Woah! Grocery prices continue to rocket, despite the apparent ‘price freezing’. $6.73 for a lb of onions? Um, no thanks.

Perhaps a parting shot from Galen Weston as he steps aside as CEO at Loblaw. Spotted in my local Real Canadian Superstore today. Perhaps an error. Perhaps actual inflation. @bobmackin @jodyvance @steeletalk @bc_news_addict pic.twitter.com/Jl66KI6H9v

— Peter Vogel (@PeterVogel) November 17, 2023

We’ve got to get back to growing whatever we can, wherever we can. Dig up that useless lawn, put in some food hedges, or if you’ve got a balcony, get some tiered planters – like this one from Outland Living.

Growing vegetables on a small balcony can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some step-by-step instructions for growing onions, herbs, and other vegetables on a small balcony:

Materials:

• Onion seeds
• Soil
• Container
• Fertilizer
• Herb seeds
• Vegetable seeds

Instructions:

1. Choose a container that is at least 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Make sure it has drainage holes.
2. Fill the container with high-quality potting soil.
3. Plant the onion seeds about 3 inches deep into the soil. If you plant more than one at a time, make sure they’re at least 1-2 inches apart.
4. Plant the herb and vegetable seeds according to their specific instructions.
5. Water the plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater them.
6. Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
7. Make sure the plants get plenty of sunlight. Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
8. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you notice any problems, take action.

Growing your own vegetables on a small balcony is easier than you might think. With a little bit of patience and care, you can enjoy fresh, healthy produce right from your own home. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Start small: If you’re new to gardening, start with just a few plants and work your way up. This will help you get a feel for what works best on your balcony and how much time and effort you’re willing to put in.
• Choose the right plants: Some vegetables are better suited to small spaces than others. Consider growing cherry tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, or radishes, which are all relatively easy to grow and don’t require a lot of space.
• Use vertical space: If you don’t have a lot of room, consider using vertical planters to maximize your growing area. You can also hang planters from the ceiling or walls to create a living wall.
• Get creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different plants and growing techniques. You might be surprised at what you can grow on a small balcony!

Did you know you can use compost from veggie-based kitchen scraps instead of fertilizer? Compost is a natural and organic alternative to chemical fertilizers that can provide many of the same benefits. 

Compost can help improve soil structure, increase water retention, and promote healthy root growth ¹. It also contains beneficial microorganisms that can help suppress plant diseases and pests ¹.

To use compost as a fertilizer, simply mix it into the soil around your plants. You can also use it as a top dressing by spreading it on the surface of the soil ¹.

Keep in mind that compost is not a complete fertilizer and may not provide all of the nutrients that your plants need. You may need to supplement with additional fertilizers if your plants show signs of nutrient deficiencies ¹.

Here are some of the easiest and healthiest vegetables to grow on a small balcony:

1. Lettuce: Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in a small space. It grows quickly and doesn’t require a lot of sunlight. You can grow it in a container that is at least 6 inches deep ¹.
2. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are another easy vegetable to grow on a small balcony. They require a lot of sunlight, so make sure your balcony gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. You can grow them in a container that is at least 12 inches deep ¹.
3. Radishes: Radishes are a fast-growing vegetable that can be grown in a container that is at least 6 inches deep. They don’t require a lot of sunlight and can be harvested in as little as 3-4 weeks ¹.
4. Peppers: Peppers are easy to grow and come in a variety of colors and flavors. They require a lot of sunlight, so make sure your balcony gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. You can grow them in a container that is at least 12 inches deep ¹.
5. Green beans: Green beans are a healthy and easy-to-grow vegetable that can be grown in a container that is at least 8 inches deep. They require a lot of sunlight, so make sure your balcony gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day ².
6. Carrots: Carrots are root vegetables that can be grown in a container that is at least 8 inches deep. They require a lot of sunlight, so make sure your balcony gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Carrots can take up to 3 months to mature, so be patient ².
7. Spinach: Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It grows quickly and doesn’t require a lot of sunlight. You can grow it in a container that is at least 6 inches deep ².
8. Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a healthy and refreshing vegetable that can be grown in a container that is at least 12 inches deep. They require a lot of sunlight, so make sure your balcony gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day ³.

If you want to learn so much more, take a course in permaculture, rainwater harvesting, using solar energy, and building a food forest from VergePermaculture.ca