Gardens in the Sky: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Food in Your High-Rise Home

Written By: Emma Lee-Ye Ong, Research Team

Tags: Guides

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Do you know that you can embrace urban farming even when you live in Singapore’s flats? Imagine growing your own food right at your doorstep!

Only about 10% of Singapore’s food is actually grown here. Limited land and a growing population are not just the reasons most of us live in high-rises; they are also why we rely so heavily on imported food. 

Once you have chosen the gardening method(s) that best suit your needs, priorities, and budget, the next step is figuring out what to grow and where to grow it. Take a look around your home: how much sunlight does each area get? Is it direct or indirect? Would you be willing to splurge on LED grow lights? Begin by identifying the most well-lit spots—such as your corridor (HDB residents, you might want to check with your Town Council first), balcony, windowsill, a sunny wall, or even your kitchen counter—and fill them with plants!

In general, most edible vegetables need at least four hours of sunlight daily to flourish, but some varieties can tolerate less. Below is a non-exhaustive list of edible plants that do well under different lighting conditions:

🌞 Sunny Indoor Spots
(Direct sunlight for more than 4 hours/day or Indirect sunlight for more than 6 hours/day)
- Sweet Potatoes, Bayam, Brinjal, Cai Xin, Chilli, Chives, Kailan, Okra, Laksa, Lettuce, Tomato

🌤️ Partially Sunny Spots
(Direct sunlight for 2-4 hours/day or Indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours/day)
- Mexican Mint, Okinawan Spinach, Sand Ginger, Brazil Spinach, Spearmint, Turmeric

🌥️ Shaded Spots
(Indirect sun for less than 4 hours)
Unfortunately, it can be tricky to grow edible plants in very shady spots without a grow light. But all hope is not lost—consider reflective sheetings and (certain) microgreens!
- Kale, Spinach, Mustard Green

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If you are looking for a new high-rise home and the idea of growing your own food appeals to you, you may also want to consider the orientation of your future home. This can affect the types of edible plants you can grow most successfully, as listed above. In Singapore’s tropical climate, a home’s orientation significantly affects temperature regulation and sunlight exposure.

The good news is that indoor gardening is possible in any direction; the main difference lies in the level of management required, as highlighted below:

North–south facing homes
Generally the most comfortable year-round. Minimal direct sunlight keeps them cool and well-ventilated, providing stable conditions ideal for indoor gardens, particularly for beginners.
Pro-tip: Consider using reflective surfaces to distribute light evenly and water the plants moderately to prevent excess humidity.

South-east facing homes
Receive gentle morning sunlight, which provides plants with beneficial light without significantly increasing indoor heat. Most areas remain shaded in the afternoon (unless you have windows facing west), making this orientation ideal for plants that prefer moderate sunlight.

Pro-tip: Place plants near east-facing windows to catch the morning sun, and rotate them regularly to ensure even light exposure.

North-west facing homes
Tend to become noticeably warmer, especially from March to September. Afternoon sun entering through south-west and north-west facing windows increases heat levels, which may require careful plant selection and placement, shading, or supplemental ventilation for indoor gardens.
Pro-tip: Consider installing heat-reflective window films, choosing heat-tolerant plants and using sheer curtains to soften light if needed.

South-west facing homes
Experience stronger afternoon sunlight. While these homes are less humid during the monsoon season from October to February, heat can build up at other times of the year. Indoor gardening in such spaces may require heat-tolerant plants or controlled lighting.
Pro-tip: As with north-west facing homes, monitor soil moisture closely and use shading or ventilation to avoid heat stress.

East–west facing homes
Receive intense sunlight year-round, often resulting in higher indoor temperatures. In these conditions, indoor gardens benefit from sun-filtering solutions, strategic placement away from direct sunlight, or the use of artificial grow lights to manage heat stress.
Pro-tip: Install window tints and plant shading panels, and water your plants in the morning to allow roots to absorb moisture before sunlight intensifies in the afternoon.

With appropriate lighting, heating, and humidity control, indoor gardens can be successfully maintained in homes facing any direction!

4. No Room for Uninvited Guests

While you would not have to worry about sharing your produce with birds, mice, or squirrels when growing vegetables indoors, the warm and humid climate of a typical Singapore home can be inviting to unwanted guests like aphids, spider mites, gnats, and whiteflies. This is especially true when plants are placed in semi-outdoor spaces such as corridors, balconies, or window ledges. 

To keep pests at bay, regular care is key—keep your plants well-hydrated and clean, check frequently for signs of infestation, and prune any affected parts promptly. Healthy plants are better able to fight off pests. Be sure to also inspect and isolate new plants before welcoming them into your foliage family. If an infestation occurs, natural solutions such as soapy water or neem oil can help by suffocating pests and preventing them from reproducing. Whenever possible, opt for natural methods over chemical treatments when dealing with indoor pests, as this helps preserve biodiversity and maintain healthy air quality in your home and garden.

Pro Tip: Unlike pests, there is one type of insect you do want for your garden—worms! Vermicomposting (enlisting the help of the little wrigglers to turn your kitchen scraps into compost) is not only a cost-effective way to fertilise your plants, but it also helps reduce waste while you are at it.

5. Sow, Grow, Reap the Rewards

Beyond being a handy food supply in emergencies, the benefits of growing your own garden are manifold. The World Health Organisation recommends eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day to improve overall health and lower the risk of diet-related diseases like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. And what better way to add more plants to your diet than by harvesting them straight from your indoor garden to your plate? After all, nothing beats the freshness and convenience of food grown right at home! 

Having your own garden also lets you enjoy organic or heirloom vegetables without the premium prices you would pay at stores, which means you save money in the long run. As the "Gangsta Gardener" Ron Finley puts it, “growing your own food is like printing your own money."

6. Side Effects May Include: Peace of Mind and New Friends

Spending time with plants not only creates a calming atmosphere; it can also do wonders for your mental well-being. Simple acts like watering your plant babies or checking on new growth can be a soothing way to unwind and take a breather from the stresses of urban life.

But it is not just about the plants; it is also about the people you meet on this green journey. From neighbours growing their own vegetables to fellow plant lovers in community gardens, gardening can bring like-minded folks together. You will swap tips, share stories, and maybe even trade harvests. It is a wonderful way to grow both your garden and your connections.

All in all, gardening is an experience that is as rewarding for the soul as it is for the soil.

7. Your Green Journey Starts Here!

Whether you are preparing for the next big emergency or simply want to enjoy the everyday joy of harvesting your own herbs and veggies, starting an edible garden in your home is a step towards greater self-sufficiency, sustainability, and serenity. It does not take a sprawling backyard or a green thumb—just a bit of curiosity, care, and creativity.