Grow Edible Plants on Your Balcony: Herbs, Tomatoes & More (2023)

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Accomplishing your green-thumbed dreams is easier than ever with the right plants to grow on your balcony. As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing edible plants on your balcony – from tomatoes and strawberries through jasmine and Japanese maple trees. With careful planning, it’s possible for anyone living in an apartment or townhouse with limited outdoor space to create their own mini oasis of homegrown produce.

So let’s get started!

Herbs

Herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary are a great way to add some flavor to your balcony garden! When selecting containers for herbs, make sure they have adequate drainage and the right size – usually one gallon per plant.

Herbs need at least six hours of sun each day, so consider this when positioning them in relation to their water source. Soil types vary with different herbs. For instance, oregano prefers looser soil while parsley likes tighter ones.

To prevent pests from ruining your plants, you can use organic pest repellents or introduce beneficial insects into the mix, such as ladybugs or lacewings, that will help keep them at bay.

Container gardening on balconies offers many benefits, but be mindful of weight selection when choosing large pots. These can become heavy over time if not secured properly. An extra-large container is able to hardy support heavier varieties such as tomatoes without fear of tipping over due to wind exposure or other environmental factors common on balconies.

Houseplants

Houseplants are an easy and rewarding way to add a bit of beauty to your balcony space, with some varieties providing vibrant colors or fragrant aromas. Organizing your houseplant collection is key for successful container gardening.

Consider pot selection, wind protection, light requirements, and overwatering risks when arranging plants.

• Choose lighter plastic or resin containers over heavy terracotta pots.
• Consider shade-loving houseplants for shadier balconies like begonias and nicotianas.
• Use bug boxes instead of chemical sprays to deter pests from ruining plants!

Scented plants like jasmine will provide a pleasant aroma on warm summer evenings, while cacti and succulents can withstand sunny exposure without much fuss.

Bedding Plants

Adding bedding plants to your balcony is an excellent way to add color and texture. When selecting containers for these types of plants, make sure they are deep enough for proper drainage but lightweight so that you don’t strain yourself when watering or repotting.

Consider a sunny spot on the balcony with plenty of light for flowering annuals such as zinnias, pelargoniums, coleus, or sweet pea flowers. For shade-loving bedding plants, try begonias and nicotianas in window boxes or hanging baskets away from direct sunlight.

Strawberries can also be grown in pots, while tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of sun per day! Fertilizing regularly will ensure healthy growth throughout the summer months.

With careful selection and care, these best-loved garden favorites will bring beauty and pleasure all season long – without taking up too much space on a sunny balcony.

Japanese Maple

Japanese Maples offer a stunning addition to any balcony, boasting beautiful foliage in both summer and winter. Acer palmatum, the Japanese maple tree, is easy to care for with minimal pruning or soil amendments required.

It thrives in climates that are cool and moist during the spring growing season but warm and dry throughout summertime.

The silver-toned leaves of this variety stand out from other plants on balconies. They also reflect sunlight, which helps create a cooler environment beneath them when planted near clear glass windows or light plastic containers.

There are several benefits from having one of these majestic trees on your balcony. They provide shade in hot weathers and are an attractive focal point all year round.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a great option for your balcony, offering sweet treats and attractive foliage – why not try growing some this season? Growing strawberries on balconies is easy with the right preparation.

Start by selecting separate containers that have plenty of drainage holes and are large enough to accommodate the roots without becoming rootbound. For sunny balconies, choose light-colored pots to help reflect sunlight away from plants.

Use good quality soil mixed with compost or fertilizer for optimal growth when planting your strawberries in their new home.

Harvesting tips include picking ripe fruit regularly as soon as they turn red – overripe berries tend to rot quickly! Pest control can be done using natural methods like spraying neem oil or introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs into the environment around them.

Finally, make sure you water frequently but carefully so that leaves don’t get wet while producing fruit – happy strawberry harvesting!

Tomatoes

Try ‘Bush Slicer’ Cucumbers or Terenzo F1 Tomatoes in containers on your sunny balcony for a bounty of juicy produce!

Plant medium-sized tomato plants in individual pots. It is the best option.

Ensure that each container has plenty of drainage holes and nutrient-rich soil.

Cherry tomatoes can be planted directly into hanging baskets. Larger varieties will need deeper containers.

Use natural fertilizer, such as compost, to help feed the plants throughout their growing season.

Hand pollinating or using a paintbrush are recommended for increased yields from your tomatoes.

Make sure they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Some extra-large varieties may require more sun exposure than others.

With proper care, you’ll soon have an abundance of tasty homegrown tomatoes right from your balcony garden!

Jasmine

Bring the scent of summer with a jasmine, perfect for adding fragrance to your balcony.

Pollination can be achieved by hand or using a paintbrush on larger varieties. Pruning is important to keep its growth under control; however, some vigorous perennials may need extra support if grown on the balcony due to weight constraints from large vegetables and flowers like onions, which have beautiful blooms but require pots that are at least one foot deep!

Consider the best varieties for sheltered balconies, as well as shade-loving plants that thrive in blustery coastal gardens.

For sunny balconies, use silver foliage reflecting sunlight, while shadier areas will benefit from radishes or Swiss Chard – both great options when considering container growing vegetables for any level gardener.

Bulbs

Brighten up your space with bulbs like cyclamen coum, snowdrops, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths for winter and spring color. Bulbs are versatile plants that require minimal effort to grow on balconies. The best ones depend on hours of sunlight.

Some, such as jasmine, add a sweet fragrance to warm summer evenings, while others, such as onions, have beautiful blooms in early spring.

Cyclamen coum is ideal for sunny areas but can also tolerate some shade. Snowdrops need more sun exposure than other bulb varieties.

Bulb	Sunlight (hrs/day)	Best For
Cyclamen Coum	4–6	Shady Locations & Sunny Areas
Snowdrops	> 6	> Sun Exposure

Vigorous Perennials

If you’re looking for vigorous perennials that look great in containers on your balcony, consider lady’s mantle, crocosmia, muehlenbeckia, lamium, and adenophora.

Lady’s mantle is an attractive foliage plant with fuzzy green leaves. Crocosmia produces bright yellow flowers while Muehlenbeckia has delicate trailing stems. Lamium provides lush ground cover with its silver-edged leaves. Adenophora adds beautiful blue blooms to container gardens.

For shady balconies, try runner beans which will thrive despite the reduced light levels but do need good drainage as well as plenty of sunlight when grown outdoors or indoors – six hours per day minimum!

Bug boxes and bee hotels are perfect additions to any balcony garden too. They provide shelter from predators for beneficial insects such as bees, which help pollinate other plants nearby!

Tips for Growing Vegetables in Pots

You can easily cultivate vegetables in pots on your balcony with the right tips! Choose a pot that’s deep enough to prevent rootbound plants and ensure proper drainage. Consider weight when buying; lighter plastic or resin containers are preferable over heavy concrete ones.

Check sun requirements: beans need six to eight hours of sunlight, while Swiss chard is good for shadier balconies. Look for bush varieties such as ‘Pizza My Heart’ Sweet Peppers, ‘Bush Slicer’ Cucumbers, and garlic which can be grown on a window ledge for maximum yield from minimal space.

Add wind protection if necessary by creating shelter or picking plants that thrive in blustery coastal gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)