Introduction

Last spring, I was also a complete novice in gardening. After moving into my new home, I looked at the empty balcony and wanted to grow something. As someone born after 1995, I spent too much time with phones and computers and felt something was missing in life. I impulsively bought lots of plants online, and as you can imagine, they all died. I was really frustrated during that time, but it also sparked my competitive spirit. After a year of exploration and practice, my balcony has now become a thriving mini forest. Today I'd like to share my experiences with you to help you avoid the same mistakes.

Initial Preparation

To be honest, I was too naive when I first started gardening. You know what? Preparation work accounts for 80% of success rate. I was too impatient at first, seeing those beautiful garden photos online and thinking I could just buy some flowers and plant them right away. Looking back now, it's both laughable and regrettable.

Later I realized I needed to understand my balcony's environmental conditions first. This is super important! Different plants need different growing environments, just like people - some like sunlight, others prefer shade. First, observe the lighting conditions of your balcony. I used a simple but effective method: for a week straight, I checked the balcony every two hours and recorded the duration of direct sunlight with my phone. It seemed troublesome at first, but this process gave me a deeper understanding of my balcony's environment. Through this observation, I discovered my south-facing balcony gets 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, which is actually quite good and suitable for growing most flowers and vegetables.

Speaking of soil, this is truly a complex subject. I remember my first time buying flowers, I just used regular potting soil from the supermarket, thinking "it's just planting flowers, soil is soil, how different can it be?" As a result, the plants grew poorly, with yellow leaves and underdeveloped roots. Later, when I consulted garden shop teachers, I learned that different plants have vastly different soil requirements. Some plants prefer acidic soil, while others adapt better to alkaline environments. Generally, soil pH between 6.5-7.0 is ideal. Now I always use test strips to check soil acidity and adjust accordingly. This might sound professional, but it's actually quite simple - soil testing strips only cost a few dollars online but can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Besides light and soil, temperature and humidity are also crucial. My balcony can reach over 35 degrees Celsius at noon in summer, requiring shade nets for adjustment. In winter when temperatures are low, I move cold-sensitive plants indoors or wrap them in non-woven fabric for warmth. As for humidity, I bought a simple thermometer/hygrometer to monitor environmental changes.

Preparation also includes tool selection. Don't underestimate these gardening tools - the right tools can make planting twice as efficient. My essential tools include: a watering can (for controlling water amount), a small shovel (for loosening soil and transplanting), pruning shears (for trimming branches and leaves), and gardening gloves (for hand protection). At first, I thought buying these tools was wasteful, but after using them, I realized these investments were worth it.

Choosing the Right Plants

Choosing suitable plants is really important. If you want to grow roses but your balcony only gets two hours of morning sun, aren't you just making things difficult for yourself? I recommend beginners start with easy-to-grow plants. Like learning, you should progress gradually, starting with simple ones and slowly increasing difficulty.

Succulents are a good choice. They're drought-resistant, easy to care for, and have cute shapes. My first successful plant was a bear paw succulent, which was only palm-sized when I bought it but now has grown lush and full. I remember when I first saw it growing new leaves, that sense of achievement was indescribable! Besides bear paw, there are many succulent varieties suitable for beginners, like Stone Lotus, Mini Star Beauty, and Bunny Ears Cactus. These plants are drought-tolerant, so it's okay if you occasionally forget to water them.

Besides succulents, pothos is also beginner-friendly. It's highly adaptable and grows well both indoors and outdoors. My pothos started from a small seedling and now covers an entire wall. It's not only beautiful but also purifies the air, making it an essential home plant. Aloe vera is another good choice - it's easy to grow, and its gel can be used for skincare, making it a very practical plant.

By the way, if you want to try growing vegetables, I suggest starting with herbs. Mint, basil, and rosemary are relatively easy to grow and can add flavor to your cooking. The mint leaves I use for my morning tea now are home-grown, and they taste so much better than store-bought ones.

As you gain experience, you can gradually try more challenging plants. Like the roses I'm growing now - although they need more care, they're really stunning when they bloom. However, I suggest everyone progress gradually and not challenge difficult varieties at first, as it can be discouraging.

Daily Management

Regarding daily management, watering is definitely the most problematic aspect. When I first started gardening, I didn't understand watering techniques at all. I would water immediately whenever the soil surface looked dry, which led to root rot. Looking back, I was too hasty. Later I learned a simple trick: insert your finger 2-3 centimeters into the soil - if it feels moist, no watering is needed. This method may be simple, but it's very effective.

Different plants need different watering methods. Succulents are drought-resistant and only need watering once a week; while water-loving plants like pothos might need watering every two or three days. Watering time is also important - it's best to water in the morning or evening, avoiding strong noon sunlight. Water temperature should be room temperature, as too cold or too hot water can harm plants.

Fertilizing is also a skill. I discovered coffee grounds make excellent natural fertilizer. After drinking coffee each day, I dry the grounds and sprinkle them around plants. They not only provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients but also repel snails and slugs. Besides coffee grounds, eggshell powder and banana peels are also good natural fertilizers. However, remember that fertilizing should be moderate - too much is as bad as too little.

Pruning is also an important part of daily management. Regular pruning maintains plant aesthetics and promotes new growth. For example, with pothos, you should promptly remove yellow leaves or overly long stems. Use clean tools when pruning, preferably dedicated gardening scissors, to avoid bacterial infection.

Turning and loosening soil is also important. I usually loosen the soil for plants once a month, which improves soil aeration and promotes root growth. However, be careful when loosening soil to avoid damaging the plant's root system.

Pest and Disease Prevention

Honestly, I was really frustrated when I first encountered pest problems. Especially seeing my beloved plants riddled with insect damage - it was heartbreaking! Pest problems are something every gardening enthusiast will encounter. I was once tormented by aphids, watching them ravage my plants was both infuriating and distressing.

Later I discovered a simple method that works particularly well: chili powder. Sprinkling chili powder around plants every few days effectively repels various pests. This method is both eco-friendly and inexpensive, and doesn't harm the plants. Besides chili powder, I also spray plants with garlic water, which has good pest-repelling effects.

Prevention is better than cure. I now regularly check the undersides of leaves, as many pests like to hide there. If pest damage is found, immediately isolate the affected plant to prevent pest spread. Good ventilation is also important, as humid and stuffy environments easily breed pests and diseases.

Oh, and keeping beneficial insects is also a good approach. Ladybugs, for instance, are natural enemies of aphids. I often see ladybugs on my balcony now - they're like my little helpers, protecting this small garden.

Continuous Learning

Gardening really requires continuous learning and reflection. I now spend ten minutes daily observing plant growth conditions and recording their changes. I use my phone's notes to record each plant's watering time and fertilizing situation, and take photos to document their growth process. This not only helps identify problems early but also helps summarize experiences.

When I encounter questions I don't understand, I consult garden shop teachers or research information. There are many gardening communities online now, where experienced gardeners are happy to share their knowledge. I've also joined some gardening chat groups where I often discuss growing tips with other members.

Gardening can bring a lot of joy. The first thing I do every morning is check my plants on the balcony, watching them grow day by day, flower and bear fruit - that sense of achievement is really special. Through gardening, I've learned patience and gained a better understanding of the preciousness of life.

You say you want to start gardening but don't know where to begin? Why not start with a small succulent? With patient cultivation, you too can create your own private garden on your balcony. Remember, gardening isn't that difficult - the key is patience and love.

My balcony has now become a small garden that my friends envy. Spring brings colorful flowers, summer has cooling green plants, autumn offers fragrant fruits, and winter has evergreen succulents. Each season has different scenery, and every day brings new surprises.

Finally, I'd like to ask: what gardening experiences would you like to share? Or what difficulties have you encountered in your planting journey? Feel free to tell me in the comments. Let's exchange ideas and grow together, turning our balconies into our own little paradise!