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My wife and I will be moving to an apartment in a semi-urban setting with a balcony facing S-SW. There's a balcony above us and walls at the sides of the balcony, so sunlight would already be limited. It's not a large balcony, about as deep as a chair.
We'd like to grow some herbs (basil, mint) and didn't know if this sort of shade setting would be ok for those.
Also, what sorts of veggies/fruit would be suitable for these conditions? Obviously we won't have access to bees--we didn't in our current apartment either and "sexing" the plants wasn't always fruitful. Pun intended.
Last edited by krayzbone227; 02-22-2013 at 02:08 PM..
When I lived in a condo with a south facing second story balcony, I grew tomatoes and peppers. Didn't try the running vine plants but I think anything you can stake will work.
When I lived in a condo with a south facing second story balcony, I grew tomatoes and peppers. Didn't try the running vine plants but I think anything you can stake will work.
What varieties? Both from our garden last year (chocolate peppers) and from the grocery store (green bell) I've been saving dry seeds that I could try. Normally I buy baby veggies and not seeds from the ground up.
What varieties? Both from our garden last year (chocolate peppers) and from the grocery store (green bell) I've been saving dry seeds that I could try. Normally I buy baby veggies and not seeds from the ground up.
Better off taking seeds from a mature bell pepper. Green bell peppers aren't ripe and usually most of the seeds aren't fully developed. There's a good chance the seeds won't germinate or the seedlings won't be healthy. I would take seeds from a red, yellow, orange, or whatever color bell pepper you want. If you are going to pick them green that doesn't really matter though.
I am going to try again this year to grow cukes and peppers in pots, but not on a balcony, on the patio. Last year I didn't have good results, of course our summer was awful and I don't think I used enough soil. As for the herbs, I am thinking, they actually do better without as much sun, regardless of the directions, so a balcony should be fine. All our herbs last year that were directly in the sun did so/so, those that were a mixture were still growning in early December...
Cuke wise, I trailed them over the balcony and down to two neighbours. Water well, usually adding calcium.
the same goes for Hot peppers; I had seven different kinds. No root crops or crops that take space.
During hot days water well. It's worth repeating.
And try to shade the containers by running them along the walls/balcony rails and keep them off of the floor, or you'll cook the roots.
You didnt say where you are-- up in Mass, I've container gardened for 20+ years. Here are some hints that I use for tomato, herb and cuke container gardening. Smaller fruited plants work better- faster to harvest, faster on the table!
1) High quality trace nutrients are important for veggies (guanos, worm castings, etc). Fertilize gently yet consistently throughout season. Miracle Gro is like Twinkies for plants if tempted to use it.
3) Prevent root exposure when watering later in the season.
Good Luck!
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I really need to get into that business.
