Luxina

After leaving the family home and into an apartment in Hertfordshire full of green spaces. I thought to myself wouldn’t it be nice to start growing fresh green vegetables of my very own? I laughed at myself initially, as we had a nice garden growing up, but never thought to grow anything in that space. It’s funny how when I felt like I had lost that garden space, the need for that heightened.

Moving into a one-bedroom apartment with a balcony was when I thought it could be possible to grow vegetables on my balcony. I liked the thought of going green and starting this venture to boost my own morale and others too! So off I went to the local garden centre with my husband. I don’t know how it happened, but as soon as I eased into my mid-thirties, I started to enjoy a trip to garden centres even more than I used to.

I did start the fascination from an early age, as my Mum used to take the three of us as children there nearer Christmas time especially, browsing around plants, gifts and giant furniture pieces that looked humungous to us at that age. I used to love picking up Cacti plants and started a little collection on a shelf in my room.

My husband helped carry the compost soil bag into the trolley whilst I browsed for plants. I looked at the turnips, spring onions and then what stood out for me the most were pepper plants! I thought Yes, let’s give these a go to grow.

As soon as we got home, I started the process of potting the plants that already had leaves growing. I read up on the fact that compost soil bags have nutrients within to help the plants with their growth. I made sure I watered when dry, in the mornings, when the temperature is cooler and allows plants to dry off throughout the day.

Within two months, I could already see flowers grow and then growth of peppers starts to form. I was incredibly pleased and jumped for joy! And after three months of looking after the pepper plants, here they are! Looking like peppers should look.

It has been a joy and has given me a sense of fulfilment to not only cook with my homegrown vegetables, but to experience the intense flavour coming out from them too. I’m very chuffed that I’ve been able to grow vegetables on a balcony and would want to continue doing this every year.

I’ll now place on my Keep Life Simple apron and cook the peppers in a hearty Bolognese sauce.

Article written by Christina Blossom

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