7 Best Plants and Vegetables to Grow on a Balcony

Vegetables to Grow on a Balcony

A significant drawback to living in a city apartment is the lack of a backyard or garden. However, if your apartment has a balcony, you can use it even better. Some plants grown in pots or in balcony gardens are low-maintenance and quickly refresh the space. From delicious fruits to colorful houseplants, you can grow your own little garden. Also, growing your own vegetables can help you save money on shopping expenses. However, there are a few things you should consider before starting your balcony garden. First, determine whether your balcony can support the weight of your potted plants. If possible, substitute lighter plastic or resin plants for heavier clay pots. Also, how exposed are your plants to weather conditions? It's a good idea to create some wind protection, such as windscreens, or choose plants that can withstand strong winds during windy weather.

1. Sweet Alyssum

Maintain your beautiful Alyssum in full sun. Although they live in some shade, plants thrive in full light. Occasional water Alyssum. Give the plants about an inch of water each week, making sure the soil dries out completely between waterings. Plants need to die to promote growth.

2. Herbs

Herbs thrive in full sun and light, well-drained, moisture-retaining soil that is heavily amended with organic matter. Plant seeds of quick-to-seed plants such as cilantro and dill every two weeks during spring and summer.

3. Strawberries

Although they can tolerate some shade, strawberries thrive best in full sun and produce delicious fruit. They prefer healthy, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. When the soil is heavy or poor it is best to plant them in raised beds that provide better drainage and deeper root systems.

4. Succulent and cactus

Succulents are able to survive in low-humidity homes. They don't need much fertilizer or water, but they do need lots of sunlight. Most succulents and cacti prefer well-draining sandy soil.

5. Verbena

Compost-amended soil is ideal for verbena, although it can grow in a variety of soil types as long as there is adequate drainage. These reliable, easy-to-grow flowers love the sun. Clay or compacted soil can cause root rot. Although it can handle some drought, it thrives in relatively moist soil. Too much water can cause root rot or mildew.

6. Lavender

For optimal growth, lavender needs full light and well-drained soil. They thrive in the afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Avoid adding organic matter to the soil before planting lavender, as it prefers low to moderate soil fertility. Lavender thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline soils.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes should be planted deep, so the first leaves are visible above the soil line. Firmly, then completely water. Tomatoes prefer a warm, sunny location protected from wind. Before planting tomatoes, dig a good amount of garden compost into the soil to ensure that the soil is rich, free-draining, and able to retain moisture.