I've been successfully growing succulents, ferns, and flowering perennials for about ten years, but I'm ready to branch out into edible crops. I've attempted it before, but seem to run into new challenges each time. Ideally, I'm interested in growing fruit and herbs, although I wouldn't mind trying out some potatoes and carrots too. Since I live in an apartment, space is a constraint, and while I'd love to grow fruit trees, they may not be practical unless they can thrive in large pots. What crops do you suggest I start with?
3 Answers
How's your sunlight situation? Most crops thrive in full sun, so that's a good starting point. Herbs tend to do pretty well indoors, especially with grow lights. What do you love to cook? Perhaps think of crops you often buy in small, wilted packs as those could be great options for growing yourself!
If you’re gardening on a balcony, check any rules regarding large planters, as wet soil can get heavy. Some people forget that excess water can drip down onto other balconies, which could be an issue!
You might want to explore seeds made for container gardening, like those from Renee's Garden. Think about what you actually eat often or ingredients you prefer fresh rather than buying small, expensive quantities. For herbs, consider a themed herb garden—like a pizza garden or a cocktail garden! And, if you're in a cold-winter climate, check if you have enough space indoors for dwarf varieties of trees; they can be more manageable.