Urban Gardening Hub
Big ideas for small spaces
Pots of vegetables growing on a balcony

Grow your own veg

Haven't you heard? There's a grow-it-yourself revolution afoot, with novice and experienced urban gardeners alike leading the charge. Don't leave vegetable growing to those lucky enough to have gardens or allotments - think big with your small-space garden and join the fun.

To help you get started, we've got the low-down on essential homegrown basics like leafy veg and container gardens, plus some more specialist topics like eco-friendly growing practices, hydroponic kits and vertical veg gardens. Time to dive i!

Skip to veg articles
Seedlings growing on a city windowsill

Vegetables you can grow indoors

No garden? No worries. Start an indoor veg patch! To help you decide which vegetables to include in your indoor garden, we've broken things down based on light and water requirements, and also highlighted some info on planting schedules and when to harvest.

This is just a brief intro. If you want more detail on growing the individual vegetables themselves, click the links in the left hand column.

Vegetable Light Water Plant Harvest
Lettuce Bright, indirect Keep soil consistently moist February to April 4-6 weeks after planting
Tomatoes Full (6-8 hours of direct sunlight, or more depending on variety) Water regularly, keeping soil moist February to April 60-80 days after planting
Spinach Partial to full Keep soil moist but not soggy February to April 6-8 weeks after planting
Carrots (Short varieties) Bright, indirect Water regularly to keep soil moist March to May 50-60 days after planting
Radishes Full sun to partial shade Water regularly, soil should be moist March to April 3-4 weeks after planting
Green Onions Full sun to partial shade Water every few days to keep soil moist March to May 3-4 weeks for green onions, 10-12 weeks for bulb development
Peppers Bright, indirect Water when soil is dry to the touch February to March 60-90 days after planting
Kale Full sun to partial shade Water regularly, keep soil slightly moist February to April 55-75 days after planting
Or grow your own fruit

Balcony, rooftop, courtyard, or small-space gardens

If you're lucky enough to have some outdoor space, you've got a bit more choice - although the varying temperature outdoors does add some challenges. As well as those mentioned in the previous section, consider these extra options (we've added some basic requirements):

  • Beetroot: Needs at least 4-6 hours of sunlight. Water when the topsoil feels dry.
  • Cucumbers: Thrive in full sun and require consistent watering, especially during fruiting.
  • Beans (Bush or Pole varieties): Require full sun and regular watering. Ideal for vertical gardening.
  • Courgette: Needs full sun and regular watering. Ensure enough space as they can grow quite large.
  • Auburgine: Prefer full sun and warm conditions. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Lettuce plants growing in a small-space garden

Articles

Want to learn more about growing vegetables indoors or on a balcony or vertical garden? We've got detailed guides and easy step-by-step instructions on everything from growing potatoes indoors (it is possible!) to starter seed kits.