Dig into the list below for techniques, advice, discussions, professional support and like-minded gardeners. There’s a growing network of support in Toronto — just a click or a phone call away.
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See Blooming Our Balconies a QUICK GUIDE based on a Canada Blooms presentation, March 2009
Read An Illustrated Guide to Growing Food on Your Balcony by Lara Lucretia Mrosovsky. This little book has an illustration on every page. Not only can you use it to guide for your own growing project, it's full of ideas for group activities. Order online.
Consult a FACT SHEET ON CONTAINER GARDENING IN TORONTO
Check out TIPS ON BALCONY GARDENING from Sheridan Nurseries
Check out Plant World’s CARE SHEETS and CONTAINER PLANTINGS SERVICE
Get tips on GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD
Get the NEW TRAIN-THE-TRAINER MANUAL ON CONTAINER GARDENING. Ideal for multi-unit residential buildings. For a copy, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 416-781-7663.
Explore BALCONY COMPOSTING
Learn how to MAKE YOUR OWN balcony composter
Grow herbs and vegetables YEAR-ROUND - check out window-farming
The volume of online information and inspiration proliferates with passion. Check out the worldwide Container Gardening Alliance (and its Facebook link).
DISCUSS ONLINE
Welcome to the TBB Facebook group! A place to network, discuss tips and tricks, and organize events
VISIT the TORONTO MASTER GARDENERS Q&A FORUM
ASK AN EXPERT
Call the TORONTO MASTER GARDENER INFOLINE at 416-397-1345
Book a TORONTO MASTER GARDENER for your group. Online, or call 416-397-1345
Book a TORONTO COMMUNITY FOOD ANIMATOR to support your group’s balcony food growing project.
Call 416-363-6440
MEET OTHER GARDENERS
Find your nearest LOCAL HORTICULTURAL CLUB/SOCIETY
Online, start with the TBB Facebook group. An active discussion area where folks are responsive and full of great information and resources.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
Many landscapers and gardeners now specialize in container and balcony gardening. Here are tips on how to hire a professional, and a member directory by geography and specialty.
SUPPLIES
CATHY'S CRAWLY COMPOSTERS - Offers worm composting options as well as a tumbling composter that fits nicely on a balcony. All composters are made in Ontario.
Check YOUR LOCAL COFFEE SHOP for burlap coffee bags, coffee grounds and a variety of plastic containers that can be of use to gardeners.
RECYCLE, REUSE... At the end of the season for garden retailers (especially those set up in parking lots of grocery and big-box stores), there are routine and extraordinary gems to be scavenged from the vestiges.
TORONTO'S COMMERCIAL KITCHEN DIRECTORY - Housing Services Corporation, in partnership with Food Forward, has developed an online map of commercially certified, inspected kitchens available for rent across the city of Toronto. This list will help to connect community groups and new entrepreneurs with affordable kitchen space for workshops, catering or food preparation.
TAKE NOTE: Joyful gardening on balconies requires individuals to do so safely, considerately and lawfully. Relevant guidelines are set out in lease and condominium agreements, and resident handbooks (where these exist). Building managers can provide helpful information.
