Gardening Without A Garden – 10 Ideas For Your Patio Or Balcony

Last Updated on January 28, 2019 by woodcutter

Most of us do our best to buy foods that are healthy. We buy fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid those that are pre-packaged. But, even with our best efforts, we consume food that has been treated with chemicals. This is one reason why the fresh vegetables you buy at the supermarket do not compare with the same fresh vegetables from a garden.

If you live in a large city or in an apartment, you probably feel there is no way you can actually grow enough food to provide substance to your family. But, if you have a patio, porch, or balcony, you can. There are dozens of vegetables that produce very well and do not need a lot of room to grow. Some are almost maintenance-free and they taste incredible. When you plant your own seeds and care for them yourself, you know that there is no reason for concern. These vegetables are created by nature.

What would you need to begin?

You will need pots for each vegetable plant you plan to grow. The pots should be 6” to 10” deep with a wide top in most cases. However, some may need a shallower pot and other a deeper pot. You will need potting soil (peat-based mixtures are best), garden hand-tools, a watering can, and seeds. You will want good seeds from an industry leader. Buying seeds from a garden center at your local department store is a risk. You do not know if the seeds are fresh or if they stored them from last year. You don’t have to run all over town collecting seeds. Order your seeds online at https://www.myseedneeds.com/collections/seed-collections

Vegetables That Grow Well In Pots

Tomatoes

There are many varieties of tomatoes. For your patio garden, use a small to medium size variety. Your seed provider will help you select your favorite. Tomatoes are a heavy producer. You will harvest them many times as you use them. If you grow too many Use them to make your own tomato-based sauces.

Lettuce

Lettuce is another vegetable that will produce several times. This plant does not need a deep pot, but rather a wider pot. A pot that is 6” deep is deep enough. However, the plants need 4” between each plant.

Peppers (and Chilies)

Peppers are big producers. You can plant chilies as well. This plant needs a 12” deep pot. Put their pot in a sunny spot and keep it moist. You may have to add fertilizer from time to time but the harvest is ample.

Radishes

Radishes are fast growers and they produce a lot. You should plant them in at least a 6” pot, but 8” will work too. Place them 3” apart. Cool weather will not bother them. Just keep them moist so the roots will not dry out.

Spinach

Spinach is a staple vegetable for a small garden. The plants are easy to grow. Be sure the top of the pot is wider than the bottom. Spinach is used in so many dishes that you will be glad to see the size they grow to. Use smaller leaves for salads and garnishes. You can put this plant where there is shade most of the time. Shade will not hamper its growth.

Dwarf Peas

Plant these peas near the wall. The plant grows up, not out. Use a strong trellis to allow the peas to climb. Dwarf Peas like sunshine.

Carrots

This is another plant that loves water. The plant will grow well in 6” pots but 8” pots are better. They are virtually maintenance free. Just keep the soil moist so the roots do not dry out.

Zucchini

This is a squash that is so tasty and so versatile, we could not leave it out. It grows well in the cooler temps and it has a light, spring veggie taste. You will get a big harvest from this plant and you will find dozens of ways to use it.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens grow well in the summer months. They can be eaten in salads or cooked with seasonings as a side dish. When other plants have given up to the summer sun, Mustard Greens will push on.

You have many more options for growing your patio garden. Take your time and enjoy your harvest. You will never want another store-bought vegetable again.

Ideas that rewards!

You do not need a parcel of land to enjoy fresh vegetables. Many of the foods you love, grow very well in large planting pots. The patio garden is easy to work with as you can move the plants if they need more sun or rain. Your patio/balcony garden will produce enough food to feed your family and put some in the freezer for another day. For example, you can grow approximately 20 pounds of Summer Squash with only 3 plants. So, enjoy your small garden and your wonderful harvest soon. The sooner you plant your seeds, the sooner you will reap you rewards.