Indoor container gardening

[willow]

I live in New England and was wondering what might be easy to grow in my house in containers or pots this winter. I don't really know anything about gardening - no green thumb here, but would like to experiment with anything that might be pretty easy to grow. Has anyone done this and might be able to recommend anything?

[myssi]

I live in Minnesota and was wondering the same thing. The only thing I've ever kept alive for a long period of time is my bamboo, but I always manage to kill other plants eventually, so I need some guidance as well. Especially for gardening indoors--lighting requirements, etc.

HMMM, any adivce?

Myssi

[chilove]

I've been thinking about trying this too, I've also had no experierence gardening, I'm thinking of buying a book on it.

[DavidZaneMason]

I know a bit. Of course, your major problem is sunlight. Plants that grow as greens and have big leaves would be the easiest.....then root crops....then fruiting vegetables....then berries....then larger fruits & fruit trees. I know that many folks grow things using more expensive Halogen lighting systems.

-I've grown some lettuce under a decent little flourescent lighting system. I found it bitter....but that could also be a factor of temperature. Of course, a small sun-room....or outdoor sun container / structure would also serve the purpose. I think this is the way I would rather go..........instead of an expensive indoor setup....that may or may not work...and would limit my space. Just my opinion.

Here is a great forum:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/

-Check out the section under 'growing under lights'....or any of the other great discussions.

-David Mason

[exurb]

Belgian endives are great to grow inside in the winter in pots because they don't need light. And they only take a few weeks to grow.

The only thing is you need to start them outside the season before, then bring the root bases in, and they are "forced", that's how you get the head of lettuce on top.

Belgian endive leaves (long and oval and curved into a scoop shape) make amazing vessels for pates, mock tuna and salmon, etc... They are great raw.

here's a couple links, or you can google for more info
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:...rs+force&hl=en


http://www.garden.org/foodguide/brow...e_planting/436

(see witloof chicory or belgian endive)

http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:...ndive%22&hl=en

I'm also a fan of pea shoots.