Gardening for Renters: Grow Fresh Greens Indoors

Garden lovers in apartments or rental homes can cultivate fresh greens without making permanent changes to your space. Let's dive into what you can manage, what to grow, and how to grow it without leaving a mess behind. Your landlord will love you, especially if you can supply him with fresh greens every once in a while. Maybe. 

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Portable Solutions: Use small containers, hanging planters, or vertical shelves to grow microgreens, herbs, and leafy greens. These setups maximize space and can be moved easily when needed.

No-Damage Setup: Opt for grow bags, hydroponic systems, or window-mounted suction cup planters to avoid altering walls or floors. LED grow lights on timers provide consistent light without drilling holes for fixtures. I own two of the grow lights from Amazon shown in the illustration here. They're fantastic, especially since I can time them to start and stop whenever I want. Plus, the light telescopes, so you can raise it or lower it to your needs. The arms are super flexible, and you have an option to use them all or just one or two.

Easy Cleanup: When the season changes, simply compost the soil, rinse out containers, and store your gardening gear—leaving no trace behind. Note: Be sure to remove as much dirt as possible before you rinse out your containers. Dirt can clog up pipes, and the landlord might not like that.

Winter gardening can thrive anywhere, no matter how temporary your living space may be.

Best Plants for a No-Trace Winter Garden

If you're gardening in a rental space, you’ll want plants that thrive indoors, grow quickly, and require minimal setup. Here are some of the best choices:

Microgreens (Fast, Nutritious, and Space-Saving)

• Pea shoots – Sweet and crunchy, ready in 10–14 days
• Radish greens – Spicy and flavorful, ready in 7–10 days
• Broccoli microgreens – Mild, nutritious, and ready in 10–14 days

Leafy Greens (Great for Salads & Sandwiches)

• Lettuce (butterhead, romaine, or loose-leaf) – Thrives in shallow containers
• Spinach – Prefers cooler temperatures, grows well in pots
• Arugula – Peppery and quick-growing

Five stars for these Seedboy organic sprouting seeds, sold on Amazon. Yep -- you can purchase any type of microgreen on that site, but look at the reviews before you buy!

Herbs (Flavorful and Easy to Maintain)

• Basil – Loves warmth and light, great for windowsills
• Parsley – Slow to start but thrives in small pots
• Chives – Low maintenance, perfect for adding to dishes

Dwarf Vegetables (For the Ambitious Indoor Gardener)

• Cherry tomatoes – Choose dwarf or patio varieties with a small trellis
• Mini bell peppers – Compact and colorful
• Dwarf carrots – Grow in deep containers for small, sweet carrots

All these plants can be grown in small containers, hydroponic setups, or even repurposed household items like mason jars or plastic trays. They require minimal space and can be easily moved when needed—perfect for a rental-friendly, no-trace winter garden!

Caring for Your No-Trace Winter Garden

Once you’ve picked your plants, keeping them happy indoors is easy with the right tools and techniques. Unlike outdoor gardening, you won’t need shovels or heavy-duty gear—just a few simple supplies.

Essential Tools for Indoor Gardening

• Small Containers or Grow Bags – Use pots, recycled containers, or fabric grow bags that can be moved easily.
• Potting Mix – Choose a lightweight, well-draining soil mix for indoor plants. Avoid using garden soil, which is too dense.
• Watering Bottle or Spray Mister – A small watering can or even a repurposed spray bottle prevents overwatering.
• LED Grow Lights (Optional) – If natural sunlight is limited, a small clip-on or tabletop grow light helps plants thrive.
• Scissors or Herb Snips – For harvesting greens and herbs with precision.
• Drip Trays – To catch excess water and prevent damage to surfaces.

Note: My daughter purchased Amazon's indoor gardening kit shown above for me for Mother's Day last year. I knew it didn't cost much, so I encouraged the buy because I wanted the mat and the smaller tools. Although it's sold as a kit for succulents, you can use it on any indoor plant, and the small sizes are perfect for rental situations. I especially love the scoop for dirt...spares me from using my kitchen spoons (yes, I'm one of those people).

Easy Care Tips

1. Light: Place plants near a south-facing window for the most sunlight. If that’s not possible, use a grow light for 10–12 hours daily.
2. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Herbs and microgreens benefit from misting to prevent drying out.
3. Air Circulation: Open a window occasionally or use a small fan to prevent mold and keep plants healthy. If you don't have an option of an open window, try box fans. That's why I use in my basement garden, and they work great.
4. Fertilizing: Use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month for leafy greens and herbs. Microgreens don’t need fertilizing since they grow quickly.
5. Harvesting: Snip greens and herbs regularly to encourage new growth and prevent legginess.

With just a little care, you can enjoy fresh greens all winter long—without leaving a trace when you move out. Good luck! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments.

For more ideas for your gardening, visit my Benable page, Garden Because You Need the Skillz!