Grow your own spices. These five cover most of what an Indian kitchen reaches for daily, and they are the one group here that does not demand full sun.

Elaichi (green cardamom), Dalchini (cinnamon), Tej Patta (bay leaf), Kali Mirch (black pepper, a fast climber) and All Spice.

All grow naturally as understorey plants and manage on three to four hours of sun, which makes them the right choice for a shaded balcony where fruit trees would struggle. See sunlight requirements.