I just got the Keter Urban Bloomer (it’s the raised elevated garden bed with the drainage tap and shelf!) and I’m blown away by how much easier it’s made gardening without a yard. I have a tiny balcony and was never able to grow veggies before, but now I’m thinking about going all in this spring.
Here’s what I’m wondering and wanted to get your opinions/experiences:
- Is it possible to do “mini companion planting” in this kind of raised bed? Like, has anyone tried tomatoes AND basil AND marigold in the same Urban Bloomer, or does it get too crowded?
- Any clever soil setups? I’m worried about the weight on my balcony, so has anyone tried using lightweight fillers under the soil (like bottles or packing peanuts) and still had success?
- For those of you who compost-can I mix a little fresh-ish compost right into this kind of planter or will it smell weird being so close to my living space?
- Any hacks to get more out of the single planter? Vertical supports, hanging stuff off the sides, etc?
Would love to hear any stories or see pics from people making the most out of this type of small space garden bed!