Pie in the sky? Why not grow your own?

The idea of window box farming sounds delightfully quixotic. Actually, it's an invitation to those who look longingly at other people's veggie patch and think, 'I wish I had the space.

- Alice Spenser-Higgs

You could hardly get smaller than a window box but the possibilities are almost endless for growing your own fresh green stuff and even hot stuff like chillies or juicy tomatoes.

First things first!

You need to find the right window, balcony, deck or patio for your window boxes. Most edibles need plenty of sun, but shelter from blazing heat, wind and winter cold. The best position would be north or east facing.

Safety foremost

A window box gets heavy when filled with soil and vegetables, even lightweight plastic containers. If not securely fixed in place they can be deadly objects, literally. Experienced window box farmers suggest using brackets to secure the window boxes which should sit a few centimetres below the windowsill so that upright growing plants have more room to spread and won’t block the window.

When using window boxes on a balcony or deck, the safest option is to attach the window boxes so that they are on the inside of the balcony or deck. Even better, make or find stands on which to put the window boxes so that the tops are just level with the edge of the balcony. However, if space is an issue, and the window boxes are on the outer side, there must be absolutely no danger of the window box dislodging.

Types of containers

Opt for the lightest ones you can find, unless there is a secure base which makes it possible to consider heavier types like terracotta, cement or steel. Plastic window boxes retain moisture better and they’re lighter.