Comments on: Strategies for Dealing With Wind in a High Rise Balcony Garden

By: Dale

Dale — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:49:07 +0000

Cinti, OH
My balcony is all concrete and gets very hot it faces SE and I find the foam pots work great so the roots will not get hot and the soil seems to hold the moisture longer than the stone or plastic pots I have used in the passed. This year I have laid a all weather carpet and it seems much cooler and very quite. During the day I have placed the folring deflector for large truckwindshields to keep my livingroom and master bedroom from getting so hot (tripple doors)

By: Fern

Fern — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:28:34 +0000

Jake–I think squash actually do better in a spot with wind because it helps them fight off some of the diseases they are normally susceptible to, like molds and mildews. Can’t wait to hear how your russian sage and echinacea do!

By: Jake Howard

Jake Howard — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:51:04 +0000

I just found your site and thought I’d throw my $.02 in. We’re 23rd floor on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago with east and full south exposure. With the overhangs, however, half the balcony’s full sun and the back half is full shade. It’s quite a challenge and I’m an absolute novice.

I’m focusing on vegetables, so can’t be much help as to flowers. I’ve got a Japanese pumpkin that I started from a seed that is VERY happy up here. I’d recommend squash plants as they have broad leaves that soak up sun and crowd out weeds (a la Three Sisters – corn, beans & squash). The beets and carrots are happy, too. I brought the soy plants inside and they’re now thriving.

Thanks for great site! I’m going to try the russian sage with echinacea & keep you posted.

By: jennifer babb

jennifer babb — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:10:15 +0000

I live in the south of france,my balcony is facing
full south with sunshine all day and a wind called
the mistral that blows up to 110 I am so fed up
because all my plants blow over and die i dont know which plants to grow on the balcony and asking in the plant shop is of no use because they want to sell any plant to make money so i am a bit lost and i would really love a beautiful garden can you please help me

By: tina

tina — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:27:36 +0000

Hi Fern, Your blog gives such good information on gardening in this challenging environment. It is all very helpful and I will for sure stay away from terra cotta here, but I must be honest-are you ready? I am afraid of heights and don’t think I would even venture near the window if I lived on the 17th floor. Isn’t that funny? I’d be paralyzed with fear. So hats off to you all that not only live there and love it, but also garden!

By: Fern

Fern — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:08:30 +0000

Shawn -- Glad this post is useful to you! Depending on how strong the wind is on your balcony, you may see less bee activity as well, but urban areas tend to see fewer bees in general, regardless of the amount of wind (if you're interested in attracting bees, check out this post I wrote about attracting bees to urban environments). Unless you are planning on growing fruits or vegetables, attracting pollinators isn't really an issue.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:13:05 +0000

Great info, Fern, you’re awesome! I can now start my hunt for potential planters in my neighborhood. Funny how the downtown core doesn’t have anything in the way of garden centers I probably would have gone terracotta too if you hadn’t said anything.

I like the idea of using the north side for some year round green and wind break. I kinda dig the bayberry because you were trash talking it, and I’m the type to cheer for the underdog.

I was wondering if the same logic that will help keep pests from landing at this altitude will also impair pollination. Although, that said I can’t think of anything that would need pollinating. Hell if I know

By: Cindy

Cindy — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:54:24 +0000

Fern, not at all not at all, (wish you good hear the good humour and excitment in my voice!) just sharing ideas and looking for input to grow my skills and knowledge, and meant that your experience is most appreciate! thanks a bunch for link!

By: denise

denise — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:54:44 +0000

Thank for the link, protecting plants in the winter. I never thought about bubble wrap for protecting pots and containers. Denise

By: prue

prue — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:46:58 +0000

Hi Fern

we get wind and are only on the second floor! The apartment seems to be in, or have created a giant wind tunnel. Pots do blow over, especially the large tomatoes in undersized pots, but we have also found that the larger plants, the lemon tree etc create their own quasi wind break on one side! And when the wind does seep through, it bring the lovely citrus blossom smell with it.

Best of luck with this challenging ‘assignment’