Timing

• All summertime crops will fail when the weather turns cold, and stop producing when temperatures reach below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Move established plants indoors in pots at that time for continued growth under proper conditions, or plant new seeds or seedlings for winter growing and vegetable harvest.
  
  

Containers and Soil

• Indoor and potted growing requires careful pot selection, as the vegetables need room to grow and stretch their roots for full growth. Choose containers that hold at least 3 to 5 gallons of soil, have drainage holes and measure 6 to 8 inches deep. Fill the containers with rich potting soil mixed with organic compost to give the vegetable plants the nutrition and moisture retention they require. Mix starter fertilizer into the top 2 inches of soil in each pot.
  
  

Cultivar Selection

• Indoor growing offers protected environments, with warmth and safety from wind, rain and cold temperatures. Grow any summer or winter cultivar at this time. Choose successful pot plants like squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans and peas, but avoid very large plants like corn, which will overwhelm the pots and your window. Choose winter cultivars like rutabagas, lettuce, parsnips and turnips for natural winter-season growing.
  
  

Care

• Keep all vegetable plants in sunny garden windows to give them full sun for at least eight hours every day. Water the plants every other day to maintain good soil moisture, and feed the plants on plant-specific calendars. Keep summertime plants in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees to keep them productive.