Plant hardiness zones indicate what grows best in your area. Choose your plants wisely.
When planning your balcony garden we need to start with the basics.
KEY QUESTIONS:
- Where do you live?
- Which floor do you live on?
- What direction does your balcony face?
- What are the regulations in your condo/apartment building?
- How much time are you planning to spend caring for your plants?
Question 1: Where do you live? Know your plant hardiness zone and choose your plants wisely. According to Canada's Hardiness Zones map here in Toronto we are in zone 6.
Question 2: Which floor do you live on? The floor you live on will determine the plant hardiness zone you are. This would be the "climate" in your balcony garden.
Let's say that you live in Toronto located on zone 6 and on the 6 floor of your condo building. Think that the higher up your condo is the colder and windier it is going to be for your plants. You need to choose the right plants for your "climate".
Question 3: What direction does your balcony face? It is South, South East, South West, North, North East, North West, East, South East, North East, West, South West or North West?
We are talking specifically about sun exposure. One key factor to keep in mind for your plants to thrive. Think about how much sun your plants are going to get and for how long.
Question 4: What are the regulations in your condo/apartment building? Are you allowed to have plants at all? Are there specific plants suggested? Is there a specific quantity? What type of containers are you allowed to use? What size? What material?
Question 5: How much time are you planning to spend caring for your plants? Ask yourself if you are planning to go on vacation. If so, who is going to care for your plants?
Think about all these basic questions and answer them accordingly before even thinking about buying any plants. Analyze your situation and design a fabulous balcony garden!
Next time I will post about what I am planning to do with my own balcony garden.
Stay tuned!
Happy gardening!
