Growing Organic Indoors

I buy organic produce for the same reason most people do: it’s morally correct. While I realize purchasing sustainably-grown salad cucumbers won’t have much impact on global ecology, it seems better than doing nothing at all. Tossing those cucumbers with some hydroponically-grown lettuce and a few locally grown heirloom tomatoes makes me feel happily self-righteous—like I’m doing my little part for the planet.

Unfortunately, it also makes me feel unhappily broke. Let’s face it: organic products are expensive. Those of us who live in cities have it especially bad; not only are we at the mercy of urban markets’ jacked-up prices; we tend to have fire escapes rather than yards. (Translation: Even if we had time to try to grow our own organic gardens—which we don’t—we’re out the space.) So what’s a lawnless, environmentally-conscious-but- financially-strapped gal to do?

Well, as I found out, she can raise her own organic salad greens in her apartment.

Yes, it’s possible to grow organic indoors, mainly by using the same supplies—containers, potting soil, fertilizer, water, and light—that you would use to raise any old houseplants. It’s more labor-intensive, of course, and requires selecting the right brands and making an initial investment. But over time, you’ll save money, you’ll have the satisfaction of growing your own food, and you’ll eat organic more often. So your little part in saving the planet can grow, too.

Interested? Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

SEEDS There are tons of sources out there where you can buy certified-organic, non-genetically-altered seeds. One of the best is Seeds of Change, which has dozens of container-growing varieties that you can order online. Some of the easiest veggies to grow inside are lettuces and other salad greens, and Seeds of Change’s choices include exotic varieties like spicy mesclun, golden purslane, and Persian garden cress. For one-stop shopping (and salad-making), try the Edible Patio Container Seed Collection, which works great on windowsills or in sunny rooms. You’ll get seeds for small-scale varieties of lettuce, cucumber, onion, cherry tomatoes, and two kinds of pepper, all for under $15.