Smart living: How to start a small kitchen garden on your balcony from scratch
A balcony kitchen garden offers a perfect solution to growing fresh herbs, vegetables, and even some fruits right at home.
With the rising cost of living and the growing interest in sustainability and high demand for organically grown herbs and vegetables, many Nairobi residents are opting for small kitchen gardens, especially those with limited space.
A popular and practical option is transforming the balcony into a mini garden. For those living in Nairobi’s vibrant neighborhoods or other parts of the city, a balcony kitchen garden offers a perfect solution to growing fresh herbs, vegetables, and even some fruits right at home.
Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned pro, starting a small garden on your balcony can be easy, affordable, and immensely rewarding.
1. Assess your space
Before you get started, take a good look at your balcony space.
How much sunlight does it get? This is because most plants need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day, so choose your location carefully; it could be facing where the sun rises or sets.
Eastleigh and other parts of Nairobi experience both sunny and rainy weather, so positioning your garden to take advantage of natural light will be key to its success.
2. Gather materials
Starting your own balcony kitchen garden does not have to break the bank.
Many items that you already have in your home can be repurposed for gardening, like empty containers, even large jerry cans, old buckets, yogurt containers, or even discarded plastic bottles, to create plant pots.
But it is important to ensure to add drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water logging.
3. Get your soil
You can purchase good-quality potting soil, get some soil from people who sell plants along the roads or make your own compost from kitchen waste like vegetable peels and coffee grounds.
Some residents in Eastleigh even use soil from nearby construction sites or markets, though it is best to mix it with compost for nutrients.
4. Get your seedlings
Depending on your balcony space, you can start with easy-to-grow herbs such as coriander, basil, pepper, capsicum, and parsley, or vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, dhania, and kale.
To get the seeds, you can visit any agrovet, supermarket or other Nairobi markets like Gikomba or Marikiti for affordable seeds.
5. Watering can or hose
A simple watering can or small hosepipe will help you care for your plants.
Make sure to water them early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation in the hot Nairobi sun.
6. Plant fertilizers
While you can use compost, you might also need some organic fertilizers to boost the growth of your plants.
In Eastleigh, organic fertilizer options are easily available in local agrovet shops.
7. Trellis or supports
Before you decide on which plant to plant in your balcony, ensure you have done enough research about the plant, to know what the plant requires and how it grows.
For climbing plants like beans or tomatoes, you might need small trellises, which can be easily made from bamboo sticks or old scrap metal.
These items can often be found in the local markets or even repurposed from discarded household items.
8. Preparing your containers
Once you have your materials, it is time to prepare your containers. Clean out any containers you are repurposing and ensure they have good drainage.
You can line the bottom with small stones before filling them with soil to prevent clogging.
Then, fill your containers with soil, leaving enough space at the top for water retention.
Choosing your plants
The type of plants you grow will depend on your space, the amount of sunlight, and your preference.
If you are looking for herbs, cilantro (dhania), thyme, mint, and rosemary are perfect for small spaces.
Vegetables like spinach (sukuma), kale, terere, or small tomatoes are also excellent choices.
For a Nairobi balcony, it is best to grow plants that are resilient to both hot days and occasional rain showers.
Herbs are an easy starting point for beginners since they require little care and thrive in smaller spaces.
Setting up your balcony garden
When it comes to arranging your containers, think vertical!
Use wall-mounted planters or shelves to make the most out of the limited space. Some residents in Eastleigh have even used repurposed wooden pallets to stack their plants, making the garden both functional and stylish.
Place taller plants at the back and smaller ones in front so that every plant can receive enough sunlight.
Watering and maintenance
In Nairobi’s hot climate, it is essential to water your plants regularly but without over-watering. Remember, these plants are not outside. So, it will be your responsibility to water them.
Check the moisture level of the soil, and if it feels dry an inch or two below the surface, it is time to water. Always ensure you are watering the base of the plants, not the leaves, to avoid fungal infections.
Nairobians often suggest using a mix of organic fertilizers to enhance plant growth, which can be sourced from local vendors.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Produce
The best part of your balcony kitchen garden is, of course, enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.
Whether you are picking fresh coriander to sprinkle on your beans and beef or harvesting spinach for a delicious vegetable stew, your plants will provide fresh ingredients right at your doorstep.
Many Nairobians have embraced this hobby not only for the practical benefits but also for the joy of eating homegrown, pesticide-free food.
Tips for maximizing space
If your balcony is small, maximize the space by growing plants in tiers.
Use a combination of hanging baskets, window boxes, and vertical planters to add a garden feel to every corner.
You can also interplant various crops to save space, like growing herbs between your vegetable plants.
Starting a small kitchen garden on your balcony is a great way to improve your quality of life.
It is also an opportunity to reconnect with nature and cultivate a sense of fulfillment.
By using items you already have at home and taking advantage of your balcony space, you can easily start your own urban garden without the need for large plots of land.
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