You want to grow a vegetable garden, but you don’t have a large yard.
It can be done, even on an apartment balcony.
Just follow these 6 simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying garden fresh vegetables in no time.
6 Steps to a Balcony Full of Vegetables
Step 1: Find a Sunny Spot
Chose an area on your balcony that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. After you have chosen your garden space, get an idea of how many containers can fit into your space.
Keep in mind to leave enough space to allow you to maintain and water your garden.
Step 2: Choose Your Veggies
Now that you have an idea of the amount of containers your balcony will hold, make a list of vegetables you want to grow.
A list of vegetables that do well in containers is provided below.
Step 3: Take a Trip to the Nursery
Now it is time to head to the nursery to get your containers, planting supplies and plants.
The choice of containers is entirely up to you, just keep in mind what shape and sizes will fit best in your garden space.
After choosing your containers you need to get enough soil to fill each container, enough small stones to place a layer on the bottom of the container to allow drainage, fertilizer (compost is best), and enough mulch to add a layer on top of the soil to help retain moisture.
Keep in mind if you’re growing climbing vegetables, such as cucumbers and squash, pick up a trellis for each container.
After all, you want to provide individual support, so they flourish.
The amount of plants you purchase will depend on the amount and size of the containers you have for your garden.
Don’t overcrowd your containers.
Step 4: Mock-up Your Layout & Feel The Flow
Take your empty containers to your balcony garden space and start to design your garden layout. Your garden’s design is entirely up to you. Have fun and remember, they’re no rules here, it’s your space.
Remember to leave yourself enough space to easily maintain and water your garden.
Step 5: Get Your Hands Dirty
Now that you have your garden design, it is time to get planting. Place a layer of stone on the bottom of each container, then fill each container 3/4 full of soil, place the plants into the soil and cover with soil to the stem base.
Apply a layer of mulch on top of the soil in each container.
If you have climbing vegetables, place a trellis into the container to allow the plants to climb.
Make sure to read through the care instructions for the plants you have chosen before you get started.
Step 6: Maintenance Is Necessary
As in most worthy aspects of life, a strong garden requires ongoing maintenance.
Tend to your veggies regularly and your plants will be providing you with garden fresh vegetables to enjoy all season.
Enjoy your container vegetable garden, the rewards are worth the wait.
Vegetables Known To Flourish In Containers
- Arugula
- Beans
- Beets
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Green Onions
- Hot and Sweet Peppers
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Squash
- Salad Greens
- Tomatoes
FAQ
What veggies can’t be grown in a container garden?
Avoid vegetables that need a large space to spread out, like, melons, pumpkins, or winter squashes.
What veggies are the easiest to grow in containers?
The easiest vegetables to grow in your container garden are lettuces, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and summer squash.
If I have a small balcony, what veggies will grow best in my small space?
Vegetables like cherry tomatoes, patio tomatoes, spinach, lettuces and peppers will grow very well in a small space.