Simple pointers for a balcony herb and veggie garden

A balcony garden works well if you love to garden but have limited space. Although you might think you can only keep flowers in a balcony garden, various other plants – including edibles – can be grown. Here are some important factors to consider.

[Image Credit: iStock.com/ChiccoDodiFC]

The best way to grow produce on a balcony is in containers, but there a few things you should know beforehand.

• A south- or west-facing balcony is optimal for growing a wide range of herbs, vegetables and small fruiting trees and shrubs because it will receive sunlight for most of the day.
• Some balconies with limited sunlight can still be agriculturally viable, especially if mobile containers are used so that the plants can be kept in the sun.
• Although a container holding a trellis or wire supports will encourage climbing plants to grow against a wall, you won't be able to move it, so you'll need to select plants that suit the sunlight conditions where the trellis will be located.

When planning a balcony garden, consider the size and weight of the containers, which can be very heavy once filled with soil or potting mixture. Will your balcony be able to support the extra weight? What's more:

• The balcony should have proper drainage so that after watering or rainfall the excess water can get away without spilling over the edge.
• You may need to install a hose, since carrying watering cans through your home can be messy and strenuous.

Containers for growing herbs and vegetables must suit the plants they host.

• Standard tomatoes need a 30-cm (one-foot) pot, although cherry tomatoes can get by with a smaller one.
• Herbs are usually grown in a special herb pot that has holes in the sides to permit additional planting. If desired, they can also be grouped together in a broad, shallow container that holds three or four different varieties.

Regardless of what you plant, all containers on a balcony should stand in a drip tray.

• Plastic or glazed ceramic containers hold moisture well and are particularly suitable for a low-maintenance balcony garden.
• Terracotta containers are porous and will necessitate more frequent watering than plastic or glazed ceramic containers.
• As you water, occasionally check under the drip trays to ensure water has not accumulated and is beginning to rot your balcony, if it's made of wood.

The right potting mixture is vital because it will be the only source of nutrients for your plants.

• Potting mixtures for growing fruit, vegetables and herbs should be light and well-drained, yet able to hold moisture reasonably well. They must also be rich in nutrients, as most productive plants are heavy feeders.
• Standard potting mixture is usually adequate, although you could improve it by adding an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer.
• Well-rotted animal manure will also improve a mixture, but it can be messy (and smelly) for apartment dwellers.

Before filling a container with potting mixture, it's imperative that you first:

1. Cover the bottom with plastic that has a few holes in it, fine wire mesh or large pieces of gravel. This will prevent soil from escaping through the drainage hole.
2. Fill the container to within five centimetres (two inches) of the rim with the mixture.
3. Firm the mixture down slightly.

Now you are ready to plant.

• Without this preparation, every time you water soil will flow out the bottom of the pot – along with nutrients.

Herbs and vegetables don't need a lot of room to grow, which is why a balcony can be the perfect space to plant and harvest your own "farm-fresh" crop.