Welcome to the wonderful world of urban gardening! Starting with planter boxes is a fantastic choice for a complete novice. The easiest and most rewarding path is to begin with a single, simple planter box and a couple of foolproof plants.
First, choose a sunny spot on a balcony, patio, or windowsill that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight. Get a medium-sized box (about 24 inches long) with drainage holes at the bottom. Fill it with a high-quality potting mix from a garden center—this is crucial for healthy roots.
Now, for the easiest plants to start with: herbs and leafy greens are your best friends. Try planting basil or mint. They grow quickly, are very forgiving, and you can harvest leaves for cooking in just a few weeks. Lettuce or spinach seeds are also excellent; simply sprinkle them on the soil, cover lightly, and keep moist. Another great option is cherry tomatoes (choose a "patio" or "bush" variety); they are productive and fun to grow.
Your only daily task is to check the soil. Poke your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, water it thoroughly until water runs out the bottom. If it's damp, wait. Overwatering is the most common beginner mistake.
Start small, enjoy the process of watching things grow, and soon you'll be ready to expand your green oasis. Happy planting