people that know PLANTS only please?

Question

I am looking to start growing some herbs/flowers (something low maintainace...) that grow well in my area...I am in zone 10 according to the USDA map I found...I don't know that much about gardeing so any ideas would help....serious answers only please...

ps: on my balcony

Answer 1

Go to http://floridayards.org/fyplants/index.php .

You will find all the info you need for your area there. And the info is correct, compiled by Univ of Fl.

Have fun ... use to live in zone 10 but now in 9.

Answer 2

Herbs are great to grow in pots or on a balcony. For the most part, in your zone, you can pretty much choose whatever you like. Some herbs, like lavender, will take two years to bloom, but most herbs that are used for cooking will grow quite well, and very quickly.

Given your limited space, probably the most important consideration is the eventual size of the plant. Some herbs, like dill, grow to be VERY large very quickly; however, it's perfectly ok to cut it back if it gets too large and you want to grow it. Beyond that, I suggest using plastic pots as opposed to clay (plastic holds moisture better). Keep the plants evenly moist, but not wet, fertilize with a good balanced fertilizer, and don't put pesticides on the plants if you intend to use them in cooking.

A good place for getting seed is W. Atlee Burpee company. I've been doing business with them for probably 30 years, and they are very reputable. You may be able to get seed from a local nursery in your area as well, or even young plants, since you're in such a mild climate. Beyond that, the choice is up to you - enjoy!

Answer 3

Hi,

If you want something low maintenance. Growing herbs indoors is easy. You just need to put them near a sunny window or a well lit area. Maybe you have nice light by your kitchen window. Just make sure the plants are moist but not wet wet. Watering every other day or so is good. Just make sure the roots get a drink. The more cutting the more they grow. I love to garden!!

Hope I helped. :)

Answer 4

All good answers here......my advice would be to go to your local nursery and just look around at first. See what appeals to your senses and would go with your decorating style. Most any plant can be potted up for use on a balcony....several in a group can be stunning. When you have made some choices, just ask for exact growing instructions and general advice . You will be amazed at what you can grow without much effort. Best wishes.

Answer 5

well I live in Texas and this is what i plant in all my window boxes and planters..

Grow in larger pots 12 -24 in round 2 ft deep all have a great fragrance and easy to start from seeds

Four-o'clocks are Multicolored trumpet flowers that cover a bushy 1-2-foot-high plant. attracts Hummingbirds
Phlox are snowflake flowers and are strongly fragrant at night; 1 by 2 feet.
Sweet alyssum Low-growing groundcover with honey-scented white flowers; highly attractive to butterflies and 6 by 8 inches.
great to plant around edge of planter to hang over
all of these are low maintenance and don't required alot of care except watering and occasional fertilizer feeding, once a month...i use a weakened down gallon jug of miracle grow

Flowers That Take The Heat
I love these the most...grow really well here in Texas in smaller flowerpots 8-10 in round
Portulaca (rose moss)
4 in. to 8 in.
Red, magenta, pink, salmon, orange, yellow, white
Notes: Easy to grow from seed; rooted will overwinter. i leave in pots over winter and they come back every year..just need watering when soil feels dry...drought resistant

Herbs
You can pretty much grow any herb..what do you use the most? plant in individual pots..
Thyme, Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Rosemary and Parsley are all very easy to start from seeds just make sure you mark what is in each pot...lol..I forgot :o) Hope this helps Happy Gardening

Answer 6

if you go to a plant outlet you can ask about pansies. they are low maintenance and some will even grow year round...even winter. as for herbs ....look them up on the Internet. if you have the right container you can grow several kinds on a balcony. some herb gardens are very attractive and still compact. and some planters are very cleverly designed

Answer 7

Try growing the herbs you cook with. waysidegarden.com, parkseed.com, burpee.com, all good sources. Low maintenance? Anything grown in containers on a balcony will inherrantly be low maintenance.