Expert: Mike Mascio - 4/28/2009

Question
Can you grow tomatoes without direct sunlight? I live in a large multi unit building, and our balcony faces north. I wanted to try growing tomatoes in large containers, but I am concerned that they will not grow without direct sunlight. The balcony gets sunlight, just not directly, so I need to know before I go buy supplies and plants.

Answer
Maria, unfortunately, tomatoes need a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Any less, and the harvest suffers proportionately. They also need temperatures consistently above 70F.

For areas facing north, you are basically limited to vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and cabbage. These are vegetables that do not bloom.

Let me know if you need more information on plants for shade.

Regards,

Mike