How do I start a balcony garden?

We are planning to plant some vegetables and small fruits like strawberries.. Asked by newbie61525 56 months ago Similar questions: start balcony garden Home > Patio, Lawn & Garden.

HGTV has a web article on this very subject. The first step is to, start with a diagram that is to scale. Include the architectural features of your balcony: windows, doors, railings and walls.

Use this initial diagram to get a sense of how much room you have for plants, containers and any furniture. Be sure to leave plenty of room for people to move around and enjoy the space, too. The article also suggests cutting out paper template of the pots and arranging them to make sure everything fits and gets the right amount of sun.

This last is very important for you to consider because vegetables typically like lots of sun. An important consideration is that pots and soil can be very heavy. If you use modern and attractive fiberglass pots you will cut down on both weight and mositure loss typical of clay pots.

You can also lighten soil mixes with various additions to the soil - ask your local nurseryman what is available in your area or look for a lightweight soil mix that contains equal amounts of soil, peat, and perlite. It holds water well and won't compact in the container. This soil settles quite a bit when watered, so fill your container nearly to the rim with soil.

Container planting has a unique set of requirements. Be sure your containers are large enough for your plants to grow into; avoid crowding plants. Purchase pots of different sizes and shapes for a visually appealing grouping.

Every container should have drainage holes. Simplify cleanup by placing a sheet of plastic under your containers when planting. Reduce the frequency of watering potted plants by mixing hydrophilic polymer into the soil.

The polymers expand several times their volume in water, leaving the soil well drained and evenly moist. If you've chosen a plant that is root-bound, remove it from the pot by rolling it on its side while applying gentle pressure. The plant will slide out easily.

Place the plants into balcony containers at the same depth that they were growing in their original container. If using a trellis, put it into the pot and then add the soil and plant. This allows you to firm in the trellis after your plant is in place.

Look for adjustable railing planters that accommodate railings of almost any width and hold various-sized liners. Removable liners make it much easier to replace plants or bring them indoors for the winter. Wait until the containers are in their final location before watering.

Dry containers are lighter and easier to move. Once you've arranged your balcony garden, the basics of growing plants are pretty much the same as growing them in a traditional garden. All you really need is sun, soil and water.

However, getting water to your balcony might require some creative engineering. Consider purchasing a hose that attaches to a kitchen sink faucet and is long enough to reach your balcony. Sources: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_containers_pots/article/0,1785,HGTV_3562_1397143,00.html .

1 plant some strawberries and small fruits in dirt and water. This user has been banned from Askville.

1 plant some strawberries and small fruits in dirt and water.

Plant some strawberries and small fruits in dirt and water.

2 First, make sure your balcony gets plenty of sun as most food crops need that. Then use the largest pots you can afford (and fit into the space). Use a good quality potting soil, not just the cheapest stuff, so that it will drain correctly and have plenty of organic matter in it.

Get a good fertilizer - I like Peter's water soluble stuff. Then look for varieties that like being restricted in pots. Patio tomatoes, grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, the various small egg plant, as you say strawberries, possibly herbs such as basil and rosemary and others - talk to your local nursery about choices for your area.

Good luck! .

First, make sure your balcony gets plenty of sun as most food crops need that. Then use the largest pots you can afford (and fit into the space). Use a good quality potting soil, not just the cheapest stuff, so that it will drain correctly and have plenty of organic matter in it.

Get a good fertilizer - I like Peter's water soluble stuff. Then look for varieties that like being restricted in pots. Patio tomatoes, grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, the various small egg plant, as you say strawberries, possibly herbs such as basil and rosemary and others - talk to your local nursery about choices for your area.

Good luck!

3 Gee, I thought this question looked familiar! Too bad the person never came back to vote.

Gee, I thought this question looked familiar! Too bad the person never came back to vote.

" "When I water my garden, small white flies start flying around. What are they? " "Did you plant a garden?

" "How is your garden doing this summer?" "What suggestions do you have for getting a puppy to stop eating bark in the garden and digging the lawn? " "Olive Garden? " "What do you like to grow in your garden?" "What is a good way to keep weeds out of a garden.

" "Am planting a garden..

When I water my garden, small white flies start flying around. What are they?

What is a good way to keep weeds out of a garden.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.