OrtakListe
Home & living

Balcony garden checklist — start growing veg and flowers

Even a tiny balcony has room for tomatoes, basil and a few flowers; the trick is buying the right supplies the first time. This list covers everything from pots to fertilizer, and with a room code it's clear who is bringing what. No sign-up needed.

In short

A balcony garden needs pots or a planter box, expanded clay for drainage, potting soil, seedlings or seeds and liquid fertilizer. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, parsley, basil and mint all do well on a small balcony; vegetables want at least six hours of sun, while herbs manage in part shade. Plant seedlings out only after the frost risk has passed.

18 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.

What's on the list

  • Pots
  • Planter box
  • Plant saucers
  • Potting soil
  • Expanded clay
  • Tomato seedlings
  • Pepper seedlings
  • Lettuce seeds
  • Parsley seeds
  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Flower seed mix
  • Liquid fertilizer
  • Hand trowel
  • Garden gloves
  • Watering can
  • Spray bottle
  • Plant stakes

Tips

  • Check how many hours of sun your balcony gets: tomatoes and peppers need at least six, while mint and parsley are fine in part shade.

  • Water early in the morning or in the evening, and wait if the soil is dry on top but still damp two or three centimetres down.

  • Plant seedlings out only once the risk of frost has passed, whatever the calendar says.

  • Keep pots inside the railing, not hanging outside it, and secure them on windy floors; a falling pot is dangerous.

How it works

  1. 1. Open your room

    Tap the button and the items land in a fresh room. No account, no email, nothing to install.

  2. 2. Share the code

    Send the room code or the link to the group; everyone's on the same list in seconds.

  3. 3. Finish it together

    Who's buying what shows up instantly; bought items get ticked, so nobody buys the same thing twice.

Frequently asked questions

What is easiest to grow on a balcony?

Mint, parsley, basil and lettuce are the easiest for beginners. Tomatoes and peppers want more sun and steadier watering, but they crop well in pots too.

How big should a pot for tomatoes be?

A deep pot of at least 15-20 litres suits tomatoes and peppers, while lettuce and herbs also grow in smaller or shallower containers. Mint spreads fast, so always give it a pot of its own.

How do you keep roots from rotting in pots?

Every pot needs a drainage hole, and a layer of expanded clay at the bottom helps excess water drain away. Remember to empty the water that collects in the saucer.

Can I change the list?

Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.

Do I need an account?

No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.

How long is the list kept?

As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.

Can I install it on my phone?

Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.