When the pandemic hit, you started off strong: You nurtured a sourdough starter and baked your first Instagram-worthy loaf, finished the books on your “to-read” list, cleaned out your pantry, reorganized your closet by color, and maybe even indulged your inner interior decorator through hours of Animal Crossing.

Now, my friend, it’s time to graduate to the big leagues of domestic hobbies and start growing your own edibles. No, not those greens—we’re talking about herbs and vegetables that will elevate your home-cooked meals for months to come.

Starting an indoor herb garden is such a no-brainer that it often starts as a happy accident. You’re preparing dinner and toss a few scraps of celery or green onion into a cup of water for freshness, only to discover that they’ve grown back a few days later. Fennel and baby bok choy are also extremely easy to grow from discarded ends, only requiring water and bright sunlight. Garlic and ginger can also be coaxed back to life: Just plant each piece in potting soil—garlic facing downward, ginger facing up—and keep them well lit and lightly watered. In a little over a week, you’ll have edible green stalks to use as a flavorful garnish.

If you live somewhere temperate and have a little outdoor space to call your own (even if it’s just a porch or balcony), consider setting up a mini greenhouse. Otherwise, there are several indoor garden kits that can help even the blackest of thumbs reach their green potential. The key here is to start simple and begin with kitchen scraps. You can save the serious gardening for Animal Crossing.

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Illustration by Mar Hernández

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Dwell on This: Start an Indoor Herb Garden