They fall every year on May 11, 12 and 13. Well known to gardeners, the “ice saints” generally symbolize the end of the night frosts which can destroy the first crops in the vegetable garden. After May 13, it is considered that summer plantings can be carried out without fear of a new cold snap. To be sure, we watched the weather on the agricultural weather application and we can tell you that the cold should not return. It is therefore high time to put your hands in the ground to plant. You don’t have a garden? Do not despair, it is quite possible to have fun growing fruits and vegetables on your balcony or terrace. You are not promised self-sufficiency but you will have something to please you. With what ? Here are a few tips.
Tomatoes, of course
This is probably the first idea you had. We confirm that growing a few tomatoes on your balcony is accessible to less experienced gardeners. To obtain a better yield, choose varieties of cherry tomatoes that will allow you a more regular harvest. To brighten up your plates, you can opt for different varieties. We advise you to test the “yellow pear” which is very productive or the “Cherriots of fire” which give very fleshy variegated fruits. Once you have your first fruits, remember to save some seeds that you can plant the following year.
Aromatics for cooking
It’s a fairly well-known combination. At the base of your tomato plants, you can grow basil, which will protect them from certain diseases and benefit from their shade once they have grown. But basil is not the only aromatic plant to appreciate container culture. “You can also plant parsley, coriander, chives. You can also opt for perennials such as thyme or rosemary. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and it allows you to have fun cooking, ”explains Malo, leader of the Les Cols Verts association, which works in particular in urban areas in Rennes. “I added tarragon. I’m a cook so I love picking my herbs. »
Strawberries to hang on the balcony
You will need a little more than potting soil to plant your strawberries, which appreciate a little less loose soil to be able to take root. However, container culture is very effective for harvesting strawberries. Remember to place your plants at the edge of the container so that you can let the fruit hang outside the planter. They will be less at risk of rotting and attacks by snails or slugs. “It’s very pleasant to harvest, the children love it”, testifies the Rennes host. It is also possible to plant raspberries but the depth of soil must be greater than for strawberries.
Mint, lemon balm, verbena… Long live herbal teas!
They take up little space and are capable of providing delicious, fragrant leaves. Mint and lemon balm are ideal for concocting herbal teas or to enhance your cocktails and summer salads. You can also get a verbena or lemon verbena plant, whose small leaves are very easy to infuse.
Peppers and chillies for a spicy summer
Sun vegetables adapt well to growing in a window box or container. Peppers and peppers have the advantage of not taking up too much space. A small stake is recommended to maintain the plant and help it fight against the wind. Peppers and peppers appreciate the heat, prefer a warm and sunny place. At their foot, you can sow a few radishes, which have the advantage of growing quickly.
Citrus all year round
If you want to diversify your plant space, you can also opt for one or more citrus fruits, which live very well in pots. Lemon and lime are able to offer attractive fruits at several times of the year. Prefer a well-drained soil resting on clay pebbles. Place them away from drying winds and spray and protect them if the temperature approaches 0 degrees.
Pickles on the balcony
If you have the option of growing one or more crops along a fence or trellis, you can opt for pickles, climbing green beans or peas, for example. These cultures take up little space on the ground but turn out to be bushy in height, twisting wherever they can. Be careful not to get overwhelmed.
For squash, it’s complicated
If you plant your vegetable garden on your balcony, forget the squash and zucchini, which will tend to take up a lot of space. Water-hungry, they appreciate fertile soils and are not well suited to growing in containers. The observation is the same with potatoes, leeks or carrots, which also have the disadvantage of staying in the ground for a long time.