Q & A: Plants on Balconies; Recycling

This is our first edition of Q & A…you ask the questions, and we track down the answers to the best of our ability!

This week, we received two questions about plants on balconies, and one question about recycling pickup in the City of Miami:

Q: I have been trying to grow plants (herbs + veggies) on my balcony. Is it just too hot in the summer? They have all pretty much burn to a dry crisp. Also I seem to have a big problem with white fly and afids. I tried to place marigols in the mix, but they burned up as well. Should I wait for the cooler months and try again? I live on the beach and get full eastern sun most of the morning.

Q: I have the same problem! In addition to everything you mentioned above, I have high winds and the majority of my plants get too much sun and die. I also have a problem with root rot. I would really like to know which plants are hardy enough for balconies.

First we contacted Margie of Bee Heaven Farm, and organizer of Redland Organics, our local CSA. (By the way, if you want to sign up for local veggies this year, you can get on the wait list…spaces are going fast. There are a few available spots left in the Florida Keys.) She told us:

A: The really big problem for anyone along the coastline is SALT. An east-facing balcony on the beach is the worst. The salt will ‘burn’ the plants. I’d suggest contacting our local Extension Office to see what salt-tolerant plants they can recommend for growing on balconies.

Root rot is probably happening from watering too much. Basic rule of thumb:  if you stick your finger into the soil, and it feels wet, it’s not yet time to water.

greenerMIAMI: We’ve contacted the Extension Office for you, regarding good plants for the beach on balconies…we’ll update this post when we hear back.

Q: We have moved from Boulder CO to Coconut Grove and told that there is no home pick up for recycling of paper and plastic products…is this true?

A: For a single family home (and up to 3 residential units) in Coconut Grove, which is in the City of Miami, you should have recycling pick up. See the City of Miami’s Dept of Solid Waste Recycling Page, and call 311 for more details. If you live in a condominium, it is required by law that they offer recycling, though most do not comply. See Why Doesn’t My Condo Recycle for more information.