by Tracey Bailey
For years, I dreamed of a flourishing veggie garden in my backyard. But like many of us, I let procrastination and the idea of needing “the perfect setup” hold me back. Now, I realise I could have started much sooner—with just a few pots on my balcony!
So here’s my advice: don’t wait. Start small, start simple—but start. Growing your own greens is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to dip your toes into home gardening. They don’t need much space, they grow quickly (and often grow back after you harvest), and they’re endlessly useful—snip a few leaves for a salad, stir-fry, or homemade pesto and you’re winning.
Personally, I’m obsessed with growing rocket. The difference in flavour is incredible—homegrown rocket has that signature peppery kick, while the stuff from the supermarket… well, it might as well be grass.
And here’s the best part: growing greens is possible almost anywhere. Whether you’ve got a sunny windowsill, a balcony, or a backyard patch, you’ve got a place to grow.
Autumn is the perfect time to get started with leafy greens like rocket, spinach, kale, and silverbeet—nutrient-dense staples that thrive in the cooler weather. Don’t forget herbs, too! Parsley, coriander, mint, and chervil love the chill and add a burst of flavour to soups, salads, and pretty much everything else. With gentler sunlight, fewer pests, and less chance of your plants bolting to seed, cool-season growing is surprisingly low-fuss. You'll find all the seeds you need for growing greens at Biome.
Here’s how to grow your greens and herbs this Autumn — no matter your space or sun access:
🌞 Sunny Windowsill
Even the smallest space can become a tiny edible garden. Try fast-growing leafy greens like baby spinach, microgreens, loose-leaf lettuces, and herbs such as basil (in warmer areas), parsley, and coriander. Use small pots or recycled containers with drainage holes, and rotate them regularly to ensure even light exposure. These compact crops can be snipped regularly for fresh additions to your meals.
🌤️ Balcony with Sun
A sunny balcony is perfect for growing more robust greens. Think kale, rocket, pak choy, silverbeet, and even dwarf broccoli. Herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, chives, and parsley also flourish here. Use large pots or trough planters with premium organic potting mix. If space is limited, vertical planters or hanging baskets can help maximise your growing area. Keep an eye on watering, especially in windy spots.
🌥️ Balcony with Limited Sun
No full sun? No problem. Opt for shade-tolerant greens such as loose-leaf lettuce, silverbeet, mizuna, mustard greens, and soft herbs like mint, coriander, and chervil. These crops may grow a little slower but will still reward you with a fresh harvest. Position containers in the brightest possible corner and avoid overcrowding to let in the light.
🌱 Garden Beds or Raised Beds
If you have space to grow in the ground or raised beds, Autumn is prime time to plant. Sow seeds or transplant seedlings of spinach, chard, kale, rocket, broccoli, and Asian greens. Pair them with herbs like parsley, coriander, and spring onions. Prepare your soil with compost and mulch to lock in moisture and feed your plants. Companion planting with garlic or spring onions can help deter pests naturally.
Seedlings or Seeds?
I recommend a mix of seedlings and seeds. Seedlings get you off to a racing start so you can experience the joy of harvesting some leaves sooner. At the same time as planting seedlings, plant some seeds also so they emerge as the seedlings are reaching maturity.
Biome stocks only heirloom, non GMO seeds. Find all our Vegetable and Flower Seeds here >
And about my much-loved rocket? It thrives when group planted - so buy two punnets and plant them in little rows, each about 10 centimetres apart. Here's my favourite rocket pesto recipe.
Whether you’re snipping microgreens from a kitchen windowsill or harvesting kale from a backyard bed, Autumn is your chance to reconnect with the rhythms of nature. It’s the Season of Greens — and with a little effort, you’ll be reaping the rewards in no time. We hope this has inspired and shown you how you can grow your own greens.
Read here more ideas on What to plant in Autumn in Australia
