Absolute beginner, balcony gardening

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by leica, Apr 18, 2015.

  1. leica

    leica Apprentice Gardener

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    Hello!

    I'm a long-time city dweller and recently bought a flat of my own. I'm trying to start growing plants indoors and on my balcony.

    I'm struggling so far, as I know nothing.

    Hoping to get better and hopefully not kill any plants.
     
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    • Phil A

      Phil A Guest

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      Welcome to Gardeners Corner :sign0016:
       
    • westwales

      westwales Gardener

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      As a start....
      If you like cooking (or even if you don't) why not start with herbs, many stay green all year, certainly all summer, they don't mind if you forget to water (sometimes) and they provide you with lovely fresh scent as well of course being good for cooking. They also provide a good green backdrop for some more showy plants on your balcony.

      Hostas are also good for balconies, nice big green leaves in all shades of green or green with yellows and whites, purple flowers in summer and with very little care they'll come back every year. Will grow in sun or shade.
       
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      • Sian in Belgium

        Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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        Hello and welcome!!

        Great suggestion about the herbs. You can buy pots of growing herbs from the supermarkets. Thymne, chives and parsley are good starters - the parsley and chives will go droopy when they need to be watered, but will pick up quickly once they have had a drink. Then, a little more fussy - basil will make you feel guilty if you let it get too dry - but the leaves are gorgeous torn on sliced tomatoes!
         
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        • Sheal

          Sheal Total Gardener

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          Welcome to Gardeners Corner Leica. :)
           
        • Dips

          Dips Total Gardener

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          hello and welcome

          what kind of plants do you want to grow?

          My mate does a lot of balcony gardening she grows sweet peas in pots up the metal railings and has planters that sit on these full of strawberries. She also grows tomatoes and courgettes in pots along with lettuce.

          she uses every bit of space possible to makes use of all the railings and walls
           
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          • Fern4

            Fern4 Total Gardener

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            Hi...welcome to GC :spinning: :sign0016:
             
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            • "M"

              "M" Total Gardener

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            • Annemieke

              Annemieke Gardener

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              There is a good website for balcony/pot/small scale gardening - edible, the most interesting kind to my mind! Have a look: http://www.verticalveg.org.uk.
              Love, Annemieke.
               
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