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I want a vegetable patch on my balcony!

Vegetable garden on a balcony:the rules to know

To grow well, fruits and vegetables need sun, so make sure your balcony has enough sunlight before you start. If your balcony faces south, southwest or west, you can consider just about any crop; on the other hand, if it faces north or east, prefer undemanding vegetables, such as spinach or salads. In general, always opt for large containers, and favor terracotta pots, as they allow air and water to pass through. Ideally, use special vegetable soil, which provides all the nutrients the plants need. As for watering, never water your vegetables in full sun in summer (very early in the morning is better), and take care not to wet the foliage to avoid rotting.

Which plants for my balcony?

Many vegetables can be grown in a pot on a balcony:this method of cultivation is all the more effective as each vegetable has its own soil and is therefore not parasitized by other plants. If you are just starting out, plant cherry tomatoes or radishes. These two species are very easy to grow on a balcony and do not require any particular maintenance (just be sure to stake the tomatoes). Also think about aromatic herbs:accessible to all gardeners, even beginners, these plants will perfume your plates! And, planted at the base of vegetables, certain herbs protect the plant from pests or diseases:this is particularly the case with basil at the base of tomatoes. To be able to harvest your first vegetables quickly, turn to fast-growing plants, such as peppers, zucchini or even cucumbers. Forget carrots, peas and potatoes:these two vegetables are not practical to grow on the balcony.