Beginning a Balcony Garden

Sprawling backyards are no longer a prerequisite for gardeners hoping to grow their own organic food. Even with limited space, fresh-from-the-plant vegetables and herbs can become a part of anyone’s diet. People living in apartments might feel as if they have room for nothing. The good news is; there is almost always room for a small garden, even on the tiniest balcony or porch. When most people think of balcony gardens, they immediately see hanging pots of flowers, not vegetables or herbs organically grown and fresh for eating. While plant choices might be more limited on a balcony, herbs and certain vegetables can thrive on a city apartment’s balcony with just a little bit of time and patience.

Setting Up a Balcony Garden

Container gardens are ideal for a balcony or city gardening. Choosing the right kind of container can make or break gardening success. There are plenty of options, from expensive and decorative pots, to using a simple coffee can. Weighing the pros and cons of each kind of container can help balcony gardeners make the right choice for them.

• Ceramic Containers are the most durable, but they will also need adequate draining holes. New holes cannot be made by hand if they are not draining properly.
• Clay Containers will lose water faster, so balcony gardeners will need to keep a careful eye on the plants to make sure they aren’t drying out.
• Plastic Containers are the cheapest option, but they might have to be replaced frequently. The sun will eventually deteriorate them.
• Wooden Containers might begin to rot. Gardeners should choose redwood if opting for wooden containers.

Once appropriate containers have been chosen and purchased, it is time to set them up. Make a layer of small rocks at the very bottom of the containers, then layer on some compost. Replant your vegetables and herbs in the containers, pressing the soil in firmly around the plants. Make sure to water each plant at least once a day.

Vegetables for a Balcony Garden

Most vegetables can be grown organically in containers. Choosing plants for a balcony vegetable garden should boil down to the apartment gardener’s tastes. Some vegetables are more popular in container gardening than others. Keep in mind that some plants are easier to take care of for a beginner.

Tomatoesare one of the most popular and low maintenance plants to grow. They grow best with lots of light, so place their container on the part of the balcony that gets the most sun. Tomatoes will need a trellis or pole for support.

Lettuce has shallow roots, making it ideal for balcony gardens. Lettuce won’t need as much sun as other plants, so keeping it close to the balcony door is a good idea.

Beanscan easily be grown on balcony gardens. Start sowing beans in the Spring and provide a trellis for support as the plant grows.

Carrots can be grown on the balcony with deep garden containers. Stones will not be needed at the bottom of these containers.

Herbs for a Balcony Garden

There are limitless amounts of herbs that will thrive in a small balcony garden. Herbs are a perfect addition to any garden, from large country spaces to small city gardens. They are easy to maintain, cheap to purchase, and can sometimes be grown year round if brought inside when the temperature drops below freezing. Keeping plants labeled will reduce confusion when the herb garden starts to expand in variety.

• Basil grows well from seeds and likes a lot of sunshine.
• Oregano should join basil in a sunny area of the balcony.
• Rosemary likes the sun but needs a lot of water, so check often to make sure it isn’t drying out.
• Sage doesn’t need as much water, but it could still use a lot of sunlight.
• Thyme is a low-maintenance herb that can placed anywhere on your balcony; shady or sunny.

Growing Organic Vegetable Gardens

One of the largest advantages to balcony gardens is the ability to ensure that all foods are organic. Being the gardener means knowing exactly what went into growing each vegetable and herb. Chemical avoidance is easier and cheaper than trying to find organic selections at the grocery store. Eating vegetables right off the plant is healthier, tastier and better for the environment. Simple country life isn’t so elusive for the city dweller after all.