At this time of year every gardener I know has itchy palms and fingers that are just craving some dirt! Yes, you heard me right, DIRT!
It doesn't matter where you garden, whether above the ground or right into the ground, there are things that need to be done and then the fun can begin.
I'm going to take you to my balcony garden, because that is where I have been doing all of my "dirty" work! I have containers and planters that I use for my flower beds and vegetable beds too.
What's great about this time of year is that you can start those flowers and vegetables that really prefer the cooler days. And if you don't think there are quite a few of them, you would be wrong.
So let's start by taking a look at what loves to be planted outdoors NOW!
Flowers:
- Sweet Peas are my #1 cool weather seeds to sow!
- Marigolds (for protection from some bugs)
- Nasturiums (they can be eaten you know)
- Sunflowers (not for balconies)
- Pansy
- Rudbeckia or Black Eyed Susan
- Snapdragons
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Cauliflower
- Beets
- Brussel Sprouts
- Carrots
My balcony is not too big and yet it is also not too small, so I manage to plant quite a few on my favorites. I don't plant more than two or three of any variety of vegetables, but the flowers I can go crazy if I choose to.
On the balcony the most important part of getting your garden going is probable going to be the watering! Spring can sometimes be very wet or very dry. The best way to check that is to push a finger into the soil and see how far down it can go before it feels wet. Too much water and the seeds will drown and too little water will have them sprouting and then dying off. So a good balance needs to be maintained.
Keep your containers happy and the seeds will sprout and you will have a prolific garden all your own. I love getting quality seeds from a reputable company. I love West Coast Seeds because not only are they quick, reliable and cost effective, but they also have lots of videos and blog posts for any problems you might have. There is always something to learn!
So if you have been holding back, it's time to let go and get those hands and fingers back into the Dirt! Come and join me for some fun in the garden where ever that may be for you!
Ah - your seed review is well timed, Olivia. I've just been wondering when I should begin my container tomatoes for my apartment patio. I've felt the time was drawing near. Thanks for this reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the helpful information. I planted some seeds yesterday and I'm anxious to seeing them peaking out of the ground.
ReplyDeleteI was just looking at an empty planter on my patio and wondering what I might like to plant in it this year. Visiting West Coast Seeds to make a selection is the perfect recommendation for me today. Perfectly timed for sure.
ReplyDeleteI love sweet peas, snapdragons, and pansies. I need to check whether they can grow in the partial shade of our garden. Thanks for recommending West Coast Seeds — I will check them out!
ReplyDeleteI love Spring and the time of seed planting. I never tire of planting a tiny seed and the wonder of seeing it grow and flower. I love and grow many of the seeds you mentioned and it is always a delight! Thank you for a lovely review and Happy seed planting :)
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how gorgeous your balcony looks - you can do all of this with a balcony and I can't even manage it with a yard! lol
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