Ask Categories: Balcony & Container Gardening

Norfolk Island pine stem damage

I cut down the lower brown branch of my Norfolk Island pine tree about 6-8 months ago. I think it didn’t heal properly. Now there is a lot of greeze rubber like liquid coming out from that point and when…

Over-wintering Begonias?

Hello, Since moving to a 29th floor apartment with a north-facing balcony, I’ve been experimenting with what will/will not thrive up here. The begonias we’ve planted in hanging pots seem quite happy; would it be possible to over-winter them somehow?…

Braided Willow (potted)

I do not have a garden to plant my potted braided willow. I purchased in the spring and have had it in a decorative pot on my deck. I would like to know what I should do to protect this…

Potted Mohican Viburnums not thriving on a Balcony

Hello, Back in July, I planted four Mohican Viburnums in Triple Mix in 23” x 27”planters on my terrace, which is on the 21st floor and faces west and north in Toronto, at Bloor/Sherbourne. The planters are along the east…

Old Brick Planter

Hello Dear Master Gardener, Last year we moved to a 70 years old home in Toronto that is facing east. There is a huge brick planter in front of the home, about 3 feet tall, maybe 20 feet wide and…

Cactus Support!

Hi, I purchased this cactus recently and he is starting to turn brown. I’ve been told that this might be due to too much water or not enough sunlight. Additionally, I’ve been told that my pot should be draining. I…

Runaway Bride Hydrangea

This potted shrub has produced a superlative display. Then instead of deadheading it I actually pruned it by mistake in midsummer. Now it is taking over my balcony! What to do? There are still a few flowers – do I…

Pollinator-attracting flowers for shady balcony

I would like to attract pollinators to my 5th floor balcony container garden, but have had success growing only ferns, coleus and fibrous rooted begonias – not plants with numerous bright flowers. I have seen two or three bees around…

Rhododendron

Hello. I planted a small rhododendron in fall 2021. In the spring, it appeared to be alive but unfortunately, I came across it on a hot day lying on its side, with its roots exposed. I think some animal appeared…

Covered porch greenhouse

Hello! I have a rather large fully covered front porch. It is not heated, but I am wondering if there is any way I might use that space as a greenhouse in the spring? It is north facing unfortunately, but…