City dwellers can also learn to garden! However, you do not grow your vegetables on your balcony in the same way as in the garden: space optimization, choice of plants, maintenance… We give you some tips and tricks†
Requirements
There are two essential elements for good plant growth: sunshine and aeration. Ideally, your balcony faces south-east or south-west and the air should be able to circulate well. However, if it is very exposed to the wind, you should think about protecting your plantations. For example, a bamboo curtain will be used.
The main principles of the balcony vegetable garden
According to Consoglobe, there are two main principles: the method of the vegetable garden in squares and crop rotation. By following this link you will learn how to get started with the vegetable garden in squares, which has many advantages. This optimizes the space you have and guarantees better access to the plantations. In the limited space of your balcony, you can also use the ramps and walls for climbing plants (tomatoes, strawberries, etc.).
As the name suggests, crop rotation consists of a succession of crops over the years: one plant replaces another. For your hanging garden, this has the advantage of preserving the soil by alternating plants with different nutritional needs. For the gardener, healthy soil means less water and less fertilizer. This method also guarantees excellent yields.
Think ecologically and functionally
As the media points out Everyone in the vegetable garden, the ecological impact of a balcony vegetable garden is not always brilliant. Which choice of material, soil or plants? In this article you will learn how to make your own wooden squares. Also think about recycling: reuse of pallets, pots bought in a garage sale… By installing a vermicompost, you can recover your organic waste and improve the soil at a lower cost. Another effective natural fertilizer: coffee grounds. To buy your plants, turn to local plant producers. Finally, your balcony vegetable garden is hungry for drinking water: if possible, place a water collection tray under your gutter. For responsible use of water, also think about watering your plantations at the beginning or at the end of the day. Do not water under the midday sun: the water evaporates way too quickly! A good idea: put a rock and a layer of clay on the bottom of pots and tubs to make them watertight.
Select your plantations
Variety is welcome: the association of crops keeps diseases away from the vegetable garden and makes it possible to do without pesticides.
- You can sow carrots and lettuce from March.
- In April it is the turn of sugar peas and radishes.
- Mid-May is the perfect opportunity to decorate your balcony vegetable garden with aromatic herbs or mescluns.
You can also enjoy great classics: salads, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, lavender, spinach, chard… On the original side, we find stevia with a naturally sweet taste. There are still the dwarf varieties of fruit trees, such as the ice crystal fig tree. Finally, remember to classify your plants according to their need for sunshine: a celery, for example, needs less sun than an eggplant.
Anticipate problems
By diversifying your plants, by promoting crop rotation, you have given yourself every chance to control pests. However, should you encounter it, there are effective and natural solutions to get rid of it: To combat aphids and scales, spray crops with a black soap-based solution.
- The recipe: heat a teaspoon of black soap in a liter of water. A simple and inexpensive remedy!
Both in the garden and in life we learn through practice: your best tool is your patience!