I'm looking at starting a balcony garden

[Creideiki]

With a couple tomato and pepper plants.

Does anyone know what size pots I need to put the plants in? I'm lucky--I have a southwest exposure, so in full sunlight for the entire day.

[Warpy]

1. I've seen people grow lettuce in hanging baskets

but the tomatoes and peppers needed quite a bit more room. I'd suggest half barrel planters for those, although you can do cherry tomatoes in 12 inch pots with lots of Miracle Gro.

Your main problem will be watering, and I'd suggest twice a day in the hottest parts of the summer.

[Creideiki]

3. I can do that.

I've seen people here on balconies with great herb and flower gardens. Just none with veggies.

[xchrom]

2. now i'm hungry. nt

[Marrah_G]

4. Get some of those hanging tomatoes plants.

[Creideiki]

7. Those would work, but I'm a full-time student

On a much tighter budget than 20 bucks per plant.

[Debi]

20. They are buy one get one free right now....Just an FYI n/t

[meegbear]

5. GLBT => Gardening Landscaping Balcony Tomatoes?

[Marrah_G]

6. Yes

[mikelgb]

8. lol

[TechBear_Seattle]

15. It certainly doesn't mean anything about civil rights or the Supreme Court

Or anything else that might possible be labeled "disruptive."

[VaYallaDawg]

9. The hanging tomato plants are good, but you'll need to do

something to protect the 'maters from the birds - a screen-wire cage of some kind (I rigged up one that looked godawful, but it worked fairly well). I had pretty good luck growing them on my backyard patio, but I quickly learned I'd have to protect them from the birds.

[Creideiki]

10. I've got some good watchdogs

They love being outside, so they can protect the tomatoes from the birds.

[mikelgb]

11. we do large pots, half barrels were a good suggestion

I have a south facing balcony and it is almost too much sun, lots of watering needed and I recommend partial shade from some lattice or something

I have had better luck with tomatoes than peppers, herbs work great among other things

[Creideiki]

12. I'm expecting to need to do lots of watering

I live in a semi-arid climate, so our normal humidities are in the low-mid 20s while the temperatures approach the upper 90s most of the summer.

Still, I have friends with at home in-ground gardens with simple drip lines that do fantastically.

[Irishonly]

13. If you choose regular tomato plants

instead of hanging ones, you will need to have at least a five gallon container if you want tomatoes. The same goes with cucumbers. If you grow herbs, the diameter should be at least eighteen inches.

[Creideiki]

14. I think today I'll go to the good garden center in town

and see if they have any advice on tomatoes for a balcony garden. Someone somewhere said something about doing tomatoes in small pots. I just can't remember exactly what.

I'll definitely share what I learn here.

[Irishonly]

16. Let us know what you find out

I get most of my gardening supplies from the Garden House. They have taught us how to clone our own tomato plants so I am hoping for homegrown tomatoes year around. I grow most all of my own spices now. We have to use pots and in the ground. I can do an itty bitty garden but weeding can get too much for me.

[QC]

17. For large pots, I use those plastic utility tubs from the dollar store,

the brightly colored ones with the rope handles.

They last several years, cost little, and give my garden a whimsical quality that I like a lot.

They also make good little water gardens--put in a waterlily and a couple of small goldfish and you are all set.

[mtnester]

18. For sure put in one of those small cayenne chili peppers

bushy and very decorative...and the chilies dry beautifully

[Debi]

19. I grow my tomatoes and peppers in 20" pots

I did indulge this year and purchased some of those Topsy Turvy hanging tomato growers - my grandfather asked for a couple so I figured I'd buy them for him and get myself some too.

I'm also trying onions, carrots, radishes and cucumbers in pots this year. Too much work going on around our house to plant a garden.

Good luck to you! :thumbsup: