HOW-TO on Balcony Gardening in Toronto
Dig into the list below for techniques, advice, discussions, professional support and like-minded gardeners. There’s a growing network of support in Toronto — just a click or a phone call away.
READ MORE
See "Blooming Our Balconies" a QUICK GUIDE based on a Canada Blooms presentation, March 2009
See Vegetables and Herbs to Grow on Balconies on our DIY page www.torontobalconiesbloom.ca/demo.html
Consult a FACT SHEET ON CONTAINER GARDENING IN TORONTO: www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/mastergardener/ContainerGardening.shtml
Check out TIPS ON BALCONY GARDENING from Sheridan Nurseries: www.sheridannurseries.com/GardenSite/subGARDENTIP36mainframe.htm
Check out Plant World’s CARE SHEETS www.plantworld.net/en/tips/Care_Sheets.php
and CONTAINER PLANTINGS SERVICE www.plantworld.net/en/services/container_plantings.php
Get tips on GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD from www.the-locavores-garden.com
Get the NEW TRAIN-THE-TRAINER MANUAL ON CONTAINER GARDENING. Ideal for multi-unit residential buildings. For a copy, email info@torontogreen.ca or call 416-781-7663.
Explore BALCONY COMPOSTING at www.cathyscomposters.com, www.toronto.ca/compost/withworm.htm, www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/3633e.htm
To ATTRACT WILDLIFE, check out www.wildaboutgardening.org
Learn how to make your own balcony composter at www.torontobalconiesbloom.ca/demo.html
To grow herbs and vegetables year-round, check out Window Farming www.windowfarms.org
DISCUSS ONLINE
Welcome to the new TBB Facebook group! A place to network, discuss tips and tricks, and organize events
VISIT the TORONTO MASTER GARDENERS Q&A FORUM: www.questions.torontomastergardeners.ca
JOIN THE DISCUSSION at Toronto’s You Grow Girl, a thriving online community: www.yougrowgirl.com/forums
ASK AN EXPERT
Call the TORONTO MASTER GARDENER INFOLINE at 416-397-1345
Book a TORONTO MASTER GARDENER for your group.
For information: www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/mastergardener_bookus.shtml
or call 416-397-1345
Book a TORONTO COMMUNITY FOOD ANIMATOR to support your group’s balcony food growing project. For information: www.foodshare.net/animators01.htm
or call 416-363-6440
MEET OTHER GARDENERS
Contact your LOCAL HORTICULTURAL CLUB/SOCIETY. Find one near to you: www.gardenontario.org/soc/by_district.php
Join your LOCAL ECO-GARDENERS. In Ward 21, check out www.growingforgreen.ca
Join the TBB Facebook group - a place to network, discuss tips and tricks, and organize events.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
Many landscapers and gardeners now specialize in container and balcony gardening. For tips on how to hire a professional, and a member directory by geography and specialty go to www.landscapeontario.com
TAKE NOTE: Joyful gardening on balconies requires individuals to do so safely, considerately and lawfully. Relevant guidelines are set out in lease and condominium agreements, and resident handbooks (where these exist). Building managers can provide helpful information.