Edible Plants to grow in your home

The idea of growing their own food has taken the organic food market by storm. Generation Z is quickly adapting to fresh, sustainable replacements for packaged goods, and growing edible plants is another step in that direction. Today, we will list some edible plants that are very easy to grow by oneself, and that too, indoors. 

This list features an ensemble of plants, ranging from leafy vegetables to herbs and spices and fruit plants. All of them can be conveniently grown in your home, requiring just a little bit of your care and attention. 

1. Carrot

Botanical Nomenclature: Daucus carota subsp. Sativus

Characteristics: 

• Mildly sweet in taste. 
• Rich in Vitamin A. 
• Used in salads, pickles, soups, veggie dishes, puddings. 

Requirements: Deep pots with proper drain hole. 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. 

2. Tomatoes 

Botanical Nomenclature: Solanum Lycopersicum

Characteristics: 

• Tarty, sweet and sour in taste. 
• Rich in Vitamin C and Potassium. 
• Goes with any dish, adding its own flavour to it. 

Requirements: Soil bed, stalk support. Requires ample sunlight. 

3. Potatoes

Botanical Nomenclature: Solanum Tuberosum

Characteristics: 

• Neutral in taste, ingredients add to its flavour.
• Rich in Iron and Starch. 
• Can be mashed, or boiled, or fried. 
• Taste changes with the cooking method.  

Requirements: Deep, 12-Inch pots. 6-8 hours of Sunlight. 

4. Beans

Botanical Nomenclature: Phaseolus Vulgaris

Characteristics: 

• Integral meal supplement, subtle taste. 
• Rich in Plant Protein and Fibre. 
• Can act as both a quick bite (Canned beans) or in a whole course.  
• Taste differs according to cooking method.

Requirements: Moist soil. Ample Sunlight. 

5. Chili 

Botanical Nomenclature: Capsicum Annuum

Characteristics: 

• The epitome of a fiery, spicy taste. 
• Rich in Iron, Copper, Vitamin A and Vitamin B6. 
• Mainly used as an important ingredient to fire up the flavour.   
• Ground Chili can also be used as a spice.

Requirements: 5-6 hours of Sunlight a day. Grows very quickly.  

6. Mustard Greens 

Botanical Nomenclature: Brassica Juncea

Characteristics: 

• Leafy vegetable, crumply texture, peppery taste. 
• Rich in Calcium, Potassium, Vitamins B1, B3, and B6. 
• Goes with Salads, or can be cooked in water.  

Requirements: Proper soil bed. Do not water the plants more than what is necessary. 

7. Coriander

Botanical Nomenclature: Coriandrum Sativum

Characteristics: 

• Found both in leaf as well as seed form. 
• Rich in Plant Protein and Fibre. 
• Crushed seeds act as a spice.  
• Leaves act as a garnishing ingredient.

Requirements: Not much, gets ready in 5-6 weeks. Requires 4-5 hours of direct sunlight. 

8. Lemongrass

Botanical Nomenclature: Cymbopogon

Characteristics: 

• Lemony Sour taste. 
• Rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds that act as anti-oxidants. 
• Famously used to flavour green/herbal tea.  

Requirements: Ample Sunlight. Grows best on a South-facing windowsill. 

9. Amaranth

Botanical Nomenclature: Amaranthus Viridis

Characteristics: 

• Reddish purple in colour. 
• Rich in protein, Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin C. 
• Tastes best when sauteed with onions, garlic, and other spices.

Requirements: Grow in partial shade until the seeds sprout. Post that, expose it to the sun.  

10. Sorrel

Botanical Nomenclature: Rumex Acetosa

Characteristics: 

• Leafy, arrow-shaped vegetable with a tarty taste. 
• Rich in Vitamins A, B9, and C. 
• Used in soups (Garden Sorrel) and Salads (French Sorrel). 

Requirements: Grow in partial shade until the seeds sprout. Post that, expose it to the sun.  

11. Garlic Greens 

Botanical Nomenclature: Allium Sativum

Characteristics: 

• Sharp, distinct taste. 
• Rich in manganese, selenium, iron, copper and potassium. 
• A necessary condiment to a variety of dishes. 
• Keeps Vampires away (just kidding). 

Requirements: Sprouted garlic plants go in potting soil. Needs 5-6 hours of Sunlight. 

12. Radish 

Botanical Nomenclature: Raphanus Sativus

Characteristics: 

• Root vegetable, pepper-like flavour. 
• Rich in antioxidants and minerals. 
• Used in salads and boiled veggies. 

Requirements: Organic soil in deeper pots with proper drainage. Average Sunlight. 

There, you have it. These awesome dozen of edible plants are easy to grow and do not require very high maintenance. You can now grow healthy food in the comfort of your own home while embracing a lifestyle change that is good for the world. And lest you panic, it’s all organic.

Also Read: How To Grow Cucumbers In Pots