How to start your low budget balcony today !
1. Recycle Plastic Containers – Spray Paint them in your colour of choice, make holes at the bottom for airflow and place them on a those black meat trays you usually throw away to have the water collect.
2. Determine how much sunlight you have for the plants, if they need to be elevated, and how long the exposure lasts.
3. Decide if you want a plant that will be green throughout the year (cactus, fern) one that will have flowers (Calendiva, Gazania) or one that will make veggies (Potatoes), Peppers, Chillies, or even Herbs (mint is a given).
4. Go to your moms garden for some of your favorite plants .. max 4 to be polite.
5. Once you’ve decided what energy you want the plants to bring visit a local Nursery , they have all kinds of specials and ideas to help you.
6. Always try use seedling instead of seed if you are new to gardening, the gratification is faster. You can also use rotting potatoes to plant new ones.
7. If you start with seeds, ensure that you keep them indoors & elevated with enough sun until they are ready to be planted in the ground. If you miss in this process, you can plant too late and suffocate the plant. Check the instructions on the seed packs
8. Water regularly & prune consistently
9. Manage Pests , there’s different products people prefer that will be harsh on the pests but better for the plants, ask your local nursery based on your population of plants
11. Add healthy nutrients, good soil is R39 at local shops & fertilizer is key in the right season
13. Wash the balcony floor every 2 months to remove soil buildup on the tiles.
Also wear gloves when working with soil, take it from your big sister Noma ?
Let me know if you need better details on each plant.
