My 2013 Balcony Graden

[bramasoleiowa]

Despite the apartment complex rules that state "If you wish to plant flowers around your patio or in proper containers on your balcony, this is permitted. Vegetable gardens are not acceptable." I am moving forward with plans to have a few tomato plants, carrots, radishes, okra, and peppers.
There will be decorative plants on the south-facing balcony as well- including prairie blazing star and sunflowers.

In two weeks I start the indoor germination of tomatoes and peppers. Most of the garden work will happen in April and May. Okra in June.

As long as my balcony is not an "eye sore" then there should be no concern to the landlords if I'm growing a few things to eat to supplement my budget while I finish using my GI Bill benefits.
The city just dropped plans for a front-yard garden ban, and I think public opinion would be on my side if anything were to happen.

[bramasoleiowa]

And potatoes.

[CathyA]

Hi bramasoleiowa. Welcome!
How many hours of direct sunlight will your balcony get? Just remember that the sun will be higher in the sky in summer.
Container plants can be alot of fun. Good luck to you!

[bramasoleiowa]

Hi bramasoleiowa. Welcome!
How many hours of direct sunlight will your balcony get? Just remember that the sun will be higher in the sky in summer.
Container plants can be alot of fun. Good luck to you!

It's south-facing with no overhang and no shade tree (tree was cut down about 2 months before I moved in). So plenty of sunlight :-)

[fidgiegirl]

Welcome aboard!! Looking forward to hearing about your little garden's progress. My mind is starting to turn that direction as well. Lots to do and lots of fun and beauty to be had.

[Dhiana]

Me, too! I started germinating some red peppers a couple of weeks ago and gave up on them. Then the next day one popped up =) YAY!! Now I have 4 plants that I need to put into larger pots and hope for the best they will continue to grow.

I'm trying to grow the things that are the most expensive and difficult to find at the grocers here. We don't eat enough potatoes to make it worth it to grow them and they are very cheap. Western style baby spinach isn't sold here so I'm hoping to get it growing in the next month or so.

I get a LOT of sun on my high-rise balcony but I'm most worried about the wind. Do you need to worry about strong winds? Any solutions? My current plan is to simply bring the most vulnerable inside when it gets too windy.