CubicFootGardening
How to start a Balcony Garden: If you like to be close to nature even if you live in an urban area with little space, you absolutely must have a balcony garden. Not only will having plants on your balcony improve the view from inside, but they will also give this often overlooked or underutilized area of your apartment a true feeling of purpose.
To determine what plants you can realistically keep on your balcony, you’ll need to measure your area, just like you would when beginning a garden in your yard. There are several methods for successfully planting and setting up your balcony garden, ranging from raising flowers and veggies to growing herbs and more tropical plants.
Firstly, evaluate your area and the amount of sunlight.
First and first, you must evaluate all the conditions necessary for a plant’s healthy growth and be realistic about your area and environment. Determine how many hours of sunlight your balcony receives, how much space you have for pots and containers, and how much shelter the plants will have from the weather. This will assist you in setting up your balcony garden to optimize plant development.
According to Farmscape’s Head Farmer Matthew Geldin, “Veggies can definitely be grown on a balcony.” If your balcony faces south or receives at least six to eight hours of sunshine every day, that is ideal. To measure your exposure to solar light, use a light meter or an app such as Sunseeker. This will guarantee your plants.
THE SURVIVAL PLANT
Selecting plants you adore is simple, but to prevent disappointment, let the light and available space guide your final selections. You won’t be sorry.
“What plants you choose to put on your balcony also depends on the space that you have available,” says Sutcliffe. When purchasing plants, take into account which way your balcony faces and how much sun they will receive during the day.
Similar to how you arrange things on your balcony, you should also think about the weather; if it’s going to be windy, you may get ideas from plants that do well in stormy landscapes. However, if you are determined on less hardy plants, you may also construct your shelter.
SELECT VEGETABLES AND FRUIT THAT HAVE A TIDIER GROWTH HABIT
You can plant veggies on your balcony garden, of course, if that’s what you desire. Whether you’re a novice gardener or not, pick cultivars that are compatible with your balcony’s size and growth environment for a higher success rate. Refrain from going overboard, even when it’s tempting!
According to Geldin, you should choose dwarf species of vegetables and plants that inherently occupy less space if you have a tiny balcony. The veggies that grow well on a balcony usually have smaller, more orderly fruit and an upright growth habit.
Choose the things you want to develop.
Make plans to cultivate your favourite vegetables or herbs. You desire to be able to savour your produce! Leafy greens, lettuce, squash, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, and cucumbers are a few of the vegetables that are the simplest to cultivate. Carrots, spinach, and radishes are simple plants that grow fast as well.
Try planting chives, oregano, rosemary, or thyme for easy-to-grow herbs. Try your hand at growing blueberries or strawberries first if you’re new to gardening. You won’t have to wait years for your first crop because they don’t take up much room and grow swiftly.
Obtain the necessary basic tools and supplies.
Purchase a watering container or hose, rake, and shovel. There are so many equipment available when shopping for garden materials that it’s easy to get overwhelmed! When you first start, learn the fundamentals. You will need a rake to level the dirt, a shovel for digging, and a hose or watering can for watering your plants, at the least.
These products may also be purchased separately, or you can look for a package that includes excellent tools for a novice. Remember to pick up:[3] A little shovel for putting in plants or pulling weeds. If you want to mark out rows in your garden, use stakes and string.
Make sure the soil is suitable for your plants by testing it.
Check to determine if the pH of the soil is between 6 and 7.5.[4] Test the soil now if you’ve had trouble growing plants in the past. You may either follow the directions on the home test kit or take a sample and send it to the local agricultural extension office for testing.
The pH and nutrient composition of the soil will be revealed by the soil test results, allowing you to precisely know what needs to be added to raise the pH to a desirable range of 6 to 7.5. You might wish to skip this step if you reside in an area that is well-known for being a fantastic place to grow.
SELECT THE APPROPRIATE POTS FOR PLANTS
long as they receive five to six hours of sunlight every day, tomatoes are among the simplest crops to produce in pots. Try cherry or miniature tomatoes if you’re short on room.
Growing peppers in containers is also a simple task. They’ll need a deep pot—at least a foot down. Short carrots may also be planted on a balcony if you have a container deep enough to accommodate their lengthy taproots.
To prevent mildew problems, keep the foliage dry and steer clear of overwatering. And lastly, peas are a fantastic veggie that works well in containers. If space is restricted, I suggest choosing dwarf and shrub kinds. damp earth and cold
