Window Garden: A Homestead Window-Box Experiment

A few months ago, I decided to see what would grow in the winter months in my south-facing windows. Cabin fever hits hard around here once the snow piles up, so I figured I’d bring a little green indoors. Instead of the usual soil pots cluttering up every available inch of space, I went the hydroponic route—no dirt, no mess, just plants and water doing their thing like a science fair project gone right.

I completely automated the setup before leaving for vacation, because around here, if something needs daily attention while I’m gone, it’s doomed. The system pumps nutrient solution in from the top, drains it out the bottom, and runs on a timer for 15 minutes, three times a day. My growing medium is a mix of four parts perlite to one part peat—light, airy, and just the right balance for good root growth.

When I came home, I could hardly believe my eyes. The place had turned into a full-blown jungle. Snow peas climbing the windows, lettuce lush and green, herbs spilling out of their trays like they were auditioning for a salad commercial. Even the strawberries, which I didn’t photograph this round, are thriving—they’ve started to blossom, and I’m already imagining fresh berries in February.

I’ve been eating snow peas for weeks now, and every bite feels like a small rebellion against winter. It’s amazing what a little sunlight, some nutrient mix, and a bit of planning can do. No grow lights, no fancy greenhouse—just a south-facing window and a touch of curiosity.

I think I’ve officially become hooked on hydroponics. The simplicity, the productivity, and the sheer joy of seeing green things grow while the world outside is buried in snow—it’s enough to make a gardener out of anyone. Next winter, I might need bigger windows.

Beet greens growing in a window box.

Buttercrunch lettuce in a 20 oz. plastic Dixie drink cup.

Summer Squash - note the blossom on the left. If you look closely you'll see loads of buds.

Cherry tomato in a 1 gallon bucket. Buds are starting to appear. 

Kale and Swiss Chard. The cabbage on the left looks like it just might form a head.

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©2011 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm