Balcony vegetable planting: choosing vegetables according to orientation

Closed state

Closed

The most important factors affecting balcony vegetable growing are the balcony’s orientation and enclosure. The orientation determines the sunlight hours of the balcony, and the enclosure determines its temperature. Enclosed balconies are less affected by temperature, and a wider range of vegetables can be selected, which can be planted all year round.

Not completely closed

If the balcony is not completely enclosed, the temperature will be low in winter, making it difficult to grow vegetables. In summer, the direct sunlight will make the temperature too high, so the vegetables need to be shaded to protect them.

Balcony orientation

Southbound

A south-facing balcony is the most ideal balcony for growing vegetables, with full sunlight and good ventilation. Vegetables grow best in the sun and can be grown on the balcony all year round. The main vegetable choices are: cucumbers, tomatoes, day lily, bitter melon, green beans, apricots, mustard greens, lettuce, zucchini, green peppers, leeks, etc.

East, West

The balconies in these two directions are semi-sun balconies, where shade-tolerant vegetables can be grown, such as onions, lettuce, rapeseed, leeks, loofah, coriander, radishes, etc. On a west-facing balcony, the temperature is too high in summer and vegetables are easily sunburned, so it is best to plant heat-resistant vegetables in the corner of the balcony.

Northbound

There is almost no sunlight on the north-facing balcony, so the range of vegetables to choose from is limited. You should choose vegetables that are shade-tolerant, such as lettuce, leek, asparagus, toon, dandelion, water spinach, and wood vegetable. In the summer, try to block reflected light from the floors behind.