Balcony-smart plans 
Indoor harvest workflows 
Space-first product picks Balcony sunlight map
Measure light the simple way so you can pick plants that thrive in your exact balcony conditions.
Who this is for
Balcony gardeners with partial sun, tall building shade, or windy corners.
What you need
- Phone camera and notes app
- One clear day
- 30 seconds every 2 hours
Output
A quick light map you can reuse every season to place plants with confidence.
Step-by-step
1. Mark your zones
Split the balcony into 3 zones: rail, floor, and wall.
2. Photograph light
Take one photo every 2 hours from 8am to 6pm.
3. Count hours
Count the hours each zone gets direct sun.
4. Match plants
Place sun lovers in 6+ hour zones, leafy greens in 4-6 hours.
Light-to-plant matchups
0-3 hours
Mint, parsley, leafy greens, and most shade-tolerant herbs.
4-6 hours
Peppers, cherry tomatoes, kale, and bush beans.
6+ hours
Tomatoes, basil, strawberries, and flowering plants.
Common mistakes
- Measuring only one day during a cloudy week
- Ignoring reflections off nearby windows
- Forgetting that summer sun is higher than winter sun
FAQs
How often should I redo the map?
Once per season is enough. Light shifts between winter and summer.
What if my balcony gets only reflected light?
Use shade-tolerant herbs and greens, or add a small grow light.
What about wind?
Group taller plants behind a railing and use heavier pots for stability.