6 Tips for Starting a Small Balcony Garden

Start with herbs, not tomatoes Herbs like basil, mint, chives, and parsley are nearly impossible to kill and produce more food per square inch than a tomato plant that may yield only two fruits.

Limit yourself to three or four plants Buying too many plants and cramming them into tiny pots is the most common mistake. Pick a few things and do them well.

Use the biggest pots that fit At least 10 inches across for herbs, 12 inches for peppers or strawberries. Tiny pots dry out by lunchtime on a sunny balcony, forcing you to water twice daily.

Always use potting mix, never garden soil Garden soil turns into concrete in containers. Potting mix drains properly and keeps roots healthy.

Match plants to your sunlight Most vegetables need 6 hours of direct sun. For shady balconies, stick with mint, parsley, chives, and leafy greens. For full sun, grow basil, peppers, or dwarf tomatoes.

Keep it simple One big pot of basil, one of mint, and one of parsley makes a successful container garden. You will actually use the harvest, and it will not feel like a chore.