Yes, you can move your urban planter boxes throughout the day to follow the sun, and it's a strategy many gardeners use to maximize light exposure for their plants. This practice, often called "chasing the sun," can be particularly beneficial in spaces with limited or shifting sunlight, like balconies, patios, or courtyards. By relocating containers, you can ensure sun-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers get the 6-8 hours of direct light they crave, while shade-tolerant herbs like mint and parsley can be moved to cooler spots during the hottest part of the afternoon.
However, this approach requires consideration. Frequent moving can stress plants and disturb their root systems. It also demands physical effort, especially with large, soil-filled boxes. To implement this successfully, use lightweight containers with built-in casters or place heavy planters on wheeled trolleys. Develop a simple schedule based on your sun's path: perhaps a morning spot for east-facing light and an afternoon location for western exposure. Pay attention to your plants' signals; if leaves look scorched or growth is leggy, adjust your routine. While moving boxes can optimize growth, also consider choosing plants suited to your available light to create a more low-maintenance, thriving urban garden.