What Can I Grow on a Windowsill or Balcony?

The most reliable windowsill vegetables are radishes, spring onions, lettuce, spinach and pak choi. All tolerate lower light, grow quickly, and do well in shallow containers. Herbs like basil, chives, mint, parsley and thyme also thrive on a sunny windowsill year-round.

A south-facing window gives you the most options, but it isn't essential. Chives, mint, parsley and spinach all grow well on a north or east-facing sill with less direct sun. Chilli, basil and tomatoes need the brightest spot you have — south or west-facing is best for these.

Yes. Compact and cherry tomato varieties work well in 30-litre pots on a balcony that gets at least 6 hours of sun. Start seeds indoors from February or March, move outside after the last frost — usually mid-May in southern England — and feed weekly once the first flowers appear.

A north-facing balcony gets limited direct sun, but you can still grow well. Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, mint, chives and parsley all tolerate shade. Avoid tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and strawberries on a north-facing balcony — they need direct sun to fruit well.

Most herbs grow well in pots 15 to 20cm wide. Mint is the exception — it spreads and does better alone in a 25 to 30cm pot. For cut-and-come-again salads and radishes, a window box 60 to 80cm long and at least 15cm deep works well.

Herbs and salads can be sown year-round on a warm windowsill. For balcony crops, start tender vegetables like tomatoes, chillies and peppers indoors from February or March. Beans, peas and nasturtiums can be sown direct into pots outside from April or May once frosts have passed.