Growing Things: Keep balcony plants healthy with lighter-coloured pots, proper fertilizer

Q: I enjoyed your article regarding growing sweet peas in pots on a balcony. Sadly I only have black pots and a very limited budget. You say to go to a lighter-coloured pot, is this absolutely necessary? I own four self-watering pots that I have put Styrofoam on the bottom of just above the grate, so less soil is required and the pots are not so heavy. Is that a good or bad idea? Read More