Last Updated: September 2026

The Cheapest Ways to Grow Food Indoors

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As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, people are looking for ways to grow their own food indoors. Not only is it a great way to save money on groceries, but it's also a sustainable and healthy way to eat. In this post, we'll explore the cheapest ways to grow food indoors, from simple microgreens to more complex indoor gardening systems.

Getting Started

Before we dive into the cheapest ways to grow food indoors, let's talk about the basics. Growing food indoors requires a few key things:

A source of light (natural or artificial)
A suitable container or growing system
A soil or growing medium
Water
Seeds or seedlings
Optional: fertilizers, pest control, and other additives

1. Microgreens

Microgreens are young, nutrient-dense versions of leafy greens and other vegetables. They're perfect for indoor gardening because they're easy to grow, don't require a lot of space, and can be harvested in as little as 1-3 weeks.

Cost: $0.50 - $2.00 per pound (depending on the variety and quantity)
Space: 1-2 square feet per person
Light: 12-14 hours of indirect light per day
Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for microgreens

Microgreens are a great starting point for indoor gardening because they're so easy to grow. Plus, they're packed with nutrients, making them a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.

2. Sprouts

Sprouts are another type of microgreen that's easy to grow indoors. They require even less space than microgreens and can be harvested in as little as 3-5 days.

Cost: $0.25 - $1.00 per ounce (depending on the variety and quantity)
Space: 0.5-1 square foot per person
Light: 12-14 hours of indirect light per day
Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for sprouts

Sprouts are a great option for indoor gardening because they're so easy to grow and can be harvested in a short amount of time. Plus, they're a great source of protein and fiber.

3. Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water rather than soil. It's a great option for indoor gardening because it's efficient, space-saving, and can produce high yields.

Cost: $100 - $500 (depending on the system and size)
Space: 1-2 square feet per person
Light: 12-14 hours of indirect light per day
Soil: Use a hydroponic nutrient solution specifically designed for hydroponics

Hydroponics is a great option for indoor gardening because it's efficient and space-saving. Plus, it can produce high yields and is a great way to grow a variety of crops.

4. Aeroponics

Aeroponics is a type of hydroponics that uses a nutrient-rich mist to feed plants rather than a traditional hydroponic system. It's a great option for indoor gardening because it's efficient, space-saving, and can produce high yields.

Cost: $500 - $1,000 (depending on the system and size)
Space: 1-2 square feet per person
Light: 12-14 hours of indirect light per day
Soil: Use an aeroponic nutrient solution specifically designed for aeroponics

Aeroponics is a great option for indoor gardening because it's efficient and space-saving. Plus, it can produce high yields and is a great way to grow a variety of crops.

5. Indoor Gardening Kits

Indoor gardening kits are a great option for those who want to get started with indoor gardening without breaking the bank. These kits usually include everything you need to get started, from seeds to soil to a growing system.

Cost: $20 - $100 (depending on the kit and size)
Space: 1-2 square feet per person
Light: 12-14 hours of indirect light per day
Soil: Included in the kit

Indoor gardening kits are a great option for those who want to get started with indoor gardening without breaking the bank. They're easy to use and can produce high yields.

6. DIY Indoor Gardening Systems

If you're feeling handy and want to save money, consider building your own indoor gardening system. You can use recycled materials, such as old plastic bottles and cardboard tubes, to create a unique and space-saving system.

Cost: $0 - $50 (depending on the materials and design)
Space: 1-2 square feet per person
Light: 12-14 hours of indirect light per day
Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for indoor gardening

DIY indoor gardening systems are a great option for those who want to save money and get creative. They're easy to build and can produce high yields.

Conclusion

Growing food indoors can be a fun and rewarding experience, and there are many affordable options to get started. From microgreens to hydroponics, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, indoor gardening is a great way to save money, eat healthy, and connect with nature.

Resources

I hope this post has been helpful in exploring the cheapest ways to grow food indoors. Happy gardening!