Raising vegetables on the windowsill

The windowsill is the easiest place to get an early start to the gardening season. As early as February/March you can raise warmth-loving vegetables there and gain valuable weeks of a head start – especially in regions with a short summer this is the key to a rich harvest.

With a few simple steps and the right conditions, propagation succeeds even without a greenhouse. The most important things are plenty of light and moderate watering.

Why raise plants early?

Warmth-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers or chillies need a long growing time. If you raise them early under protection, the fruits ripen earlier and for longer. At the same time the young plants indoors are safe from late frosts, heavy rain and slugs.

What you need

• Seed compost (lean and fine) and containers with drainage holes.
• A bright window (south or west side) – light is the most important factor.
• Warmth for germination (18–25 °C depending on the species).
• Optionally a transparent cover (mini greenhouse) and, if light is scarce, a grow light.

Step by step

• Fill: fill containers with moistened seed compost and press down gently.
• Sow: sow the seeds, mind the sowing depth (rule of thumb: as deep as the seed is thick; only press in light-germinators).
• Water in: moisten carefully, ideally with a spray bottle.
• Let germinate: place warm and with a cover, air daily.
• After germination: cover off, place cooler and very bright so the seedlings stay compact.
• Care: water moderately from below, prick out if needed, harden off later.

Frequently asked questions

My seedlings are getting long and thin – why?
Too little light with too much warmth. Place them brighter and cooler or add a grow light.

When is the right time?
Depending on the species, 6–8 weeks before the planned planting out – usually February to April.

No time or no bright spot? Our strong young plants arrive ready to plant – with no windowsill effort at all.