Post by polarbearfans on May 13, 2012 13:46:12 GMT -5
I live in an apartment with 3 cats so no luck on indoor plants. I want to try a patio garden this year. I'm on the 2nd floor and it's covered so limited sun. I was thinking one of those upside down tomato kits, a balcony rail box for herbs like basil, thyme, and maybe something else. We did a hanging plant last year that worked out well. Any advice? Sun is somewhat limited. Hanging and raised items work best due to thick railing causing shadows. Last year was our first plant. It was a gift.
Post by thekikimonster on May 14, 2012 13:45:04 GMT -5
Would you consider a small cinderblock garden for herbs? Parsley, thyme, lemonbalm, and mint all do well with little to no sun. I'm not sure what the regulations would be for you but they seem to be fairly aesthetically pleasing.
If you're considering non-edible plants as well, I'd plant some Hypoestes and Coleus. Both are very colorful and do well in partial sun/shade, plus, they're hard to kill unless you really, really try. Just pinch off the flowers when they start to form--once they flower, they'll start to die. Plus pinching will make them fuller.
Post by FrozenSunshine on May 14, 2012 15:45:23 GMT -5
We've done the topsy turvy tomato planters for the past 5 years and they've been great. The first few years they were on a 3rd floor balcony that only got afternoon/evening sun. They also have a strawberry one.
If you do the balcony rail make sure whatever herbs you put in there aren't known to spread too much.
Post by bitterblue on May 14, 2012 17:35:53 GMT -5
I have a 3rd floor balcony that gets partial sun. Look for shade tolerant plants, such as leafy greens, salad greens, basil, spinach, cucumbers, etc. Hanging & balcony rail boxes sound like a great idea.
This blog has some great tips and ideas. It's dedicated to container gardening: lifeonthebalcony.com/
Oh, also for non edibles: sweet potato vine, viola, & fuschia plants.
The sweet potatoes you get from ornamental sweet potato vines ARE edible. I always have a nice little crop when I clean out my hanging baskets at the end of the year.