I'm heading back to college soon and want to make the most of my balcony by growing some veggies. However, it's pretty shaded and doesn't get much direct sunlight. I'm looking for quick-growing plants that can handle mid-temperature conditions and thrive with minimal sunlight. I'm also open to growing herbs or anything that can grow quickly! Any suggestions?
3 Answers
Growing conditions on a shaded balcony can be tricky! Your best shots are probably herbs like basil and cilantro, or leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce. You could also experiment with spring onions, and even bush beans if you want to try something different—they can thrive in smaller pots, though you shouldn't expect a huge harvest.
Radishes are fantastic for your space; they're fast-growing and can adapt well to shade. Don't forget about spinach and lettuce, plus herbs like parsley and chives. Most leafy greens and root vegetables should do well in your setup!
Lettuce is a great option for your situation! It germinates quickly and does well in shady areas, plus it has shallow roots. If you can give it a little cover, you might even extend your growing season into October!

Just a tip: if you can find small transplants for the herbs, that would speed things up! They usually take longer than you might think.