Notes From a Small Balcony Garden

This spring I started growing a few plants on my tiny balcony. It is only about two meters wide and gets direct sun for half the day, so I did not expect much. Six months later it has become my favorite corner of the apartment.

I began with the easy things: basil, mint, cherry tomatoes and a pot of marigolds. The mint grew so fast that I had to move it into its own container before it took over everything else. The basil did well until the first cool nights, and the tomatoes gave me a small but very sweet harvest through late summer.

The biggest lesson was watering. In July I watered every evening, and in September I almost drowned the marigolds by keeping the same routine. Now I check the soil with a finger before reaching for the can.

I also learned to enjoy the slow parts. Watching a seedling open its first leaves, noticing a bee on the marigolds or simply drinking tea next to the pots in the morning makes the balcony feel bigger than it is.

For the winter I am planning a few hardy herbs and maybe some pansies for color. I will keep writing short notes here as the seasons change.