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Balustrade Garden – herbs, sprouts and vegetables for all
Table of Contents
1. Herb cultivation on a parapet
Cultivating herbs on a parapet is an excellent method of providing yourself with fresh and aromatic kitchen ingredients, even without access to a garden. Herbs such as basil, parsley, chives, mint, thyme, or oregano are easy to grow on a parapet. All you need to do is provide them with the right growing conditions by choosing suitable pots with water drainage holes. These pots do not have to be large - those with a diameter of about 20 cm and a depth of 15 to 20 cm are sufficient. Next, a layer of drainage material, such as gravel, should be laid at the bottom of the pots and filled with a mixture of herb soil. The key to successful herb cultivation on a parapet is regular watering, usually once a day, and even twice a day during hot periods, to ensure soil moisture. It is also important to remove dry leaves and regularly prune the plants to ensure their freshness. Additionally, rotating the plants every few days will provide them with even light exposure from all sides. Although cultivating herbs on a parapet may seem time-consuming, the reward for this work, namely fresh and aromatic herbs ready for use in food preparation, is undoubtedly worth the time and effort (K. Reilly 2021).2. Plant sprouts
Some of the most popular include plant sprouts of alfalfa, broccoli, radish, and mung beans. They are rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin K, and valuable minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium. They also provide fiber that supports the digestive system. Growing plant sprouts is simple and does not require much space or specialized equipment. You can use a container with a suitable lid, a sieve for sprouting, or a special fabric for plant sprout growing. First, you need to carefully check the seed mix to remove any damaged or discolored seeds. Then, you need to soak them for several hours (6–12 h, depending on the size of the seeds) and then transfer them to a container in a room with room temperature (18–22°C) and rinse them regularly. Daily inspection and moistening of the seeds are essential. This can be done even several times a day. The plant sprouts will be ready for harvesting within a timeframe of a few days to a week, depending on the type of seeds. Once they reach the appropriate size, they can be cut and added to salads, sandwiches, soups, and many other dishes to enhance their flavor and increase their nutritional value (J. Maciejewska 2022).3. Leafy vegetables
Growing leafy vegetables in pots on the windowsill is a fantastic way to obtain fresh and healthy produce, even without a garden. Salads, arugula, spinach, or beetroots are just a few examples of products that can be easily grown in pots indoors. To begin growing leafy vegetables indoors, only a few basic elements are required. A well-lit location, such as a windowsill or near a window with plenty of natural sunlight reaching the plants. Then, suitable pots or containers must be selected that will be suitable for the growing plants and provide them with adequate space for root development. The soil should be well-draining and rich in nutrients to enable the plants to grow healthily. Pre-made mixtures for growing vegetables can be used, or a homemade mix of garden soil, peat, and compost can be prepared. Then, only the seeds or seedlings need to be planted according to the instructions on the packaging and watered regularly to ensure adequate moisture in the soil. The care of leafy vegetables indoors involves removing weeds and wilted leaves and monitoring the plants for potential pests. Leafy vegetables will be ready for harvesting when they reach an adequate size and quality, which typically takes a few weeks after planting.4. Home-grown cocktail tomatoes
Certain varieties of cocktail tomatoes can be cultivated in domestic conditions on a parapet. It is only necessary to acquire pre-grown seedlings and position them in pots with a diameter of around 20 cm, equipped with large drainage holes, which are filled with fertile soil of slightly alkaline pH, mixed with sand. It is recommended to select light-colored pots to prevent the roots from overheating due to direct sunlight. Tomatoes thrive best in a temperature range between 18 and 25°C and in strong sunlight, therefore it is appropriate to place them on the parapet from the southern side. Regular watering is essential, but one should avoid over-wetting the leaves. Every two weeks, it is also advisable to apply an organic fertilizer or compost to provide them with the necessary nutrients. When the tomatoes begin to bloom, it is helpful to assist with pollination – one should carefully transfer pollen from one flower to another using a small brush. In case of problems, such as yellowing leaves or signs of diseases, it is recommended to apply natural preparations based on garlic or plant extracts. The cocktail tomatoes will be ready for harvesting in the vicinity of August and September, when the fruits reach the desired color and consistency. Regular harvesting of ripe fruits is crucial to ensure healthy plant growth and to enjoy fresher, more delicious tomatoes.5. Fresh fruits and vegetables
There is no exceptional difference in cultivating fruits and vegetables at home in comparison to other previously mentioned plants. In fact, it is even simpler! All you need to do is ensure you have the suitable container (at least 15 cm deep), soil, and adequate sunlight. First, pour a layer of soil into the container, then place the seeds of fruits and vegetables in small gaps, cover them with the subsequent layer of soil, and water regularly. After around 3-4 weeks, the fruits and vegetables will be ready for consumption (S. Seitz 2021).6. Diverse vegetable varieties
Diverse vegetable varieties that can be easily grown at home include celery root, bell pepper, carrot, and parsley. Celery root, known for its distinctive flavor and aroma, can be easily grown on a windowsill, much like bell pepper, which only requires adequate light and regular watering. Carrots, known for their high beta-carotene content, can also be easily grown in pots on a windowsill and are ready to harvest within a few weeks. Parsley, on the other hand, requires deeper pots to allow for proper root development. Other interesting vegetables that can be grown at home include legumes such as beans or peas, which are rich in plant-based protein and fiber and make a valuable addition to the diet.
