On 9/23/2007 10:39 AM, badhabit wrote:
I've always wanted a big garden for as long as I can remember But
I've literally just got my first flat with my boyfriend.
Does anyone have any creative ideas for the balcony? It's really not
big at all, I have a low budget and limited space.
Hmm?

Be careful that you don't put too much weight on the balcony. A large
flowerpot with potting mix doesn't really weigh much. But if you water
that pot, the wet mix can become quite heavy. "A pint's a pound the
world around." As I recall, a liter of water is a kilogram. You can
distribute the weight by placing the containers on boards. But you
still have to consider the total weight on the overall balcony. The
manager of your complex should be able to advise you on this.

Once the weight issue is addressed, you can consider what to plant.
This involves the exposure (morning, noon, or afternoon sun or no sun at
all), wind (if your flat is on an upper floor), and other climate
issues. Of course, many plants don't really care.

My mother grew tomatoes, bell peppers, asparagus, and herbs in pots on
her balcony with only mid-day and early afternoon sun in a coastal area
of southern California (generally cool to mild, sheltered from wind).
She also had epiphyllum (orchid cactus), schlumbergera (Chrismas
cactus), aloe vera, and various kalanchoe. She kept the soil moist but
never wet (thus reducing the weight). However, her balcony was so
filled with pots that -- for people -- there was standing room only. I
was always concerned that the balcony would someday crash into the alley
below, but it never did.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at http://www.rossde.com/garden/