What’s better than fresh produce in the summer? If you live in a rental home or apartment with limited outdoor space, you may think
It turns out it’s both possible and practical to grow your own food. With a little research, sweat, and ingenuity, you can successfully grow a nice little garden on a patio or balcony!
Consider these questions as you start planning the patio or balcony garden of your dreams
Which fruits and veggies do you like? Make sure your planting area has the space and environment for the things you want to grow. You may love watermelon, but it’s good to know that it grows on long tendrils that are not suited to a small garden space.
What conditions do your preferred plants need? What sun exposure needs/temperature tolerance do they have? What planting depth do they require? If your patio/balcony faces north, you may have to adjust your plant choices. If you have direct sunlight all day, consider the heat tolerance of your plants.
What plants will grow in boxes/containers? An obvious choice for small-space gardening (like in pots, planters or containers) is herbs. Which fresh herbs match your cooking style or dietary needs? Tomato plants grow up more than out, so if you like fresh tomatoes they make an excellent container plant. Even pole beans can work, given the upward space and something to hang on to! In planter boxes, consider lettuces, radishes or chives.
Do you have the time and commitment necessary to maintain a garden? Watering is a chore, but it’s a shame to do all the planting work only to have your plants dry up from heat and lack of watering. Luckily, growing in planters and pots won’t require a lot of weeding!
What about soil and fertilizer? Your local garden/home store can help you with soil specific to growing in pots or containers. These are specifically suited to this purpose to retain water and provide ample nutrients. You can mix in some water-soluble fertilizer at planting time, and add supplements
What plants grow together well in a pot or box? You can match plants that have compatible depth and space requirements to make the most of your patio garden. For example, tomatoes and onions grow well together, as do lettuces and herbs.
A bountiful patio or balcony garden isn’t impractical or even all that complicated. You will have a great time tending to it, too! Plus you’ll have the satisfaction of having your own fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits to add to your summer menu.
Related Resources
Apartment Therapy Gardening Without a Garden: 10 Ideas for Your Patio or Balcony
Gardener's Supply Company Urban Gardening with Vegetables: How to grow edibles in pots and planters