A new regular post

I have been thinking about writing a brief monthly balcony growing update for a while. Now with many people having more time at home, and food security being a hot topic it seemed like a good time to make it happen.

My aim is to talk about what I am growing, planting and harvesting. Showing my successes and failures. Inspiring others to grow some food in whatever space they have.

My Space

I have six large troughs and three small ones on the balcony rail.

My compost mostly comes from bokashi composting my food waste and that of one of my neighbours. I also sometimes get extra food waste from friends who live on a narrow boat (when they are moored nearby) and from advertising on ShareWaste. My wormary also adds a bit of extra nutrients as does coir blocks and seaweed powder.

Main sources of inspiration and advice from; Vertical Veg and Charles Dowding.

I practice “no dig” gardening. For a simple but informative overview of what no dig is all about, and the key principles behind it, check out this post on Happy Home DIY. 

Planting

  • Spring onions (red & white)
  • Runner beans (indoors)
  • Carrots
  • Pea shoots (soaked overnight before planting)
Four packets of seeds

I get most of my seeds, onion plantlets, seed potatoes and fruit bushes from Tamar Organics. They are an Ethical Consumer Best Buy, do a good range and send items in compostable packaging. For plug plants (baby plants ready to plant out) I have just started using Rocket Gardens. My previous company had been bought by a larger company and I didn’t like the vibe any longer.

Harvesting

  • purple sprouting broccoli
  • lambs lettuce
  • oregano
  • pak choi
  • sorrel (a salad leaf)
  • carrots
  • rosemary
Vegetables growing in wooden troughs on a balcony

Successes

Oregano – this was planted from seed last year and has survived the winter well. Great to add to salads and other dishes as needed.

Parsley – I let last years plant go to seed and now I have loads of baby plants. Will need to ensure I thin them a little more next month.

Pak Choi – this was planted from seed last year and has really come on well in the last few months. I have picked it a few times for stir fry’s and stews.

Fennel & Chicory – a new one for me. Planted last autumn from seed and should be ready to harvest next month.

Sorrel – I am always surprised when this tasty salad leaf survives the winter and comes back stronger. We use it a lot in sandwiches. It has a lovely lemony taste.

Kale – I cut my old plants right back after the last harvest but left the storks in the ground. This was to not disturb the new plants and green manure. However the storks have sprouted strongly and will soon be ready to harvest again.

What hasn’t gone so well

Rainbow chard – planted inside from seed and then transplanted outside In autumn, has not done very much as yet!

Carrots – have stayed very small. I need to get more ruthless at thinning them!

Over to you…

What have you already planted this year?

what have you got planned?

Are you going to try anything new?