What herbs/vegetables/greens can be grown in a balcony garden with limited sunlight?

Question

Growing up in a house with a yard, we had a pretty decent sized garden with fruits, vegetables, and herbs galore. Since moving to "the city", I haven't had a yard, and I miss being able to grow things

The situation:

The only space I have for a garden is on my balcony. It doesn't receive a lot of sunlight - the building walls enclose it on two sides, the main opening is west-facing, and the railing has thick wooden slats that block over half of the light except when the sun is at the right angle to shine directly from overhead. I would be able to add pots, but not planters.

The question:

What plants would you recommend for a balcony garden, to grow in pots, with limited sunlight? I'm open to herbs, greens, veggies, or anything that comes highly recommended by community members.

Answer 1

Here are some things I have had experience with in this situation. They all will grow with proper care.

• thyme
• leaf lettuce
• radishes
• spinach
• pepper
• determinate tomatoes
• baby style carrots
• tophat blueberries
• poly variegated cat grass
• sage
• oregano
• strawberries
• catmint
• potatoes
• sweet potatoes

Answer 2

The plants that I am going to suggest are those that will require limited sunlight, but sufficient enough to promote vegetative growth. Since these all will be in pots I suggest getting pots the largest size possible for best results. For instance in a large 5 gallon or bigger container you could plant a number of herbs that would do well in the situation. Spinach, lettuce and any number of greens could do well as long as the weather is warm enough. Once that you have given those that are likely to grow a chance to start, then you could start experimenting with veggies such as tomatoes. Good luck.