Reading passage
You do not need a big garden to grow your own plants. A small balcony can become a green and beautiful place. People in tall buildings all over the world grow flowers, herbs, and even vegetables on their balconies. A balcony garden gives you fresh air, nice colours, and something to care for every day. It is cheaper than you think, and you do not need special skills. You only need some pots, some soil, and a little time.
Before you buy anything, spend a few days watching your balcony. How many hours of sun does it get? Most vegetables need at least six hours of sun each day. Flowers like sun too, but some plants are happy in the shade. Also think about wind. High balconies can be very windy, and strong wind can break soft plants. Write down what you see in the morning, at midday, and in the evening. This information will help you choose the right plants.
Almost anything can become a plant pot. Old buckets, wooden boxes, and even large tins can hold soil and plants. The most important thing is holes. Every pot must have holes in the bottom so that extra water can run out. Without holes, the roots of the plant will sit in water and die. Plastic pots are light and cheap. Clay pots look beautiful but are heavier and dry out faster. Choose pots that fit your balcony and your plants.
Do not take soil from a park or garden. This soil is often too heavy for pots, and it can carry insects and diseases. Buy a bag of potting soil from a garden shop. Potting soil is light, clean, and full of food for young plants. Fill each pot almost to the top, and press the soil down gently with your hands. Leave a little space at the top. This space holds the water when you water your plants.
Some plants are much easier than others. Herbs are perfect for beginners. Basil, mint, and parsley grow quickly in small pots, and you can use them in your cooking. Salad leaves also grow fast, and you can cut them again and again. If you want flowers, try marigolds or geraniums. They are strong, colourful, and happy in the sun. Tomatoes are possible too, but they need a big pot and a lot of sun. Start small, and add more plants later.
Water is the biggest job in a balcony garden. Pots dry out much faster than garden soil, especially in summer. On hot days, you may need to water your plants every morning. The best time is early, before the sun is strong. Check the soil with your finger. If the top is dry, it is time to water. Give each pot enough water so that a little runs out of the holes at the bottom. But never leave pots standing in water.
Plants in pots need food because the goodness in the soil does not last long. After about a month, give your plants some plant food every week or two. You can buy liquid food and mix it with water. Remove dead flowers and yellow leaves so the plant can use its energy well. Look at your plants every day. If you see small insects, wash the leaves with water and a little soap. A few minutes of care each day keeps a balcony garden healthy.
Think about your neighbours too. Water that runs out of your pots can fall onto the balcony below. Put a plate or tray under each pot to catch the extra water. Make sure your pots cannot fall in strong wind. A falling pot can hurt someone. If you want to fix boxes to the wall or the rail, ask your landlord first. Most landlords are happy with pots on the floor, but holes in walls can cause problems later.
A balcony garden changes with the seasons. In spring, you plant seeds and watch them grow. In summer, the garden is full of colour and life. In autumn, you collect the last herbs and clean the pots. Even in winter, a few strong plants stay green. Many people say their balcony is their favourite room in the house. It costs little money, but it gives back peace, beauty, and the simple pleasure of watching something grow.