If you live in a region that has cold and snowy winters, it most likely has been a long time since you’ve seen fresh, local greens. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. No, you don’t have to buy lettuce that has been shipped thousands of miles, there are other solutions, some of which can be in your own home.
First, you can grow sprouts in a hydroponic planter, such as a Bioset Kitchen Garden Salad. There’s no need for a sunny window or soil with this germinator. Simply add seeds, water twice a day, and in about a week you will have sprouts for your eating pleasure. In addition to being a simple way to grown sprouts, it is a great way to teach kids about seeds and plants, as you can watch the growing process through the walls of the germinator.
Second, you can grow hardier greens, such as pea shoots with the use of a planting tray and dome. Fill the tray with vermiculite, plant your seeds, and watch them sprout. Although the shoots do like sunlight, it is not necessary. Once the shoots are 2-3 inches tall, you can remove the dome, and let them grow or begin to harvest. Again, these shoots take only about a week before they are ready for harvest.
Finally, if you aren’t ready to use your green thumb, you may be able to purchase fresh greens locally. More farms have started using low tunnels to grow spinach and other greens during the colder months. Locate a winter farmers market in your region, and see what produce is available.
Spring is only a few weeks away. Until then, start fulfilling your gardening thirst with some indoor planting.
