quarantines and working from home jobs have given many of us more time at home. Using that time to learn how to grow your own edible plants and vegetables is time well spent. Like any project, growing edible plants is something that you will get better at with time and practice. Start with these four easy-to-grow at home edible plants, and harvest your own food for fun and helathy eating.
