I'm a first time grower so apologies in advance for any stupid questions.

I've just moved into a flat on with a very small east facing balcony.

I'm thinking I'd like to grow tomatoes and herbs this summer but wonder whether there's any point if the balcony only gets the morning sun.

I'm based on the south coast of the UK so it should be warm enough but wonder if the lack of sun would be a problem.

What do you reckon?

My balcony faces northeast so I mainly get morning sun as well. I haven't had any problems with growing tomatoes in that situation. The main difference with my setup is that since I am on a corner and face NE, I do get some afternoon sun - but only in one corner and that is where I stick my veggies (so they get both morning and a little afternoon sun).

I think if the plants can get about 4 - 5 hours of sun, they will produce. Perhaps not as much as those in more sun or in the ground, but then pot-growing isn't necessarily for mass production!

Your main drawback for growing tomatoes might be your cooler summer temperatures, although aside from the global warming that has given your area occasional heat waves, there are varieties that do well in cooler summer climates and include those often grown in the Pacific Northwest, which has a similar climate to yours. In addition, people in that area often grow the plants in tunnels to conserve the heat (especially during the evenings).

In the end I binned the tomatoes idea and have just gone with a selection of herbs (chervil, rosemary, chives, basil, oregano, thyme, sage and a small bay tree).

The sun is getting higher in the sky now and I reckon I'm going to get a good 4 to 5 hours of sun on a good day.

Now just have to let Spring really kick in and I'm away.