Windowsill success

Make the most of every space to ensure you have plenty of fresh pickings close to hand

EXTENDING YOUR SILL

House walls and patios store heat from the sun, which means they are often the warmest part of the garden. Round up an old garden table, bench or junk shop kitchen chair and extend the growing space beyond the window ledge. The extra warmth means you can experiment and keep sowing to keep your outdoor larder well stocked all summer.

CONTAINER CHOICE

The bigger, the better, but almost any receptacle can be used if it fits on the windowsill, has drainage holes and is secured safely. Salad leaves can tolerate just 15cm of compost, but most veg needs more, especially heavy crops like tomatoes and peppers. Anchor containers with stones in the base. Plastic pots are good for retaining moisture.

PLANT CARE

As soon as plug plants are delivered, give them a good soak and get them in the earth, even if just temporarily. Keep pots irrigated daily, especially in hot weather, as they dry out quickly. Top up the compost as the season progresses and when adding new plants. Veg pests are easily spotted on a windowsill, so can be quickly nipped in the bud.

HARVESTING

Tomatoes need picking when ripe or they quickly go over, chillies should be harvested frequently to keep the plant producing fruit (and get hotter the longer they are left on the plant) and lettuces will bolt when they get too old or dry. Pick peas from the base of the plant up and spring-onion leaves from the outside in. Use small scissors to cut just what you need.

Extend your growing space by placing a small table by the window Water plants regularly and consistently Be creative with container choice – depth is key to what you can grow in it Keep harvesting to encourage more produce