Your corner of the world may still be cold and snowy, and so this will be hard to believe, but it’s true: spring is on the way. And along with spring comes growth and greenery. Buds on trees. Leaves. Birds tweeting and produce growers reappearing at the farmer’s market.

The newly returned sunshine might make your green thumb itch. But if you live in an apartment, and lack a patch of earth to call your own, your gardening instincts are thwarted.

But you don’t need a backyard to grow some edibles of your own – fresh, delicious and always on hand. Got a windowsill? A few containers and some sunlight are all you need for a fresh, flavorful garden – the ultimate in local produce.

Considerations. Plants need a little TLC, so consider a few factors before you invest. First, take a hard look at your windowsills. Most plants need at least four hours of sun per day to grow well, and they like to be kept away from drafts. And remember that most plants need to be watered regularly. If you travel a lot, you’ll need to get someone to plant-sit for you. Last, you’ll probably need some shallow trays to prevent leakage and damage.

Herbs. Having herbs on your windowsill eliminates the need to buy bunches of fresh herbs, only to have them wilt in the refrigerator. And herbs thrive in containers. Try oregano, rosemary, chives, basil, lavender, mint, thyme, parsley, and other herbs that just look interesting at the nursery. (Your kitten will be very excited if you grow catnip.)

You’ll need to prune your herbs frequently in order to make them grow well, but don’t cut too much. If you have more herbs than you can use, you can dry or freeze them for use later on. But don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs right off the plant – use them with fish or other meat, throw them into a salad, make tea.

Fruits and vegetables. Believe it or not, you can grow some vegetables and fruits on your windowsill. Strawberries and tomatoes are some of the best candidates, and many nurseries and garden supply stores sell specific planters to minimize space and maximize yield. See which solution works best for your space!

Get creative. Windowsills aren’t the only place to grow when you don’t have some green space. Try a windowbox or a grow bag. Put plants in pots on your fire escape, deck, or porch. If you’ve got siding, think gutter gardening. Or for the handy: build a vertical planter.

Consult the experts.  There are a lot of websites, magazines and books out there that can help you figure out how to grow all kinds of things in highly limited space. Check out the Container Gardening blog for links and tips. Articles tagged “gardening” on Apartment Therapy often contain useful tips for would-be tiny gardeners.  Or drop by the library and check out The Ultimate Container Gardener (Stephanie Donaldson) and other books on gardening in small spaces for inspiration.