Basil
For the past few years we have been operating my makeshift garden and vermicompost center solely off of my balcony, with help from our favorite CSA. Last year we were finally taken off the wait list and now have a 4 x 8 raised bed at an urban garden with multiple raised compost heaps and a community working together to sustain a garden and a way of life.
While our 4x 8 plot of land is growing our balcony garden continues to be very important for migrating birds and other neighborhood creatures. Our butterfly bush has brought visiting monarch butterflies and swallowtails to our balcony to feed. A morning dove couple can be found relaxing in our orange planters while baby robins search for worms in our compost bin!
Praying Mantis on our Window
So even if all you have is a balcony, or even a window , you can begin your own urban garden. Good Luck!
Chicago Urban Gardening Links:
Advocates for Urban Agriculture
