A mini vegetable garden on your balcony? J&J explains everything!

The warmer days are here, and do you regret not having a garden where you can grow your own vegetables? Don't worry, there are solutions!

If you do not have a garden, you can create a vegetable garden on your balcony or terrace. Several configurations are possible; for example, you can install a raised planter for anyone who may find it difficult to bend down. For those with less experience, there are also vegetable garden kits to make things easier!

Choosing the right compost

For a vegetable garden, you need to use special vegetable compost, which is naturally richer in nutrients and suited to the needs of your plants. It should retain water while still allowing it to drain away. It is important to place a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom of the container, as well as a saucer to collect water. Remember to water your plant when the compost is dry on the surface: in summer, do so very early in the morning or late in the evening.

Sun exposure

Exposure is an important factor in the success of your vegetable garden. Sunlight requirements depend on the plants: less demanding varieties such as lettuce or spinach need around four hours of sunlight a day, while plants such as tomatoes require eight hours. In very hot weather, however, take care not to leave them in full sun. To ensure your plants receive plenty of sunlight, position them facing south.

Which container should you choose?

Firstly, a plant will be more comfortable in a large pot, allowing it to grow more quickly and easily. However, different plants require different depths: some need only 15 to 22 cm of depth, such as lettuces, radishes or herbs, while others require greater depth (40 to 45 cm), such as tomatoes or courgettes.

Which plants should I choose for my vegetable garden?

If you are a beginner, you can sow herbs or sprouting seeds, which have the advantage of reaching maturity in just a few days. If you are more patient, you can opt for lettuce or radishes, which need just under a month to grow. You can also choose fast-growing plants such as cherry tomatoes, peppers, courgettes or gherkins.