Finding the right place for your plants might feel like a game of guess but there’s a genius hack that will help you pick a great spot. Ivonne Vazquez, the owner of Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, recommends making a sun map by recording the path of the sun from sunrise to sunset. “Between sunrise and sundown, follow the path of the sun and make a map showing the sun’s arc,” This technique makes visible the sunny spots better suited for tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, and the shady nooks for basil and calendula.
For urban gardeners, making the most of space is essential. Choose compact plants, such as thyme, rosemary, sage and mint, instead of sprawling vines like pumpkins. For container gardening, Amy Pennington, author of Apartment Gardening, recommends bush-type varieties of beans, cucumbers and tomatoes. “Loose leaf or mesclun mix lettuce and baby greens, such as radish or beets, are great for window boxes too,” adds Vazquez. Several of these greens can be harvested repeatedly, which is practical in a small space.
Vertical gardening can be a game changer if you’re dealing with a balcony or deck. Hanging baskets, trellises and shelves can create a layered garden that is as functional as it is pretty. Even pumpkins, known as vining plants, can be selectively grown to save ground space. For a punch of color, Vazquez recommends “complementary flowers and herbs planted in vibrant planters, adding, “Color adds depth and allows you to easily create a vignette with your vegetables, herbs, and flowers.”
The choice of container is equally critical. Big pots help plants to expand, while too small ones may dry out quickly, bringing them to the halt. Stagnaro says when searching for inexpensive planters, tap into repurposed materials such as coffee cans or wine boxes. Just make sure they’re food-safe if you’re growing edibles.
Watering may be the next most important thing in container gardening. Generally, plants require about an inch of water weekly, but overwatering can cause drainage issues especially on balconies with neighbors downstairs. Pennington suggests putting saucers beneath pots to catch excess water: “This will keep water from dripping down to a neighbor below.”
Container plants also need fertilizing, but too much can be harmful. For herbs and light feeders, organic liquid fertilizers diluted in water are a safe bet. Always read the instructions so as not to make a mess.
Succession planting is a wonderful way to lengthen your harvest. Fast-growing plants (radishes, carrots) can be sown every two to four weeks to give an ongoing harvest. This is the likely time to sow seeds for an autumn harvest. And don’t overlook pollinators blooms such as borage and chamomile not only add beauty to your garden, but also entice bees and butterflies, thereby magnifying your veggie yield.
Pests are a less of a headache, too, in container gardens. If you see discolored leaves or nibbled edges, organic soap sprays or hand-picking will help keep infestations in check. Continual harvesting of herbs, vegetables and flowers keeps plants productive and your garden flourishing.
Finally, don’t forget about the actual structure of your deck or balcony. The space can also be strained by heavy planters, so invest in lightweight containers and make sure there’s proper drainage to avoid moisture problems. You can apply waterproof stain to your deck for additional protection from damage.
Whether you are growing fragrant herbs for your kitchen or vivid flowers to fill your home with color, small-space gardening is about creativity and thoughtful planning. Tips like these, backed by experts, can help make your balcony or deck a lush oasis in the center of the city. Happy gardening!
