Growing your own food is a sustainable and economic way to eat healthy, fresh produce. However, for those without a large yard, growing your own fruits and vegetables might seem like an impossible goal. Luckily, there are many edible houseplants that are both good for your health and easy to grow. Here are 13 indoor plants that you can cultivate in your home.

1. Avocados

Avocados are considered a superfood because they are rich in healthy fats, vitamins E and B6, and carotenoids. For best results, purchase a dwarf avocado plant from a nursery and plant it in a large, well-draining pot. Avocados require plenty of sunlight and frequent watering. Ripe fruits can hang from the tree for a few weeks but should be consumed before they lose their flavor and texture.

2. Carrots

Carrots are well-known for their eye health benefits, but they also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. To grow carrots indoors, plant seeds in a deep window box filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist in a sunny window.

3. Lemons

Lemons are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants. Purchase a dwarf lemon tree, which will require a pot slightly larger than the root ball. Use potting soil specifically designed for citrus trees or loam-based potting mix. Lemon trees need plenty of sunlight and regular watering. Harvest lemons when they are brightly colored and slightly soft.

4. Ginger

Ginger helps with motion sickness, nausea, and inflammation. Purchase a chunk of fresh ginger from the grocery store and plant it with the freshest bud facing up in a container filled with soil. Keep in a sunny spot with indirect sunlight and water regularly.

5. Salad Greens

Salad greens include iceberg, romaine, red and green leaf, and arugula. They’re full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. Purchase either a starter plant or seeds from a nursery and plant them in a container with drainage holes in the bottom. Water regularly and harvest by pulling off the outside leaves.

6. Mandarins

Mandarins contain antioxidants, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and fiber. Purchase a dwarf mandarin tree and plant it in a large, well-draining pot. Keep in a sunny spot and water regularly. Harvest mandarins when they turn orange.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent coronary heart disease. Plant either a tomato plant already in a pot or plant seeds in a well-draining pot. Keep in a sunny area and turn the pot every few days to ensure equal sunlight distribution. Harvest tomatoes when they are brightly colored.

8. Mint

Mint aids in digestion and has many other health benefits. Plant a seedling in a large pot and keep it in a sunny spot. Water regularly and harvest by snipping off a few leaves.

9. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers contain an amazing amount of vitamin C, especially red ones. Purchase seedlings and plant them in individual pots. Keep in a sunny area and water thoroughly.

10. Chives

Chives have antioxidants, phytochemicals, and vitamins A and C. Fill a pot with well-draining soil and plant the seeds. Chives do not require full sunlight and should be kept in a partially shaded spot. Water regularly and trim a few leaves from each plant as needed.

11. Rosemary

Rosemary helps limit weight gain and improves cholesterol levels. Plant seedlings in a container filled with equal parts potting soil and coarse sand. Keep in a sunny spot and water only when the top of the soil is very dry. Snip a few sprigs from the plant occasionally.

12. Radishes

Radishes contain folate, fiber, riboflavin, and potassium. Plant seeds in a deep, well-draining pot filled mostly with potting soil and a small amount of coarse sand. Keep in a sunny area and water frequently. Harvest when the radishes are a decent size.

13. Microgreens

Microgreens are young seedlings of plants like radishes, kale, Swiss chard, beets, basil, and dill. They are full of vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. Sprinkle seeds into a shallow tray filled with soil, then mist regularly and keep in a sunny spot. Harvest when the seedlings are 1-2 inches in height.

In conclusion, you don’t need a big yard to grow your own healthy produce. These 13 edible houseplants are easy to grow indoors, affordable, and packed with nutrients. Start small with a few pots and work your way up to a thriving indoor garden. Not only will you enjoy fresh, delicious produce, but you’ll also save money and reduce your carbon footprint.