I'm in a bit of a tight spot financially and considering starting a vegetable garden on my balcony. I really want to grow my own food since prices seem to be going up, but I'm worried about the time and money it might take. I'm a schoolteacher with a busy schedule, and I already have some small pots I got for free. I'm cautious about what I grow due to the quality of soil and the chemicals that might be present. I'm thinking about tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and maybe some microgreens to help with my nutrition. I also want to add fruits like strawberries and raspberries, but I'd be limited to pot growing. The size of my balcony is around 10.2 by 4.5 feet. Any advice on how to start gardening without breaking the bank? Also, if you think this is a silly idea, I'd appreciate the honesty!
5 Answers
Honestly, growing on your balcony isn’t going to save you loads of money, especially upfront. But if it sounds fun to you, go for it! Try starting small with a couple of plants. Maybe some herbs and a couple of tomatoes to see how it goes. You can always expand next season if you enjoy it!
Thanks, that makes me feel better about just diving in!
Starting with herbs might be a good idea! They don’t need much space and are low-maintenance. Once you begin cooking with fresh herbs, you'll find it hard to go back to the store-bought ones!
I think it’s essential to do it for the joy of gardening, not just for financial reasons. Set a budget and see what you can grow that you're excited about. Cherry tomatoes are great for pots, and if your balcony gets a lot of sun, you should be golden!
Just remember, gardening takes time and patience. You're not likely to save big bucks your first year, but it's a rewarding hobby. Grow what excites you and you’ll have a blast. You could even trade with friends for veggies you don't grow, making it more fun!
Trading veggies is such a fun idea! Gotta make it a community thing!
I love this idea, thanks!
If you're looking for community support, see if there’s a community garden nearby. They often provide the space and resources at a low cost—much cheaper than what you’d spend on individual pots and soil! You could also have room for a wider variety of veggies!
Totally, community gardens are awesome and offer great resources. And you can learn from others too!
I’ll definitely look into that, thanks!
Exactly, just keep it small at first and enjoy the process!