Hey everyone! I'm new to gardening and I'm gearing up to start in just a couple of weeks. Here's a little overview of what I'm planning:
1️⃣ **Plants I'm Growing:**
- **Herbs:** Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Cilantro, and Lemongrass ?
- **Veggies/Fruits:** Cherry Tomatoes, Strawberries, and Carrots ???
- **Flowers:** Snapdragons, Zinnias, and Marigolds ? (I want to attract some butterflies and bees!)
2️⃣ **Materials & Cost:** I'm budgeting about $80-$150 for supplies like seeds/seedlings ($2-$8 each), pots with drainage ($5-$20 each), organic potting soil ($10-$15 a bag), fertilizer ($8-$15), plus a watering can and some tools ??.
3️⃣ **Planting Schedule:** I'm in Kansas (Zone 6), so I plan to start seeds indoors in March-April, move them outside in mid-April after the last frost, and do most of my harvesting from May to August ?. Come September, I'm planning to bring sensitive plants back inside and harvest my carrots.
4️⃣ **Watering & Care:** I need some tips on how often to water different plants, especially the cherry tomatoes and strawberries during the summer. Daily watering seems necessary for some, while others are more drought-tolerant.
5️⃣ **Humidity Help:** I heard about using a pebble tray for humidity. Any thoughts on that?
Here are some specific questions:
- What are the best container sizes for cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and carrots on a balcony?
- How can I prevent the soil from drying out too quickly in full sun on my southwest-facing balcony?
- What's the best organic fertilizer for my herbs, tomatoes, and flowering plants in containers?
- Are there any natural pest control methods that won't harm my cats or pollinators?
- Which plants from my list can survive Kansas winters, and which should come indoors?
Thanks a ton! I'm super excited to get started!
2 Answers
Great to see you diving into gardening! A bigger pot is definitely better for plants like rosemary, especially to withstand winter. Just remember that potted plants can be more sensitive to temperature, so keep an eye on them as it gets colder. Your plan sounds solid, and yes, some of your herbs can survive winter, but I'd consider bringing them inside if the temps drop too low. Always safer!
Definitely! A little extra insulation can go a long way in keeping them cozy.
Hey there! It sounds like you're about to embark on a fun gardening journey! For your balcony, consider using self-watering pots. They help by keeping the soil moist and prevent it from drying out too quickly. You just fill the bottom reservoir, and the plants will draw water up as needed. As for pests, I recommend avoiding harsh chemicals since you have cats. You might want to look into natural predators like ladybugs or even spiders, they're great at keeping things in check! Also, for fertilizer, seaweed-based options are awesome—very versatile!
That's awesome advice! Self-watering pots have saved my plants during the summer. Just make sure to keep an eye on the reservoir! And about the ladybugs—totally a solid choice.
Ladybugs sound cool! I'm sure my cats will enjoy watching them too.
Thanks for the advice! I was worried about my rosemary. I’ll make sure to read more about cold-hardy varieties.