You don’t need a lot of space to grow edible plants. With some easy-to-grow plants and a bit of care, you can harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs right from your balcony or windowsill.
6
Tomatoes
Tomatoes come in all sizes and shapes, from tiny and perfectly round cherry tomatoes to big and oddly shaped heirloom tomatoes. They are easy to grow and can provide you with a plentiful harvest throughout the summer. All you have to do is cut a slice of your favorite tomato, dry the seeds, and plant them in the spring. You’ll have new tomato seedlings in a week or so.
This method of growing works best with non-hybrid varieties.
If you’re unsure about this method, buy seedlings from the nursery. Transfer them to a bigger pot (at least 12 inches in diameter) so they can grow big and bear fruit. You can also buy seeds from a store and plant them according to the instructions on the package.
To keep your tomato plants happy, give them full sunlight for about six to eight hours a day. Choose well-drained soil and water regularly to keep them moist.
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The key point to remember when planting tomatoes is that they can grow tall—up to five feet or more. A stake is crucial to support the plants and keep them upright. They are otherwise low-maintenance. Just check for diseases or pests, and opt for organic pest control methods. And don’t forget to pick the delicious ripe tomatoes and enjoy them!
5
Green Onions
Nothing is easier than growing green onions. To get started, you don’t even have to worry about finding a pot or soil; you just need some fresh green onions from the grocery store. Cut them about an inch above the root, and place them upright in a cup with just enough water to submerge the roots. Change the water every two days.
Once new growth starts to emerge, plant the green onions in a pot that’s at least six inches deep and has drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix and keep the plants in a sunny area. They are fine indoors or outdoors, as long as they get full sun. Regular watering is essential; the soil must be moist, but not soggy.
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The flavorful green onions are ready to harvest once they’re six inches tall. You can gently cut them one or two inches above the soil to allow them to regrow. Plus, a cool benefit of growing green onions is that the same plant will give you multiple harvests.
4
Chili Peppers
I never thought growing chili peppers would be easy until I tried it. The plant almost takes care of itself, as long as you do the bare minimum. Like the above two plants, chili peppers prefer full sunlight and good-quality soil. The pot size will depend on the type of chili; it should typically be between six and eight inches in diameter. Some chili plants may need a stake to avoid toppling over.
My plants are full of chilies and have provided us with abundant fruit throughout the growing season. They are bursting with tiny white flowers every morning and show no signs of slowing down yet. Chilies prefer a hot climate, so hot summers are ideal for their growth.
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I’ve planted my tomatoes and chilies together in the same pot, and they seem to be okay with the arrangement. As they’re from the same nightshade family, they have similar growing needs, so you can grow them together to save space.
3
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant and hardy plant to grow, as long as you give it enough sunlight and high-quality soil to thrive. You should buy rosemary plants from the garden center, because they’re difficult to grow from seeds. Start with a small six-inch pot.
As a drought-resistant plant, rosemary can handle extended periods without water. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can prevent the roots from absorbing nutrients. Water only if the soil is dry, and ensure the pot has drainage holes for the excess water to flow out.
When the tips of the plant start to droop, it’s the right time to water.
I recommend growing rosemary outdoors on a balcony or patio, as it needs ample sunlight to flourish. Check the USDA plant hardiness zone map; if you live in zone 6 or below, you can bring the rosemary plant indoors for wintering. Place it in an area with bright light, but away from the cold.
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The versatile herb is not only for flavoring meats and potatoes; it can be dried and used in tea, for pest control, and in your potpourri. Also, if you use the thick branches as a skewer, your meats will burst with rosemary flavor. Remember, the plants can grow bushy, so prune them often to keep them in good shape.
2
Strawberries
You’ll be amazed to know that you can grow plump, juicy strawberries right in your backyard or even on a balcony. Many people think strawberries are complicated plants suited only for greenhouses—but that’s not true. If you know the basics of growing plants successfully, then strawberries will surprise you.
The roots of strawberry plants are short, so a shallow, wide pot (like a barrel planter) is excellent for them. You can grow them along the edge of the planter, so the berries hang over the rim and don’t lie on the soil and rot. There are also special strawberry planters with small pockets to plant.
A layer of straw mulch on the soil also helps keep the berries clean.
Strawberry plants love the sun, so you can place your pot in the sunniest part of your balcony without any worry. Water them well without going overboard, and soon you’ll reap those ripe berries.
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But you’re not the only one eyeing those berries—birds will try to get them even if the plants are on a high-rise balcony. Consider adding a garden net over your plants to save your berries.
1
Cilantro
Cilantro is another herb I’ve found success with. I usually grow them from culinary coriander seeds bought from the grocery store, since this saves me a trip to the nursery. If you gently break the seeds in a mortar and pestle and plant them, they germinate quickly.
Unlike the other plants above, cilantro likes cooler weather and will thrive indoors. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius (approx. 64 to 70 Fahrenheit). You still have to give them indirect sunlight a few hours a day, and water them often so the soil doesn’t get too dry.
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One potential issue with growing cilantro is bolting, where the plant focuses on producing seeds instead of leaves. Bolting generally happens when the weather gets hot. If you want to grow them outdoors in a garden, spring and fall are the best times. But you can keep cilantro indoors throughout the seasons.
When you harvest, make sure you gather only the leaves and leave the roots intact. If you’re also growing tomatoes and chilies, now is a perfect time to make salsa. Enjoy your harvest with some crunchy nachos.
I hope this gives you the confidence to start your edible garden now. Successful planting begins with knowing the basics, like finding the correct location with their preferred lighting, choosing appropriate soil, and watering them just right. Start slow with easy plants, pay close attention to their needs, and be patient. Soon, your plants will reward you with fresh, homegrown produce.
