My desire to garden started with my mother's perennial garden in our yard in Windsor on Westcott Rd. as I grew up . Most of our neighbours also gardened. It seemed like there was a competition as to who could grow the biggest zuchini and give it away the most times. We enjoyed fresh vegetables and fruit from our grape vines, plum and pear trees throughout the summer, every summer, because of my mother's diligent work. She grew up on a farm in Hrastovac Yugoslavia and also farmed in Voitsforf Austria and Harrow Ontario.
About 7 years ago I got the itch to garden on my balcony on Kipps Lane. I wanted to grow cherry tomatoes and some flowers to brighten up our balcony. I went to the expert - My Mom - and asked her all kinds of questions. At the end of the summer we had a pretty good haul of tomatoes and lots of beautiful flowers. I was hooked.
I have continued with the balcony garden every year since then, even after our move to another apartment on Adelaide, just a stone's throw from Kipps Lane. Our balcony is smaller and the space is different so I grow "Patio Tomatoes" in containers. I've got two plants this year and bunch of marigolds, petunias and begonias.
What is a Patio Tomato -
Well, I can tell you it's not Plastic and you don't sit on it!
It is a two or three foot bush that grows from a small plant with a stick in it that is cleared labelled "Patio Tomato." It gives you tennis ball sized tomatoes and you will need a 13" pot that is 10" deep.
Editor: Northeastender.ca & Hopeful Gardener.
Soilless potting soil is best as it retains water easily. This brand of Tomato plant is ideal for apartment dwellers and Townhouse residents who want to grow veggies but have little space. Call around to make sure the greenhouse, store or vendor you visit has this variety.
Other varieties of tomatoes will work but they require more space, more watering and more grief. I've tried a few varieties on my balcony over the years.
Check in on this blog for gardening tips and photos of the the plants as they progress. It's not too late for you to be a balcony gardener if you live in an apartment.
Start dreaming of how you want your balcony or townhouse porch to look like and then go to a greenhouse or anywhere that they sell annuals. I will be providing lots of tips in this space and you are welcome to post questions and comments below. They will be posted and answered.
I've got an 82 year old expert that can't quite grow her own garden anymore but she is just a phone call away. She has a lifetime of experience. I call her Ma, You can call her "The Garden Pro"
I have continued with the balcony garden every year since then, even after our move to another apartment on Adelaide, just a stone's throw from Kipps Lane. Our balcony is smaller and the space is different so I grow "Patio Tomatoes" in containers. I've got two plants this year and bunch of marigolds, petunias and begonias. 