Let’s consider balconies first, with a word of warning: pots with water are very heavy. Be careful, make sure your balcony (or deck) can take the weight of a pot. You might need to check with a builder.
Decide what you want – a practical or pretty garden. Examples of a practical garden include herbs, veggies, fruit (many dwarf varieties). Pretty flowers – annuals, biennials and perennials – can be a real delight. Of course, some combination of practical and pretty might be just right.
Buy seed from a supermarket or hardware store. Follow the instructions on the back of the packet (a useful guide). You’ll also need some potting mix and a small watering can. Perhaps an organic fertiliser (seaweed or fish).
Ferns are perfect in the shade, but remember their fine roots are very delicate. Ensure you don’t damage the roots when transplanting from pot to pot. Take the whole root ball. Ferns can suffer shock – you’ll notice drooping and browning of fronds – but usually recover in a few days. Succulents of all shapes and sizes grow anywhere.
When it comes to window sills, planter boxes are ideal. I’d recommend a planter box with a water well. Geraniums are lovely, all colours and scents, all types. They thrive in filtered light. Just make sure your box doesn’t get blown or knocked over the edge. Again, a builder can offer advice about a platform or ledge if that’s desirable.
There are challenges. In the city, pollution is deadly. Attracting good bugs to your balcony or window-sill garden is not so easy. Encourage neighbours to garden too – that way, many plants will attract bees, lady bugs and other insects. Spiders play a helpful role.
If all else fails, there’s always hydroponics, artificial lights and water pumps. But that’s a topic for another day!
Au revoir,
Chris
