Invest in the biggest pot you can as that will lessen the time between watering, which is the only chore of gardening in pots.

Terra cotta and ceramic pots are heavy, so you might need to use rice pots, plastic or fiberglass containers, or fabric grow bags combined with lightweight soil mixes. She has collaborated Anthropologie and West Elm to create special events and products for a greener city life. A balcony garden is more compact by nature and should be maintained slightly differently to when growing plants and vegetables in regular garden beds. Sutcliffe comments: 'What plants you choose to put on your balcony also depends on the space you have available. With great style and a practical approach to city gardening, she has shared her small space gardening expertise in three books.Wind: Strong winds, which are common on balcony and rooftop gardens high above the ground, can quickly dry out the soil, rip the petals off flowers, and knock over tall potted plants. I bought the book on that basis only to be knocked out by the way it has been written, which was perfect for me - a novice gardener - as it is so straight forward to follow. Now’s the perfect time to sow vegetable seeds, and with just a few pots on a balcony, you can look forward to harvesting fresh, flavoursome vegetables and herbs. A dwarf olive tree is the perfect choice for a balcony garden because of its low water requirements and resistance to high winds and subfreezing temperatures. Isabelle Palmer has created a successful business from her ability to enliven any balcony, roof terrace, and window sill with her inventive gardening ideas.

Isabelle studied at Chelsea College of Art and Design and then embarked on a degree in Economics before working in PR. Wood pallets turned on end, old book shelves, or tiered planters are all practical solutions for gardening up rather than out.

Our 4m x 4m patch of London garden works seriously hard, containing a playhouse, table and chairs as well as fruit and veg. If your balcony doesn’t have good sun exposure, some herbs that grow well in partial shade include parsley, chervil, cilantro, and tarragon. Just make sure you select the right plants, make the right environment for them, and enjoy a little garden for years to come!

After being encouraged by his followers to apply for this year's event, the gardener won a place displaying his work, titled The Cirrus Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. My job changes constantly and evolves, so the opportunities that have afforded me are far greater than the expectations I had for this career. The higher up you are, the more wind you are likely to have, and hot drying winds can quickly parch your plants.There is even a chapter for All Things Edible, allowing you to customise your garden to not only look delightful, but smell and taste fantastic too.