| I am interested in having a Urban Garden on my balcony. All of the plants would have to be in containers. Please help me get started. I would like to grow a mixture of green and annual flowers. |
| Most annual and perennial flowers adapt to growing in containers, and some veggies will grow in containers, as well. When choosing containers, make sure they have adequate drainage holes in the bottoms, and use potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mixes contain organic material, sand and perlite or vermiculite, which makes them light, fast-draining and moisture retentive. The annuals you choose should be specific to the environment. If it's a sunny spot, you can grow zinnias and cherry tomatoes in the same pot. If it's a shady spot, grow pansies and lettuce together. The choice of annuals is almost limitless. For some specific ideas, consult "Container Gardening for Dummies", published by IDG, ISBN# 0-7645-5057-8. The book is full of plant lists for specific situations, discusses the basics of watering and fertilizing, and provides lots of ideas for turning your deck or balcony into a colorful garden site. |
