Our apartment complex is turning into a mini jungle with all these hanging baskets!

I've been living in this apartment complex for three years, and it's amazing how many people are adding plants to their balconies. Last summer, only a few had small pots with succulents, but now almost every unit has at least one hanging basket filled with flowers or veggies. I think it started when the building manager allowed us to install hooks on the railings after a tenant petition. My next-door neighbor grew cherry tomatoes in hers, and they were so juicy we shared them in a salad! I tried growing herbs like basil and mint in mine, but the basil didn't do well because of the strong afternoon winds. Still, it's fun to see everyone sharing tips and cuttings over the weekend. This feels like a real community effort to green up our urban space, and I love how it brings us together.

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix_barnes1mo ago

Yeah the wind issue is real for balcony stuff. Rosemary and oregano handle the gusts way better than basil in my experience, they just don't flop over. Also those cheap plastic drip trays are a lifesaver to stop water mess for the people below you, nbd to clip on. Heavy pots are key too, anything light just becomes a flying hazard. My old place looked like a jungle too, it was awesome.

evan_burns951mo ago

My friend's pot flew off in a storm once.

the_patricia1mo ago

That rosemary tip is a good one, it's like a little windbreak plant. But what about when the storm is really bad, like that derecho that came through last summer? Are the heavy pots enough, or do you have to bring everything inside every single time there's a warning?