For fresh herb enthusiasts: an expert from PNIPU shares tips on how to create a windowsill garden.

What can be grown at home in winter?

Among the most popular options for a winter garden are lettuce, onions, fennel, parsley, dill, basil, and various microgreens. For herbs, there are basil, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, mustard, and mint. As for vegetables, cucumbers, tomatoes, and both sweet and hot peppers are suitable.

– It is important to note that the key factor in organizing a mini-garden in an apartment is the correct selection of plants. Not all species can tolerate limited space and artificial lighting. Compact varieties are the best choice, as they do not require large pots and do not need complex specific agricultural techniques, — explains Nikita Kifel, assistant at the "Chemical Technologies" department of PNIUP and biology instructor at the Polytechnic School.

Among cucumber varieties suitable for indoor cultivation are “Gribovchanka,” “Debut,” and “Zozulya.” For tomatoes, “Balcony Miracle,” “Room Surprise,” and among dwarf forms, “Mini Bell,” “Cherry Pygmy,” and “Pinocchio” are highlighted. The expert also noted the pepper varieties “Swallow” and “Bulgarian-79.”

Is soil from the garden suitable?

– The correct choice of soil and fertilizers also plays a crucial role in the healthy development of plants. It is not recommended to use peat, sand, or soil taken from a garden plot for growing greens or vegetables indoors. Bringing soil can introduce pests (for example, spider mites, whiteflies, and fungus gnats) whose larvae are not visible to the naked eye, but they can later harm indoor plants, — the expert noted.

What fertilizers should be chosen for a mini-garden?

All components that provide mineral nutrition for plants can be divided into three groups: macroelements (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), mesoelements (sulfur, calcium, and magnesium), and microelements (iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine). All of them are essential for the normal growth and development of crops.

— Typically, purchased soil is used for growing vegetables and greens indoors. Often, it already contains a certain amount of micro- and macroelements necessary for plant growth and development. However, unlike open ground, their reserves are very limited, so fertilization is required during the growing process. Complex fertilizers with mineral and organic components work well, — explains Nikita Kifel.

How to create ideal conditions?

When creating a winter garden, special attention should be paid to lighting, as it is key to the full development of plants.

— Cucumbers love not only light but also warmth, preferring always moist soil. The temperature should be no less than 22°C. It is not advisable to grow them on a windowsill where the window is often opened for ventilation. It is better to place them on a separate shelf or table. For seedlings, choose the south or east side of the apartment. Even then, natural light will still be insufficient, so additional fluorescent lamps for plants can be used, — says Nikita Kifel, assistant at the "Chemical Technologies" department of PNIUP.

If tomatoes lack light, they begin to stretch significantly, thin out, and are unlikely to bear fruit. They do not like stagnant air but are not afraid of drafts. The optimal temperature for them is +24°C. If they are growing near a working radiator, careful monitoring is necessary to ensure the soil remains slightly moist; otherwise, the seedlings will experience serious stress. It is also advisable not to overwater to prevent the development of fungal diseases and mold.

Pepper is a heat-loving plant, so pots with it should not be placed on the windowsill. It is better to place them on a layer of foam that will protect the soil and roots from overheating. Additionally, the plant needs to be provided with favorable conditions with temperatures no lower than 24 degrees. For normal development, they also require at least 10 hours of daylight, so they too need a fluorescent lamp or a reflective screen.

With proper care, vegetables can be harvested in 1.5-2 months, while greens can be ready in just 2-3 weeks.

What is microgreens and how to grow it?

Microgreens are seeds of plants sprouted until the first true leaves appear. This usually occurs 10-14 days after planting. Their shoots are no more than 4 cm tall, although some varieties, such as peas and sunflowers, can be taller. Despite their small size, they contain significantly more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to mature plants. This makes microgreens a valuable product for maintaining health and boosting immunity.

— Common conditions for growing microgreens at home include growing them on gauze or phyto mats. To increase yield levels, as with any other plant, it is important to have sufficient light, warmth, and adequate watering. If for any reason it is not possible to place them on a windowsill where there is sunlight, an alternative option can be a phytolamp, — notes Nikita Kifel.

TOP-10 types of microgreens for growing on a windowsill

Radish: fast-growing with a slight sharpness. Contains zinc, potassium, folic acid, phosphorus, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and calcium, which strengthen the human immune system and help prevent anemia.

Mustard: has a spicy, slightly sharp taste. Considered a source of plant protein and fiber. Contains folic acid, calcium, and iron.

Broccoli: has a mild, slightly sweet taste. The sprouts are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, C, K, PP, U, and minerals, making this product beneficial for heart and vascular diseases, as well as musculoskeletal system disorders.

Sunflower: has a slightly nutty flavor. Grows quickly. A source of iodine, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Rich in vitamins K and E, folic acid.

Sorrel: has a sour-lemon taste. It includes the following beneficial substances: vitamins A, K, B group, and ascorbic acid.

Arugula: has a peppery, slightly sharp taste. It is a natural source of vitamins A, C, and K, which help fight inflammatory processes in the body.

Cabbage: various varieties (red, white, Chinese, etc.). Has a tender, slightly sweet taste. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, E, K1, U, A, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Cress: has a sharp, slightly peppery taste. Contains B vitamins, magnesium, iron, iodine, and other trace elements that help normalize metabolism and have a general strengthening effect on the body.

Flax: has a light nutty flavor. A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E, K, C, PP, B2, B6, and B9.

Cilantro: has a bright flavor and aroma. Its high content of potassium and vitamin K positively affects the strengthening of blood vessels and capillaries.

What are the rules of companionship when growing crops at home?

– Three main rules of companionship for home crops in a winter garden should be highlighted. First, it is not recommended to plant together plants of the same species, as they may be susceptible to the same diseases and pests. Secondly, it is important to consider that some species compete with each other for access to light, water, and nutrients. For example, tomatoes and eggplants, parsley and dill, peas and onions fall into this category. A successful symbiosis will occur between plants with long roots that gather water from deeper soil layers and crops with short roots, such as lettuce, spinach, and radishes, which obtain moisture from the upper layer. Tomatoes and basil, onions and carrots, spinach and strawberries pair well together.

Creating a winter garden in an apartment is not only a practical approach but also a creative process. You can use original pots, decorative elements, and create compositions that will become a highlight of your home. The main thing is to choose plants to your liking and create comfortable conditions for their growth and development. Don't forget about regular care, which will allow you to enjoy fresh greens and the beauty of your winter garden all year round.