Want a bigger harvest of tomatoes and cucumbers? Expert advises what not to do

Gardening is blooming in popularity, with enthusiasts increasingly cultivating vegetables, berries, and herbs not just in traditional gardens but also on apartment balconies and terraces. Odetta Rimkevičienė, founder of "Daigų pasaulis" (Seedling World), notes that even those without land plots are finding ways to grow their own produce.

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It's no longer surprising to see tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries grown on balconies. Those who like novelty are now even growing raspberries, blackberries, or balcony peas.

"It's no longer surprising to see tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries grown on balconies," Rimkevičienė said. "Those who like novelty are now even growing raspberries, blackberries, or balcony peas." She attributes this trend to a desire for better taste and quality, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into one's food. The simple joy of picking fresh herbs for breakfast is a significant draw.

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To wake up in the morning and be able to pick your own herbs for scrambled eggs is a joy. And you really don't need to have a garden – many things can now be successfully grown in pots.

Rimkevičienė observes that the interest in gardening is broadening across age groups, with younger people actively seeking to experiment and embrace a more natural lifestyle. For many, it's a way to ensure healthier food for their children, providing them with produce they've grown themselves. The ability to grow a variety of plants, from common vegetables to more exotic options like watermelons and melons, is also a source of fascination.

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People want to know what is on their plate, they want to know that the food will not be sprayed with chemicals, they seek the best quality for their children, they want to give them what they grew themselves.

However, beginners often make a common mistake: using pots that are too small. Rimkevičienė emphasizes that larger containers provide more space for plant roots, retain moisture longer, and reduce the need for frequent watering. She advises new gardeners to avoid overly complex varieties and to start with simpler, more manageable plants for a successful growing experience.

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One of the most common mistakes of balcony gardeners is using pots that are too small. The larger the capacity, the easier the care: moisture lasts longer in a larger pot, you have to water less often, and the plant roots have more space.