Hey everyone! I'm diving into my second year of gardening and I really appreciate all the advice I've received so far—it's been super encouraging! This spring is a bit confusing for me though, as I'm planning the layout for my plants in a 60x60x30 cm fabric bag on my balcony.
I'm thinking of sowing mangetout peas and Swiss chard, and I want to repot some small kale plants (they're about 15 cm tall). I also want to include nasturtium and parsley, and maybe some leaf lettuce if it fits. I'm open to suggestions for good plant companions too!
Looking ahead to summer, I want to swap out the peas for tomatoes and basil, plus I might add radishes and green onions instead of the kale and chard.
For layout, I prefer a more organic setup rather than the straight line method. Since the peas will get tall and shade other plants, I'm planning to place them towards the back, and the nasturtium is going in a corner to attract pollinators. But I'm stuck on how to place the rest of the plants. What would you all recommend? Would love to hear about how you choose your combinations! Thanks so much for any help—gardening is my passion, but it sure can be overwhelming sometimes!
2 Answers
You’ve got a solid collection of plants! I think adding radishes is fantastic because they're quick to produce. I’d suggest you replace the kale or even plant them together with the chard, as they can share space nicely. Just remember, kale can grow really big, so if you do keep them in, monitor their growth to ensure they're not shading out the others too much.
If you're looking for companionship, herbs like basil and parsley can be great since they help deter pests. Just give them enough room to grow!
It sounds like you have a great plan for your fabric bag! For your spring planting, putting the peas and kale at the back is a smart move since they’ll grow taller. Nasturtium is great for attracting pollinators, so it’s perfect in the corner. As for the rest, I’d suggest planting the Swiss chard and parsley in the middle, as they don’t grow super tall and can do well together. Leaf lettuce can go in front since it stays short.
For summer, swapping out the peas for tomatoes and basil is a classic combo! Just remember to space the tomatoes properly to let them grow. And don't forget to keep an eye on your watering, especially as the weather warms up!
Nice layout tips! Also, if you're gonna have tomatoes, just make sure they get enough light since they can be kinda picky!
Thanks for the advice! I will keep that in mind about the kale and chard. I’m excited to see how it all turns out!