container vegetable plants grown on a 2nd story balcony with southern exposure - Ask Extension
I have grown cherry and Roma tomatoes successfully in containers on a spacious copper roof balcony that gets good sun for a minimum of 6 -7 hours. Net...
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container vegetable plants grown on a 2nd story balcony with southern exposure #873907
Asked June 20, 2024, 10:59 AM EDT
I have grown cherry and Roma tomatoes successfully in containers on a spacious copper roof balcony that gets good sun for a minimum of 6 -7 hours. Netting keeps the birds and squirrels from destroying the whole crop. We no longer have huge old oaks blocking the sun. What other container vegetables can I plant in containers now on the summer solstice that can produce? Is it too late to plant green bean seeds or collards? Please suggest plants or seeds that can produce a crop now that we are in zone 7b. Thank you.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
You did say how much space you have.
I would NOT plant any cold weather (e.g. collards, kale)or long term crops (e.g. butternut squash) now. I'd go for several varieties of bush beans where you will get a good crop to eat in 3-4 weeks or so. You may want to plant some seeds now and some a week or 2 later. Use new soil and water when dry. If you have the room or as an alternative crop, plant sun loving herbs... basil (annual), rosemary, thyme, sage (all perennials). Start with seedlings. If you have even more room, try a zucchini and/or yellow squash from seedlings. They vine and can grow large unless you get compact varieties.
Good luck
Len
I would NOT plant any cold weather (e.g. collards, kale)or long term crops (e.g. butternut squash) now. I'd go for several varieties of bush beans where you will get a good crop to eat in 3-4 weeks or so. You may want to plant some seeds now and some a week or 2 later. Use new soil and water when dry. If you have the room or as an alternative crop, plant sun loving herbs... basil (annual), rosemary, thyme, sage (all perennials). Start with seedlings. If you have even more room, try a zucchini and/or yellow squash from seedlings. They vine and can grow large unless you get compact varieties.
Good luck
Len
Thank you for your good suggestions. Beans and squash are some of my favorite vegetables. I will log in to my account for follow ups. Time for trying something new that can work.
Regards,
Longtime Frustrated Gardener
I should have sent this link also, but I think my recommendations are best for you:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/vegetable-planting-calendar/
Len
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/vegetable-planting-calendar/
Len
