If you’ve ever eaten fruits or vegetables plucked fresh off the vine, you know what an enormously satisfying taste experience it can be. Not only does it bring you closer to nature, but it can also help reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the effects of transportation. Plus, it can help save money. However, growing your own produce isn’t as simple as just putting seeds in soil and watering it. These are four questions to ask before starting your own balcony garden.
Does Your Property Manager Allow It?
When you rent an apartment, you’re required to adhere to the rules of your lease. Much of this is common sense, such as paying your rent on time and not being disruptive. However, there might not be any information about growing produce. Run this idea by your property manager and see what they say. Even if they agree, there might be certain terms that you need to adhere to.
Do You Have the Time?
You don’t need to quit your job to tend to your plants. But you do need to figure out time management. Growing produce means making sure that the water, sunlight, and soil quality is all up to snuff. Research the responsibilities of growing your chosen produce and determine whether you’ll be able to make it possible.
How Much Direct Sunlight Does Your Balcony Get?
The person (besides yourself) who will most be crucial in whether your produce can flourish isn’t a person. It’s a giant star 93 million miles away. The sun can make all the difference in the world in terms of your produce growing. The design of your balcony, from wood to stainless steel balustrades, can make a profound difference.
What’s the Climate Like on Your Balcony?
The climate of your balcony can greatly determine what kind of produce you can grow. Some produce needs a warm climate to grow, such as beans, tomatoes, and cucumbers. On the other hand, broccoli, kale, and carrots can be grown in cooler temperatures. Make sure you have researched climates thoroughly before choosing your seeds.
A balcony garden could be the hobby you never knew you were looking for. You don’t need to have acres of farmland to grow your own produce. What you do need is determination, patience, and time management. If you can bring all of those qualities together, then you will be able to produce some truly magnificent produce.
