Can Tomatoes Grow on My South of France Back Terrace?

Question

I live in the south of France where it gets very hot. I have just moved to a new house in town and I have a little north facing balcony which is right next to the kitchen and which I think I could use the extra dishwater to water a few vegetables. There are buildings all around on which the sun will reverbarate and a glass roof which will let the high summer sun come down (maybe 4 hours of direct sunlight).
The space is quite small (1. 5 m2) but am thinking why not use this space. A few tomatos, maybe green beans and some lettuce? Any ideas? I do have a big roof terrace but past owners have told me that it gets so hot that you have to water constantly. Maybe someone has some advice?

Answer 1

Growing a few vegetables or herbs would be a wonderful thing! I’m not sure you should use the “wash” water that will have soap and grease in it, but the “rinse” water is very usable. When choosing tomatoes for your north balcony, consider a “patio” or more compact variety. (Eventhough the fruits are smaller in size, the number on the plant is greater.) Growing on the roof terrace would be a great place for vegetables, especially the ones that love heat, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers…
If the soil on the terrace isn’t holding enough moisture, you can add a polymer that absorbs water and stores it until the plants need it. (one of the commercial names is “Terrasorb”, and one of the consumer names is “Soil Moist). It is a benign substance, and has no fertilizer in it. We use it in containers that need extra moisture, just use it according to package directions.

Answer 2

Thank you Ann, that’s lovely advice, I love the idea of growing herbs as i use so many in cooking. I’ll try the little patio tomatoes and look out for the polymers. I’ll have to find the french names of course but that shouldn’t be too difficult! take care, Joanna