…vegetarian delights on your balcony
In the embrace of our own balcony, we can discover the joys of cultivating vegetables! Bringing a green paradise to our doorstep, we also contribute to a sustainable environment. With a lot of love and a little knowledge, we can grow a variety of vegetables throughout the year, connecting with nature and reducing our ecological footprint. Here’s what to grow each season and how to preserve freshness.
Spring
Welcome spring by planting tender greens like lettuce, radishes, and spinach. Find a sunny spot for your balcony, sow lettuce seeds in well draining soil, and keep it moist for a few weeks until you have tender lettuce leaves ready for your salads. For radishes, sow seeds in loose soil and water regularly, and within weeks, you’ll be rewarded with the most peppery radishes. Spinach loves cooler temperatures, so plant the seeds in containers with rich, well-draining soil. Harvest the outer leaves when they’re big enough, allowing the center leaves to keep growing.
Preservation Tip: Freeze spinach for soups and stews.
Summer
Welcome the warmth of summer with tomatoes, colorful peppers, and cucumbers. Choose large containers in sunny spots for the tomatoes, keep the soil moist, and support the plants as they grow. For peppers, choose well-draining soil and water regularly. Harvest when they reach the desired size and color. Cucumbers thrive with trellises for support, keeping the soil moist, and harvesting when firm.
Preservation Tips: Make pasta sauces or pickles from the tomato and pepper leftovers.
Fall
When summer turns to autumn, you can enjoy a rich harvest on your balcony. Plant kale in large containers with good drainage and nutrient rich soil. Ensure it receives enough sunlight, water regularly, and harvest the outer leaves as needed. Grow beets in well draining soil, offering ample sunlight. Regularly water and enjoy both sweet roots and tender greens for delicious dishes.
Preservation Tips: Dehydrate leftover cabbage to make nutritious vegetable chips.
Winter
Even in winter’s chill, your balcony can flourish. Plant cold resistant winter lettuce in sunny spots, using well draining soil and maintaining consistent moisture for fresh salads all season. Hardy chives stand tall in a well draining container, providing them with plenty sunlight. Regular watering ensures a flavorful addition to your winter dishes.
Preservation Tips: Preserve chives by chopping and freezing them in ice cube trays with water or oil.
