You can grow a wide variety of vegetables and other plants on a balcony or terrace. Personally, I love growing my own plants. It is often cheaper to plant and use vegetables then purchasing them when shopping, not to mention they taste amazing!
In general, vegetables usually take between 70 to 120 days to grow to a size that can be used in meals. However, the feeling of pride when you have grown your own food is heartwarming, to say the least.
growing vegetables is good for you
Growing your own vegetables is more than just growing your own food. It will also enhance personal growth by teaching patience as the plant grows. Having them easily accessible on your balcony means you won’t forget about them and can watch as they grow.
Taking care of another living organism and building routines for yourself, all great for your own mental health. Plus learning new habits that can build confidence with yourself and abilities.
If you are going to start with a new hobby this winter why not make it gardening.
Examples of vegetables that can be grown on a balcony
There are many vegetables that even with limited space and knowledge you can successfully grow on your balcony.
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Watercress
- Peppers
- Beans
- Kale
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Chard
- Zucchini
the Specifics of Balcony Growing
Growing Balcony Tomatoes
Usually, you can buy young tomato plants at stores. But you can also grow them from seeds as you can choose different varieties. They are great plants for growing on a balcony as they require little space.
Tomatoes are planted in late January until March. But can generally be planted at any time of the year if you have a greenhouse or a light source. The seeds are placed in 1inch diameter pots with moistened compost. Then place a layer of film over the top of the watered seeds. Keep in a warm bright place in your home to promote germination. I recommend starting on a windowsill and moving onto your balcony as they grow.
When the seeds have germinated you will need to remove the cling film and ensure the compost is still damp. Move the seedlings when they reach 1inch tall into a 2inch pot filled with multipurpose compost. At this point, you can move the tomato plants onto your balcony or terrace. Ensure to change pots when necessary. Trim the stems and offshoots as needed.
Watercress
Watercress needs permanently damp soil to grow successfully. This means that they need to be watered or sprayed every 12 hours to ensure they are in the correct conditions. Use plenty of bulky organic matter, such as garden compost, in the soil to help water retention before planting.
Place the planting pots and keep adjusting the depth of the pots and ensure the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface. Mix organic matter with the soil and fill in the planting hole or container, ensure to water thoroughly. If containers are used place in a container 3-4 that are 5inch tub or pot.
Alternatively, you can also purchase watercress from stores and supermarkets. Ensure they have started to grow visible little white roots. Then you can pot them when you are at home on the balcony.
Plants without roots can be placed into a water-filled jar until the roots start to form and grow towards the water. Once the roots have formed then place them into the soil. Because they are so small they can be grown on a balcony or even your windowsill!
Equipment to set up balcony vegetables
Usually, you will require a container to hold the soil. You can purchase pots online, use storage containers, or empty containers or bottles from around the house.
Soil is an essential part of any great vegetable garden and can be from the yard or purchase specific compost. A garden hose or watering can for watering the vegetables. Plus a small selection of hand tools such as a trowel will make the process much quicker.
Sticking To a budget
When you start growing vegetables you do not need expensive equipment, you can start with plastic bottles or containers which are unused in the household, a cup, or a bottle to hold water for the vegetables.
Seeds can come from the vegetables or other plants you wish to grow, tomatoes you can use the inside of the fresh tomato and plant them to start growing them from scratch. This is a great way to start if you are unsure if you want to start growing vegetables and is cost-effective too.
Fun ideas for Your Balcony Garden
There are many fun ways to grow vegetables at home, you can grow them as a community and see who’s taste or grows the most. You can also grow vegetables with children to show them about growing life and showing how important food is.
In Conclusion
Trying out new hobbies is a great way to understand more about yourself and help minimize spending on vegetables. You can grow them as a secret pleasure or you can enjoy them with friends and family, make competition getting the community into growing too. As long as you enjoy the process, or it helps this is a great hobby for you to have in your life.
