Are you considering growing vegetables in your balcony but worried about the lack of space to grow them?
Well! The good news is that you can grow vegetables in a limited space by planting them in containers!
Some examples of vegetables that can be grown in containers are potatoes, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, greens, herbs, etc.
A general rule followed for growing vegetables in containers is planting them in a large-sized container to increase the time between waterings. The soil remains moist for longer in larger containers. However, it is important to realize that when watered, containers become heavy and are difficult to lift.
The depth of the container is an important factor which is determined by how deep the root of the plant grows.
The combination of plants grown in the pot also determines the size of the pot.
You also need to pay attention to the aesthetics and choose containers that blend well with the house and other pots.
Make sure that the container chosen has a hole at the bottom for draining out the water.
The best way to grow a variety of vegetables in a container garden is by planting 2-3 vegetables in one container.
While deciding the number of plants you wish to grow in a container, make sure that the different plants have sufficient space and do not hamper the growth of other plants in the container.
Ensure that you choose plants with similar needs of water and fertilizers in a pot.
Some recommended combinations are, beans+carrots+squash, eggplants+beans, lettuce+herbs, etc.
When plants are grown with a compatible companion they grow well.
Of course, your containers will be on your balcony, terrace, porch, etc.
But where exactly will be determined by certain factors:
Sunlight requirement: Most plants need 6-8 hours of sunlight on average. However, herbs, salad greens, etc. can do with a little less also.
Protection from Wind: Wind is detrimental to the growth of plants since it batters and dries out the foliage. Clustering pots so that larger plants protect smaller ones from wind is an effective method. Besides clustering also increases the humidity levels which is beneficial for the plants.
Vegetables thrive in a soilless potting mix that retains moisture and is not prone to compaction. Potting soil is good for the growth of plants because it is good for draining off the water while ensuring that the roots are moist.
When plants are grown in containers, they lack sufficient nutrients. Hence, using fertilizers once a week is imperative for the healthy growth of plants. Using organic fertilizers is recommended.
Vegetables need a regular supply of water to maintain the moisture level for healthy growth.
These are tips to get started on your container garden. With a little care and right approach, you will be able to grow vegetables of your choice organically!
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