Beginner Windowsill Garden: Learn About Growing Plants On A Windowsill

Potted Plants On The Windowsill
windowsill
(Image credit: Geshas)

Whether your gardening season has recently come to a close or you simply do not have any growing space, finding another way to grow your own produce can be frustrating. While indoor gardening is a popular option, many growers do not have access to the necessary materials, like grow lights or hydroponic equipment. Fortunately, growing plants indoors is always a viable option for those wanting access to fresh greens or herbs. Starting a windowsill garden is an easy and efficient way to keep growing all year long. Keep reading to learn how to start a beginner windowsill garden.

What is a Windowsill Garden?

As the name would imply, a windowsill garden can be grown in a bright, sunny window indoors. The process of starting these small container gardens is relatively simple and cost effective. Before planting, check the windowsill to ensure that it is strong and sturdy. Growers will also need to make sure that temperatures near the window remain consistently warm. This will avoid any potential damage from excess heat or cold throughout the period of growth.

Windowsill Gardening for Beginners

If you’re a beginner, windowsill gardening may feel intimidating. However, with proper site selection, anyone can successfully grow their first garden. When starting a windowsill garden, growers will first need to choose a window that receives bright sunlight. This is especially true in the winter time when a south-facing window may be the best option.

To begin growing plants on a windowsill, growers will also need to determine what types of plants they will grow, as well as the appropriate size and shape of their pots for planting. Ideally, choosing leafy greens or herbs is best for windowsill gardens, as these plants are better able to adjust to varying amounts of sunlight. Plants that require full sun may struggle in the windowsill garden.

After selecting the plants and containers, carefully fill the pots with potting soil. In doing so, make certain that each container has at least one hole for drainage. Once the pots have been filled with soil, transplant the plant starts or directly sow the seeds into the container. Water the planting well and place it into the windowsill.

Water the containers weekly, or as needed, by checking the upper inch (2.5 cm.) of the soil. If the container is dry, gently water the base of each plant until the potting mix is well saturated. Avoid overwatering, as this may cause plant stress or the onset of disease.

Rotate the containers in the windowsill in order to promote full growth.

Tonya Barnett
Writer

Tonya Barnett has been gardening for 13 years. Flowers are her passion. She has transformed her backyard into a cut flower garden, which she regularly chronicles on her YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/@tonyawiththeflowers.