I need help. The reason I need help is because I am a known plant killer and I’m completely obtuse when it comes to gardening. I know about enough that I used to help plant the seeds way back when my grandmother had a mammoth vegetable garden, and I know how to weed. That’s about the extent of it for me.
Every year I say that I want to make good use of our balcony and then the next thing I know is it’s mid-summer and it’s too late and another year has gone by. I am determined to do something this year but I have no gardening books and most of the gardening websites I’ve looked at are a little overwhelming for someone as clueless as myself. Thus, I turn to you, because surely out of all of you people who read me, someone must know something about this and can explain it in very simple terms, preferably with no more than two syllables per word.
We live on the 4th (and top) floor of our building. Our balcony faces West and it starts getting sun around 11:30 am or noon. From there it gets non-stop sun until sunset. Because we’re on the top floor we don’t even have a tiny bit of shade from another balcony overhead, which is a shame, because that also makes it difficult to sit out there unless it’s early morning or evening. We get a fair amount of wind as well if there’s any breeze because of being high up. Also, I don’t know if this matters much, but we overlook a busy street which means we get a lot of dust. Our windows always look dirty because of that. I have no idea how that will affect plants, so I just thought I would throw it out there.
So basically, here’s what I need: What types of plants would do well when the conditions include a lot of relentless sun, occasionally strong winds, and plenty of dust kicked up from cars zipping by four stories below? Also, and this may be the most important – they should also be forgiving of someone who wants to be enthused about gardening but who probably isn’t and who therefore may occasionally neglect to water them.
I’d really like to plant some tomatoes. From what I understand, I think I can put one plant (or maybe two?) into a large pot. Can tomatoes work well with the conditions I’ve mentioned? How about chrysanthemums? I seem to remember them being fairly sturdy and simple to care for when my parents used to plant them, and they come in lots of nice colors.
Okay. Go forth and advise my novice self with your gardening savvy. With a little prodding I may actually be able to do more than accidentally grow grass after dumping some spilled birdseed into a dirt-filled pot. I desperately want something growing out there this summer and I am determined to avoid having to resort to getting dollar store plastic flowers just because I put it off too long again.
How about: 1/ 3 big pots, 2/ 1 big bag potting soil, 3/ seeds for cherry tomatoes or tomato of choice, pepper (bell or hotter), basil or whatever you like. Remember to water (the tough part). To take a real shortcut, just buy the established plants of your choice at one of those big markets with a garden center.
Kind of reminds me of my mint dilemma. I’m always told it grows like weeds. You can never get rid of it. Wrong. I had killed it every year. My last ditch effort was to completely replace the soil in a small bed with a big bag or two of that potting soil, put the established mint in the middle of it and water. Worked like a champ. Mint julip and mojito time. Good luck. The kids will like to help too.
Know that I’ve only grown things in Oregon and North Carolina, which both have a different climate from where you are. That said:
Tomatoes do very well in full sun, but they are probably difficult to grow in pots and wind. I would definitely put just one plant per large pot for them, and you’ll need some good stakes/cages to hold them up (maybe even tie them off to the railings?). Small bushy flowers and herbs would do really well. Basil, chives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, lavender, marigolds. (Basil needs lots of water, though). Some of those are perennials, even, and so would probably last for more than just this summer. If you do lavender, I think it takes a year before it blooms. I love making lavender sachets. As for other veggies, maybe some peppers? Lettuce? If there’s anything that starts having problems with the full sun by later in the summer, by then your tomatoes will be big and bushy. Since it’s all in pots you can move less sun-tolerant plants into the tomato shade. Good luck!
I was going to say tomatoes, peppers and any kind of plant that grows well in places like Italy, Greece, Spain, etc where there is a lot of direct sunlight. (I’m sure there are other areas of the world but those are the first that popped to mind.)
Of course, the key issue with all day sun would be to remember to water diligently both morning AND night. I had a south-facing apartment with a huge balcony that also got sun all day and I grew wonderful tomatoes and flowers. Granted, the climate here isn’t the same — not as hot.
Perhaps get some books from the library? Oh and check out other homes/apartments in your area that might have the same issues (lots of direct sun) and see what they have planted. 😉
Tomatoes are good. I recommend the bush variety so you don’t have to get frames for them; just remember to turn them occasionally so they don’t end up leaning toward the sun. I had good luck with strawberries, which are a full-sun plant, and members of the capsicum family are easy to grow: jalapenos, bell peppers, habaneros.
As far as flowers go, California poppies grow like weeds, but they do better in poor soil. They’re hardy things that will survive if you forget to water them, but fruits (like the recommended tomatoes, strawberries and peppers) will not. Hopefully, the strawberries and tomatoes will keep you coming out every day to see which ones are ripe and which ones need some time. It’s as addictive as checking your friends page. I don’t know much about other flowers, especially potted ones; they make me sneeze and I’d rather have something I can use.
If you grow tomatoes, be aware that they’re a member of the nightshade family and that the leaves and stems are toxic.
Hopefully up on that balcony you won’t have a problem with bugs.:)
I wish I could help you, but around here I’m known as the Plant Killer. Impossible as it sounds, I’ve even killed a couple of cactuses.
I think a nice plastic fern is what I’m planning on next.
Oh, I thought of something. If you get the girls really interested in the garden, you probably won’t have to worry about remembering to water. They’ll be reminding you all day. 🙂
Portulaca (poor man’s rose) is a bright, colorful, drought and sun loving flower and it grows well in pots. Water only when completely dry as it is a succulent and will die if over-watered.
Oh, if you plant bush type cherry tomatoes, I’d still recommend using a stout stake in the middle of the pot so you have something to help support the plant with. Many directions say it is not needed, but I still think it helps.
Little late to the suggestion game, but you may want to try growing some herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, etc). Most are pretty hardy and you can use them all summer long with cooking. Your kitty might like some catnip, too.