If you’re just starting your indoor vertical gardening journey, you’re in for a treat. As someone who’s been growing with the PremierGro system for a while now, I can say there’s something exceptional about walking over to my indoor garden and harvesting fresh and flavorful ingredients for my meals. You don’t have to be an expert to grow your own delicious produce—it’s easier than you’d think! Here are my top ten beginner-friendly plants and a few of my favorite ways to use them. Let’s dive in!
Lettuce
If you are craving a crisp and fresh salad, lettuce is a great place to start; it will surely taste better than the store-bought alternative. It grows quickly, and in aeroponics, you can keep harvesting without waiting long. I love using lettuce for everything—salads, wraps, sandwiches, or even as a bed for grilled chicken or tofu. It’s mild and crunchy, and the fact that it’s homegrown makes it taste a little sweeter!
Spinach
Spinach is a breeze to grow and brings a rich, earthy flavor to any meal. I pick it by the handful for omelets, smoothies, and homemade pizzas (spinach under mozzarella is unbeatable). It’s also perfect for tossing into soups right before serving. The leaves are so much more tender than the spinach I used to buy, which has turned me into a spinach superfan.
Kale
Kale is an absolute powerhouse. Not only does it grow like a charm indoors, but it also feels like the plant that keeps on giving. I usually sauté it with garlic for a quick side dish or add it to hearty soups. Freshly grown kale is much more tender and less bitter than store-bought, so it’s become my go-to green for homemade salads and smoothies. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients.
Basil
You’re in for a treat if you’ve never smelled fresh basil. The aroma fills my kitchen whenever I pick a few leaves, and it’s one of the easiest herbs to grow in an aeroponic system. I use basil in everything from pasta sauces to homemade pesto, and sometimes just tear it over pizza or Caprese salads. Having basil on hand has taken my Italian cooking game to a new level!
Parsley
Parsley might seem humble, but it’s a kitchen essential. I like to grow flat-leaf parsley for its bold, fresh flavor, which works well in everything from marinades to salad dressings. Fresh parsley is the secret to elevating dishes—sprinkle it over roasted vegetables or in a lemony chimichurri sauce, and you’re good to go!
Chives
Chives add that mild, fresh onion flavor without overpowering a dish and grow so easily indoors. I snip them for scrambled eggs, sprinkle them over baked potatoes, and even toss them into soups. They also grow quickly, so you’ll have a near-constant supply of fresh chives whenever you need a little extra flavor.
Cilantro
If you’re into salsas and guacamole, cilantro is a must. It’s vibrant, citrusy, and so easy to grow indoors. I love adding fresh cilantro to tacos, curries, and rice dishes. It’s also a wonderful addition to marinades for a fresh kick. Fresh cilantro has such a bold, unique flavor that it’s worth growing just for the fragrance!
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a colorful addition and is perfect for beginners. The rainbow-colored stems make it pretty to look at, and I use it in dishes where I’d normally use spinach or kale. A quick sauté with garlic and olive oil transforms it into a delicious side, but it’s also great in soups or stir-fries. Plus, it’s hearty enough to hold up well in recipes.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are my “reward” plants. While they need a little extra love (mainly light and pruning), the juicy little tomatoes they produce make it worth every bit of effort. I snack on them straight from the vine, toss them into salads, or roast them with olive oil for a quick pasta topping. Nothing compares to a freshly picked cherry tomato.
Strawberries
Growing strawberries indoors? Yes, you can! They’re a bit more challenging, but the reward of plucking a fresh, sweet strawberry is one of the best parts of my indoor gardening journey. I use strawberries in smoothies, top my yogurt with them, or just enjoy them as a snack. Homegrown strawberries have a unique sweetness that makes them worth every moment of care.
Start Growing Your Favorites!
Each of these plants brings something special to my meals, and growing them indoors has added a whole new level of freshness to my cooking. Plus, there’s something satisfying about nurturing a plant from seed to harvest. The PremierGro system makes it easy, even if you’re new to gardening. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of indoor gardening, I say go for it! You don’t need a backyard to enjoy garden-fresh produce year-round; just your PremierGro garden and a little patience. Happy growing, and enjoy every fresh bite!