If you're chafing about the city's dearth of green spaces, but you're blessed with a balcony, you could make your own garden. It could be your little contribution toward greening the city. If you haven't tried it before, you might be pleasantly surprised by how much joy a tiny space brimming with leaves and petals can bring you, and how absorbing it can be to spend a few hours pottering around with your plants every week, learning and experimenting all the while. And it's not just the thrill of seeing sunbursts of color out your window, it's also the satisfaction of watching something grow with the aid of your tender loving care.

Gardening is all about trial and error. However, before you rush out and spend a small fortune at a garden center, consider the following important points.