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tomatoes on a west-facing balcony

Posted by peacelovinglily (My Page) on
Tue, Oct 5, 10 at 1:53

Hi all

I live in Australia, and am about to plant some tomatoes on my west-facing balcony. It's only beginning to warm up now in spring, but in summer, we get blazing hot and very dry sun. I'm after some advice:

- Generally, how many hours of sunlight do west balconies receive?
- How to protect tomato leaves from being burned to a crisp?
- Has anyone grown tomatoes on a west balcony succesfully?

Advice would be greatly appreciated! :)


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: tomatoes on a west-facing balcony

I do this every year. Watering in the morning and evening through the hotter months seems key. Try to keep the pot itself shaded so the soil doesn't heat up too much (especially if you have a glass sided balcony). Make sure they get some fertilizer from time to time too (use one for tomatoes/peppers).

If you find it gets too sunny in the hotter months you could always create some shade with a light sheet or gauzy fabric, say a meter high, that would give it a touch of shade when needed. I've not done that myself, but find my tomatoes have never minded the harsh heat of summer too much.

If you have the room, I'd really encourage you to try some peppers too - they especially love the sun and heat. I've been super successful with both jalepenos and bell peppers. If you like eggplant that's another one who loves the heat.

The only things I've had real trouble with in the heat are some herbs. My basils and oreganos have become fried - this year I kept them inside the whole time and they're still going now.

Let us know how they do! :)


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