Hi all. This year I want to do a garden on my apartment balcony and am hoping to get both flowers and vegetables going up there. Thing is, we face west so we get the heat of the afternoon sun. Any tips on what I should plant or how to grow them best? Keeping in mind that I cannot bring the plants inside because my apartment is too small, what else can I do to protect them from the sun, or do I even need to?

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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*

Well, no one seems to want to help me out here

I began my garden two weeks ago and they are doing almost too well (seedlings in little pots). Now I have to get them outside, but I don't know what I'm going to put them in yet!!! Anyone have any ideas for a budget restricted person?

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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*

Sarah,

I'd go to the nearest discount store, the really cheap places; find the cheapest large round or square plastic containers, buy them and use them for container gardening. You can often find plastic wash tubs or huge bowls that will work.

If there are no holes in the bottom, punch a couple in the container. Get some gravel somewhere and put a layer in the bottom for drainage.

I haven't checked any gardening books lately, but I'll look around and see what I can find especially about the kind of soil mix you should use. Frankly, I thought Ed would answer your question as he is the one who really keeps up on the gardening stuff.

Oh, yes, tomatoes make good container plants and peppers. They like the sun. Just don't get water on the leaves if you water them when they are getting direct sun as it can cause sunburn. Really!

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For I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
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Linda

Don't forget to put a few inches of sand & gravel mixed in the bottom of a large pot for drainage. When it's warm enough you can plant a bananna tree & root pineapple tops & jasmine from the store & (plant store -jasmine), to circle the bananna.

In too cool weather put the container in a sunny part of the Church or workplace .

More later.

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Edward F Sutton

Wow. Thanks for all the good advice! Linda, I never even thought of trying the discount stores and just using ordinary containers. I had in my brain I had to use plant pots . . . I'll have to check those out. Never thought of the gravel either. . . have to get some of that!

Second question. When should I put them outside? I thought it was warm enough but we just had a three-day raining spree and it got below zero a couple of times. When is it safe to put the plants outside, and how do I protect them if they end up outside too early?

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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*

I'm not sure how the weather is in Canada, but what started out as a warm spring seems to have turned rather cool and very wet where we are.

It is best to put plants out after the danger of frost is past. Should below-freezing temperatures be forecast after you have put them out, you can cover them with paper, or a sheet to keep the frost off. If the plants are small enought, cutting the bottom out of a plastic jug (juice, water, milk) and puting it over the plant will also protect it. The best option, of course, is to bring them inside, even just inside the door, then put them out again the next day. If it gets too cold, and freezes the soil in the pot it would probably kill the roots.

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For I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
_________________________

Linda

[This message has been edited by Linda Sutton (edited May 24, 2001).]

Another good thing for potted plants is peat moss.
I even use it in my flower beds.
I have sugar sand in my yard and peat holds water from running off too soon.
It also works like mulch in that it insulates the roots for short periods of time.
Hope this helps a little.
Gerry