How to Grow Small Plants on an Apartment Windowsill

Evaluate the light on your windowsill. Note the direction the window faces, as bright light from a northern window differs significantly from bright light from a southern window. Check the windowsill every hour throughout the day to assess how long it receives full sun. Note the times and duration of the direct sunlight.

Choose plants that match your lighting as closely as possible. Although many plants thrive in direct sunlight, if your light is limited, or is partially shaded by outside structures, there are plants to fit your needs. Read plant labels and descriptions carefully to determine each plant's needs. Trying to grow sun-loving plants on a windowsill with limited sunlight invites failure.

Pot the plants in decorative individual plant pots or in a set of pots designed to be displayed together in a tray. These often come in a variety of sizes and designs to enhance the natural beauty of your plants. Although inexpensive plastic pots will do, for an eye-stopping display, stylish pots that match your decor can do wonders.

Follow the recommended watering schedule for your plants. Typically, plants require watering when the soil feels dry to the touch 1 inch below the surface of the soil, but needs vary. Your particular plant may require more or less water.

Fertilize with plant food designed for the type of plant you are growing. Some plants, such as African violets, should receive specialized plant food, while others thrive with all-purpose houseplant food. Follow the recommended application rate for your plants. Generally, houseplants require fertilizing once a month from late spring until fall while they are actively growing. Reduce to once every other month in the winter when the plant is dormant.