Name: Justine S.
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Size: 9 square feet
Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: I have peppers, cherry tomatoes, and kale, all outside my window!
Biggest Design Challenge With This Space: The biggest challenge was finding a way to keep the path open in case the fire escape needs to be used as it was intended. Also, keeping things from drying out. Terracotta pots dry out too fast 4 stories up, so the cure was a window box and and old wood wine box with some holes drilled in the bottom for drainage.
Tips for Creating a Great Small Outdoor Space: Grow up. If you don't have square feet, pick things that like to climb on things. Vines are your friend. Or if you can anchor things to a wall, just get your containers going vertical.
Thanks, Justine, and good luck!
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Lovely. We've had moderate luck container growing in the city / suburbs, but I'd love to hear other people's secrets!
great job. i can't wait to enter next year!
This is against the fire code and could cost lives. Hopefully your super or someone from the fire department will notice and make you take it down.
@Polly S Ouch! Although I see your point, maybe they could invest in some hanging baskets and put them over the side?
I live in Brooklyn too and it just about kills me not to use the fire escape for my plants, but Polly S is right - it's illegal and irresponsible. Even hanging baskets over the side, alas.
Although this is lovely and temping, it's also dangerous and illegal. I crave green space as much as the next person but using the fire escape for a personal garden is irresponsible.