Fresh herbs, crisp salads and aromatic greens straight from your own kitchen – what was long considered a nice gimmick is increasingly becoming a small trend in everyday urban life. The term “windowsill farming” is used by food and garden lovers to describe the cultivation of edible plants on the windowsill. Particularly in cities, where there is often no balcony or garden, the windowsill is becoming the smallest form of your own vegetable garden.
The advantage is obvious: many herbs and some vegetables grow surprisingly well even in just a few square centimetres. A bright spot, regular watering and a little patience are often enough to harvest fresh ingredients for everyday cooking. Especially for people who love to cook, the windowsill can become a living pantry.
Which plants are suitable for windowsill farming?
Basil
Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs and feels particularly at home in a bright, warm window. Regular watering is important – but without waterlogging. Harvesting the shoots regularly ensures that the plant grows back bushy.
Chives
Uncomplicated and ideal for beginners. The plant grows back quickly and can be cut fresh again and again. A sunny location ensures particularly aromatic stalks.
Parsley
Austria’s favorite herb germinates a little more slowly, but its intense aroma makes up for the time it takes. Smooth-leaved varieties in particular are robust and can be cultivated well on the windowsill.
Cress
The classic among windowsill plants – and probably the quickest success.
The first tender leaves can be harvested after just five to seven days.
It even grows on damp kitchen paper or absorbent cotton.
Mint
Mint is surprisingly robust and also thrives indoors. Its fresh leaves are suitable for tea, desserts or summer drinks.
Small vegetables are also possible
In addition to herbs, you can even grow some vegetables on the windowsill: Radishes grow relatively quickly and only require small planters. Baby lettuce is also suitable, as only the outer leaves are harvested and the plant continues to grow. Microgreens – young seedlings of peas, broccoli or rocket – are particularly popular at the moment, as they are aromatic, nutritious and ready to harvest after just 10 to 14 days.
The most important requirements for windowsill farming
Light
Most herbs need at least four to six hours of daylight.
A window facing south or west is ideal.
The right soil
Loose herb or vegetable soil ensures that water can drain off easily and the roots get enough air.
Regular watering
Plants on the windowsill dry out more quickly than in the garden. Consistent moisture is therefore more important
than large amounts of water at once.
However, if you want to turn your windowsill into a small herb oasis, it is better to use several smaller pots instead of one large box. This makes it easier to replace plants and keeps the kitchen supplied with fresh herbs and delicate greenery all year round.
FAQ: Windowsill farming
South or west-facing windows are best, as they receive several hours of daylight. Many kitchen herbs need at least four to six hours of light a day. Plants also grow in north-facing windows, but much more slowly.
The fastest plants include cress, microgreens, radishes and baby lettuce. Cress can often be harvested after just five to seven days, microgreens after around 10 to 14 days.
Normal potting soil generally works, but loose herb or vegetable soil is more suitable. It contains less fertilizer and ensures that water can drain away easily – important to prevent the roots from rotting.
This depends on the plant, pot size and sunlight. As a general rule, the soil should be slightly moist but never wet. In spring, watering once a day or every two days is often sufficient.
Yes, but rather small or fast-growing varieties. Radishes, baby lettuce, microgreens or small chili plants are well suited. Larger vegetables such as tomatoes usually require significantly more space and light.
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