What to Plant in a Balcony Garden Under Full Sun: Tips and Ideas
Do you have a balcony exposed to full sun and want to create an urban garden? Perfect! This sunny environment is ideal for many light-loving plants. Here are some ideas and tips to succeed with your full sun balcony garden.
Sun-Loving Plants
Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are perfect for a balcony garden. They thrive in sunlight and produce delicious small tomatoes throughout the season. Use medium-sized pots with good drainage and water regularly.
Peppers: Peppers, particularly sweet pepper varieties, love the sun. Place them in deep pots to allow their roots to develop well. Quality soil enriched with compost will give them a good start.
Eggplants: Eggplants are an excellent plant for sunny climates. They require regular watering and spacious pots to grow well. Use a stake to support the plants when they start producing fruits.
Strawberry Plants: Strawberry plants are not only decorative but also very productive. Choose everbearing varieties that produce fruits throughout the summer. Place them in a wide pot so that the runners (the "baby" strawberry plants) can take root.
Aromatic Herbs for a Sunny Balcony
Basil: Basil loves full sun and can also be planted in the shade of other plants to diversify your garden. It’s perfect to enhance your dishes with its fresh aroma.
Thyme and Rosemary: These Mediterranean herbs thrive in full sun and are very resilient. Thyme and rosemary have moderate water needs, making them easy to grow. They also add an aromatic touch to your balcony.
Fast-Growing Vegetables
Radishes: Radishes grow quickly and can be harvested in just 3 to 4 weeks after planting. They love the sun and require frequent watering to prevent them from becoming too spicy.
Salads: Salads (lettuce, arugula, spinach) are good choices for a balcony garden. They grow quickly and can be successively planted for regular harvests throughout the season.
Gardening Tips for a Successful Balcony Garden
Pots with Good Drainage: The key to healthy plants is to choose pots with proper drainage. This prevents water from accumulating, which could rot the roots. You can add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.
Quality Soil: Use quality soil specially formulated for container gardening. Enriched with nutrients, it will provide your plants with the essentials they need to grow well.
Regular Watering: A sunny balcony exacerbates water evaporation from pots. Therefore, watering must be regular, especially during hot periods. Check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overdoing it.
Trellises for Climbing Plants: Cherry tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can benefit from supports such as trellises or stakes. This promotes better vertical growth and saves ground space.
Protection from Sunburn: Sometimes, the full sun can be too intense. Use shade cloths to protect your plants from excessive UV rays during the hottest hours.
Tips to Maximize Space and Harvests
Vertical Gardening: Use shelves or supports to create a vertical garden. This maximizes the limited space of your balcony. Plant aromatic herbs on top and bulkier vegetables at the bottom.
Companion Planting: Some plants complement each other and help each other grow better. For example, basil near tomatoes can improve the growth and flavor of tomatoes.
Succession Planting: Alternate plantings to have continuous harvests. As soon as one vegetable is harvested, replace it with another to maintain constant production.
Suitable Gardening Equipment: Use tools tailored to small spaces, like mini shovels and compact watering cans. This facilitates gardening work on a balcony.
By following these tips and choosing your balcony plants carefully, you can enjoy a lush and productive urban garden right from your sunny space. Enjoy nature in the heart of the city!