Don't waste that empty balcony - plant something both ornamental and edible

Your balcony is so big - have you ever thought about planting something there? I've seen some real masters growing lemons and dragon fruit on their balconies, and some even grew corn. We can't keep up with the masters, but growing a few little plants you like is a wonderful thing too. Today I'd like to recommend a few plants that are relatively suitable for beginners - ornamental and edible alike.

01

Mint

Mint is a perennial herb with a fragrant scent. It is a medicinal herb and is also often used in cooking. In daily life you probably often use items containing mint, such as toothpaste, potted drinks, and facial cleanser. Growing mint is no challenge at all: dig up a mint plant in the wild and take it home to grow in soil or in clean water, and prune it regularly. Good mint can be used to make mint soup or brew a pot of mint tea.

When brewing tea with mint, note that heat causes mint to lose its effectiveness, so it is best to add it after the water has boiled.

02

Perilla

Perilla is an annual herb with a fragrant scent. It can be used as medicine and eaten as food. Anyone who often eats sashimi is surely familiar with perilla. It is highly adaptable and especially suited to growing at home. Its leaves are basically two-toned, making it an excellent ornamental plant. Of course, if you love Japanese cuisine and happen to be a skilled cook yourself, growing some perilla is a great choice. PS: perilla has the effect of neutralizing the toxicity of fish and crab, so perilla stewed fish is a great nourishing dish. However, perilla must not be eaten together with carp.

03

Basil

There are many varieties of basil, both annual and perennial. It is a deep-rooted plant. The most commonly seen is probably basil already processed into a spice. In fact, the basil plant itself is a very attractive foliage plant. Growing it is also very simple. Line the bottom with soil, water thoroughly with warm water, scatter the seeds and cover with a thin layer of soil.

In Belgium, the Netherlands and elsewhere, basil is also a foliage material often used in flower arrangements.

04

Ornamental pepper

The ornamental pepper is a plant that has emerged in recent years, combining ornamental, culinary and medicinal uses in one. The fruit on the same plant can reach five colors - red, yellow, purple, white and green - dotted among the green leaves, very dainty and lovely. Thanks to the advantages of its branches and colors, it is also often used in floral art performances. What's more, the ornamental pepper has low environmental requirements - it just needs plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.