Plant for Portugal balcony

[Paulieb]

Hi all,

I know someone who has an apartment in Portugal (in the Algarve) and they would like to put a plant/s on the balcony, which will ideally produce food.

The apartment is probably inhabited on average about 20-30 weeks of the year, mainly through the summer months so watering could be an issue for the wrong plant. And ideally the lower maintenance the better.

Its a south facing balcony so sun shouldn't be a problem, though with a roof the balcony is probably shaded a bit in the middle of the day. Also the balcony faces the sea so could be open to the elements (sea wind) in winter a bit, though compared to here I don't think it gets too cold.

Any ideas?

[veggiechicken]

I'd put herbs there - like marjoram/oregano. thyme or rosemary. They're used to growing on dry sunny slopes and would smell nice when sitting on the balcony

[Paulieb]

I was wondering about suggesting something like an edible shrub like a citrus or olive.

Not sure how low the winter temps go, in terms of how 'tropical a plant will cope in the depths of their winter, which I don't think is too bad.

[veggiechicken]

I never think of an olive as edible - not in the quantity that you would get on a single bush - given the preparation required before you can eat them. A lemon might be nice - for the G&T!!

[dim]

Moringa tree in a large pot