Note: This workshop was completed, but here’s the outline for those who couldn’t attend.
As Local As It Gets – Your Balcony Farm
There’s no better place to grow your own food than your own home. But you don’t have a big yard or lots of space? No problem. Even a small condo balcony can provide a healthy harvest. All you need is sun, water, a decent growing medium and a little loving attention to turn your piece of the sky into a mini-farm.
WHY:
o urban agriculture begins at home
o reduced “food miles”
o can “zone” grow from sill to balcony to yard/community garden
o choose gourmet varieties of familiar crops
o enjoy year-round fresh food source
o tastier than anything in the stores
o more nutritious when organic and just-picked
o be the star at your next dinner/potluck
o attractive greenery even in winter
o eco-friendly habitat for bugs and birds
SITES:
o check building regulations for weight/aesthetics
o sun (6hrs direct sun, but 4hrs okay for some crops)
o wind protection if necessary
o water (if no tap + hose, you’ll have to haul it)
o drainage (use tray under pot to spare downstairs neighbour)
CONTAINERS:
o bigger = better
o drainage holes necessary
o choose your own style from recycled to expensive
o wooden planter boxes, plastic ice cream tubs, tin cans
o funky organic farm or urban chic?
o extend season with covers, cloches
o insulate against hard winter freeze
o extend planting area over edge of balcony, off roof
o hanging baskets look good, dangle the food
o max growing space w/ vertical wires, teepees, trellises
GROWING MEDIA:
o NOT garden soil – it dries into a solid block
o buy or make your own organic planting mix
o top-dress and fertilize each year
o rain barrel for chlorine-free water
o worm composter to make your own wonder medium
CROPS:
o what do you most love to eat?
o Herbs: chives, thyme, rosemary, dill, mint
o Veg: salad greens, brassicas, carrots, tomatoes
o Vines: grape, kiwi, akebia
o All-season: some brassicas, arugula, rosemary, mint, strawberry
o Shrubs: blueberries, native berries
o Trees: apple, peach, fig, lemon, olive, and many more.
CONSIDER:
o you may want to hide or cover empty pots, trowels, soil mix
o how will it look from inside, in different seasons?
o any room for a chair, folding table, parasol?
o try a small fountain to attract song birds
