A vegetable balcony? Yes, it’s possible
Do you dream of growing your own vegetables and herbs, but you don't have a garden? Don't panic, a balcony vegetable garden is entirely possible!
I have been growing vegetables on my balcony since 2021.
January and February are actually a good time to start planning your gardening season.
For my part, it mainly happens in two stages:
- Planning indoor sowing,
- Planning an Outdoor Vegetable Garden
Some questions to ask yourself before you begin
Regulation
Whether you are a tenant or an owner, it is necessary to know what is permitted by your landlord, your condominium or your municipality (rules and regulations).
Weight supported by a balcony
Indeed, to avoid any breakage or accident, this is important data.
The weight must be taken into account:
- pots/planter/other structures + soil + water + mature plant
- hardware
- furniture
- people
For added security, you could have the condition of your balcony checked by an expert (fixing of the balcony anchor to the building structure, ground, cracks, etc.).
Also, a well-distributed weight limits the overloading of the balcony. Place your heaviest containers in the exterior part of the balcony (building side).
Finally, remember to drain the water properly to avoid any stagnation, infiltration, mold, rust, fungus, insects, etc. While taking into account your neighbors below.
Available space
To maximize your space and know what you are going to put there, it is important to measure it and know the possibilities.
Measure the width, length and height... to optimize the use of your space.
It is also useful to make a plan.
Orientation of the vegetable garden
To grow well, most plants need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
So, if you have a south-facing balcony, it's ideal. Otherwise, you can adapt the choice of plants to put in your vegetable garden to the conditions of your space.
Note however that you could have microclimates in the same space (a less sunny side for example).
Location of your balcony
The higher you are, the more wind there is and the hotter it will be.
You will then need to think about protecting your plants, for example: by adding trellises, windbreaks, mulch and placing the most fragile plants at the foot of the more robust ones.
Choice of plants
It depends on:
- available space,
- the orientation of space,
- what you like to eat,
- your gardening experience,
- your hardiness zone,
- your budget.
- the time you can devote to your vegetable garden.
However, opt for plants that grow well in pots, such as cherry tomatoes, radishes, strawberries, or aromatic herbs such as basil, parsley or chives. These plants adapt easily to growing in pots and do not require a lot of space.
Hardiness zone
The Canadian territory is divided into 10 plant growth zones (0 to 9) which take into account the minimum winter temperature, maximum summer temperature, frost period, precipitation, etc.
To know your area
Sow seeds and/or buy plants
It depends on you, your knowledge, what you want to experience.
I usually do my own sowing, but I sometimes buy plants.
If you choose to sow seeds, here's what you need to know:
Many plants should be started indoors; others outdoors; and others can be sown either indoors or outdoors.
Indoor sowing :
Some can be started in February. But most seedlings should be started in March.
For more details:
Sowing Calendar - Space for Life
For my part, and as recommended by Le Jardinier Paresseux , to create my calendar, I take into account the date of the last frost in my area (it adds 1 to 2 weeks) and I move back the number of weeks recommended on the seed packaging. This will give me the ideal sowing date.
Outdoor sowing
After any risk of ground frost.
The plants
Generally available in nurseries, supermarkets, garden centers from April / May.
Necessary material
Non-exhaustive list:
General :
- a notebook
- a pen/pencil/marker
- a shelf
Indoor sowing
- Seeds,
- Potting soil for seedlings,
- Starter cups or pots, etc.
- Pot for transplanting,
- Identification sticks/plant markers,
- Trays,
- Spray,
- Mini greenhouse (also for use outdoors),
- Lights (lamp) if necessary,
- Mini watering can,
- Gardening glove
Vegetable garden :
- Lightweight pots/planters, made of plastic, fiberglass or fabric,
- Potting soil/garden soil or vegetable soil/herb soil,
- Mulch,
- Clay balls,
- Geotextile,
- Fertilizer,
- Tutors (if necessary),
- Net (if necessary),
- Watering can.
Other :
- Love,
- Patience
- Creativity/ingenuity.
The advantages of a vegetable balcony
A balcony garden has many benefits, including the opportunity to grow fresh, organic food, reduce your carbon footprint by buying locally, and enjoy a calming green space in the heart of the city. Plus, gardening is a relaxing and rewarding activity for the body and mind.
In short, growing a balcony garden is not only possible, but also beneficial in many ways. So, go ahead and create your own green oasis right in the city centre!
Good organization and good gardening :)