Hey everyone! My partner and I are moving into a new apartment, and we'll finally have access to a balcony! While it's not the same as the vegetable garden beds I had while growing up, it's definitely a step up. I'm looking for advice on what kinds of plants and structures I can grow on this balcony since I really miss home-grown foods. I'm definitely planning to have an herb garden that I can bring inside during the winter, but I'd love suggestions for vegetable options too.
Here are some details:
- The balcony is about 5 feet wide and 20 feet long.
- It faces east, so we get direct sunlight at sunrise for a couple of hours in the morning, followed by indirect sunlight until noon, and then shade for the rest of the day.
- We live in a hardiness zone of 5b/6a and will be up on the 7th floor, which might affect how plants handle wind and rain.
- We can't have large structures or anything hanging over the balcony, so railing planters are off the table.
- I'm on a budget, which is part of why I want to grow my own produce, but I'm handy and willing to build my own boxes or planters.
- I've had good success in the past with cucumbers, zucchini (though I know it might not be ideal in this setting), potatoes, onions, lettuce, and herbs.
- My partner dreams of growing carrots, lettuce, onions, garlic, cat grass, catnip (for our cat), and herbs.
I know we're somewhat limited, but I'd really appreciate any ideas or advice you have!
3 Answers
You could definitely try growing peas, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions! Tomatoes prefer long planters to spread their roots out. Just keep an eye on their spacing. For peas, you might want to set up a trellis since they'll need something to climb. Don’t forget to throw in some marigolds for pest control—a great companion plant! Just make sure to feed them regularly in those smaller containers!
I just want to gently curb your expectations here—two hours of sunlight might not cut it for growing many vegetables. You might get a bit of lettuce but likely not much else. Most veggies usually need at least 4-6 hours of partial sun. If that’s the case, maybe consider setting up grow lights instead for the best chance at success!
That’s a concern of mine too! We haven't moved in yet, so I really have no idea how much sunlight we'll actually get. I’m considering using grow lights if it looks too bleak.
For your herb garden, consider drying them for winter storage. You’ll want to watch the weight limit on your balcony, especially with larger planters. I've had great success with potatoes in a deep container, and for cucumbers, check out 'Picklebush', which is great for containers! Just remember that onions and garlic may need a lot more space to thrive, though one or two zucchini should be fine in a medium pot. Using trays for drainage is a smart move too!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll make sure to consider the storage for the herbs. I'm even considering setting up a grow light in my pantry for winter since we have extra space.
But will peas and onions actually thrive with just 2 hours of sun? That seems a bit tough for those plants.