Today, more and more people are moving into condominiums or apartments. The one thing that people seem to miss, however, is no land for gardening. Still, it’s not hard to grow a vegetable garden on a balcony, and you can really have a successful balcony vegetable garden.
Having a green thumb but limited outdoor space? Don’t let that stop you from enjoying fresh veggies from your own garden! With a little planning and TLC, you can grow a bountiful vegetable garden right on your apartment balcony.
As an urban gardener myself I’ve learned a lot over the years about how to make the most of small spaces when vegetable gardening. In this article I’ll share everything I know to help you get growing on your balcony this season, from choosing the right plants and containers to tips for care and maintenance. Let’s turn your balcony into a veggie lover’s paradise!
Choosing the Right Vegetables for Balcony Gardening
The great thing about balcony vegetable gardening is that you can grow many of the same popular vegetables that people grow in backyard gardens Focus on compact, bushy varieties that do well in containers Some of my top picks include
-
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, chard, arugula – fast-growing and can be harvested multiple times!
-
Bush tomatoes – look for patio or container varieties. Cherry tomatoes work wonderfully.
-
Peppers – opt for smaller varieties like bell or chili peppers.
-
Herbs – basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, parsley. Keep picking to encourage growth.
-
Green onions and radishes – easy to grow and fast maturing.
-
Bush beans and peas – pole varieties take up too much space.
-
Strawberries – grow well in hanging baskets and pots.
-
Carrots and beets – choose shorter varieties.
The key is choosing compact, small-to-medium sized plants that won’t outgrow your containers quickly. Avoid sprawling vegetables like pumpkins, melons, corn, and potatoes that need much more space.
When planning your container garden, make sure to consider sunlight needs too. Leafy greens and herbs do fine with just 4-6 hours of sun while tomatoes, peppers, beans, and peas need a full 6-8 hours of direct sunlight to really thrive. Know your space and pick accordingly!
Choosing the Right Containers for Balcony Gardening
Container choice is critical for a successful balcony veg garden. You want containers that are:
-
Large enough to provide sufficient soil depth and room for roots to grow. At least 10-12 inches deep, bigger is better!
-
Made of a sturdy, weather-resistant material like plastic, ceramic, wood, or metal. Avoid thin containers.
-
Have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. I recommend at least 4-5 holes.
-
Lightweight enough when filled with soil to be moved around on your balcony if needed.
Self-watering containers, window boxes, 5+ gallon buckets, and fabric grow bags/pots are all great choices. For vining plants like peas, a trellis placed next to the container enables vertical climbing.
I’m a big fan of self-watering containers in particular – they have built-in reservoirs that extend the time between waterings. For balcony gardening, they help provide a constant supply of water when you can’t check on plants as frequently.
Creating Nutrient-Rich Soil for Your Containers
Good soil is the foundation of any thriving vegetable garden, and container gardens are no exception. When choosing or making soil for your balcony veggie containers, make sure it:
-
Is lightweight and fast-draining to prevent soggy soil. Incorporate perlite or vermiculite.
-
Has lots of organic matter like compost, coconut coir, or peat moss which provide nutrients for plants and help retain moisture.
-
Is pre-mixed with slow-release fertilizer to feed plants over many weeks and months. An organic vegetable garden fertilizer is ideal.
-
Has a pH between 6.0-7.0, the ideal range for most vegetables. Test strips can check pH.
I recommend starting with a high-quality potting mix made specifically for container vegetables, then incorporating extra perlite or vermiculite for aeration. Pre-moisten the soil before filling containers and use a trowel to gently disturb roots when transplanting seedlings.
Caring for Your Balcony Vegetable Garden
Once your containers are set up, consistent care is key! Here are my top tips for keeping balcony veggie plants healthy and productive all season:
-
Water thoroughly – Check soil daily and water when the top inch becomes dry. Consider setting up drip irrigation.
-
Fertilize regularly – Every 4-6 weeks, use a balanced liquid fertilizer made for vegetables.
-
Watch for pests and disease – Check under leaves for any bugs or spots. Remove afflicted leaves immediately.
-
Prune and pinch – Prune leggy growth and pinch off spent blooms to encourage more fruit production.
-
Weed vigilantly – Weeds compete for water and nutrients. Pull them as soon as you see them.
-
Harvest frequently – Pick ripe vegetables promptly to encourage more production. Don’t let any go to waste!
-
Enjoy and observe – Pay attention to what each plant needs and make adjustments. Relish eating your balcony-grown goodies!
With this balcony veggie gardening basics covered, you have all the knowledge needed to start cultivating your own container crops this season. I hope these tips inspire you get growing – even the smallest outdoor space can be turned into an edible urban oasis! Gardening is so fulfilling and enjoying your own fresh-picked produce is the sweetest reward.
FAQs About Balcony Vegetable Gardening
How many hours of sun do balcony vegetable plants need?
Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Leafy greens can get by with 4-6 hours. Make sure to place containers in the sunniest part of your balcony. Morning sun is better than afternoon.
What vegetables can I NOT grow on my balcony?
Avoid large, spreading vegetables with very large root systems like corn, potatoes, melons, squash, and pumpkins. Stick to bushy, compact varieties.
How often should I fertilize my balcony vegetable garden?
Fertilizing every 4-6 weeks during the growing season is a good general rule. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer made specifically for edible plants.
Why are my balcony vegetable plants dying?
This is usually due to overwatering, underwatering, lack of nutrients, or too much exposure to harsh sun/wind. Check soil moisture, fertilize if needed, and move containers to a sheltered area.
When should I start my balcony vegetable garden?
This depends on your climate, but most gardens can be started 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date when nighttime temps stay above 50 degrees F.
What soil should I use for a container vegetable garden?
Choose a lightweight, nutrient-rich potting mix made specifically for container vegetables. Incorporate extra perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Turn Your Balcony Into a Vegetable Oasis!
Start small your first year as you get the hang of it. Plant a few pots of leafy greens and herbs to enjoy all season. Then expand your container garden over time as your veggie growing confidence grows. Before you know it, you’ll have fresh tomatoes, peppers, peas and more right at your fingertips!
Do you have any other tips for successful balcony vegetable gardening? What are your favorite edibles to grow? I’d love to hear about your container gardening experiences in the comments! Let’s chat all things veggie growing.
Plants for Balcony Vegetable Gardening
If you follow these steps, almost any vegetable plant you can think of that grows well in a backyard garden will also do well in a balcony garden:
These can all grow in containers, as can many herbs, and actually do quite well. Container gardening is becoming quite popular in balcony gardens.
You can choose any type of container for growing a vegetable garden on a balcony. Select clay pots, plastic pots, or just containers that match the style you want to use for your balcony garden. Make sure the container you choose offers good drainage. The drain holes are best if placed on the sides of the container. Place them about one quarter to one half inch (6 mm. to 1 cm. ) from the bottom of the container.
Tips for Growing a Vegetable Garden on a Balcony
For your balcony gardens, you should only use synthetic soils when you plant in pots. These are best suited for container plants. There are many types of synthetic soils, such as peat moss, sawdust, vermiculite, perlite, wood chips, and more. You can fill the bottom of the container with coarse gravel before putting the soil in. This will improve drainage for your plants.
When you put your plants out in your balcony gardens, don’t forget to water them. This happens more often than not. Watering one time a day is necessary and more would be too much. If your balcony gets direct sunlight and doesn’t have a roof, you won’t have to water it when it rains.
Any vegetable that is easy to transplant is great for container growing. You can, however, start seeds indoors, just like you would if you were planting them in the backyard. When they are ready, you can move them to the containers on your balcony vegetable garden.
