Planting/vegetable advice -- Washington, DC

[dcner]

I have 1 regular and 1 junior earth box on my 2nd floor balcony in downtown Washington, DC (growing zone 7a, I believe).  The balcony is a southwest exposure and between crepe myrtles  that shade the balcony and the building across the street, I get only indirect sunlight except for an hour or two per day.  Last year I unsuccessfully tried growing tomatoes (great vines and flowers; no fruit).

After doing a little reading, I'm inclined to try eggplant and cucumber (2 plants each) in the larger box and garlic and beets in the smaller box.   Does that make sense?   Are there other vegetables that are likely to do better?  Any other advice?  I'm completely new to trying to grow anything!

Thank you

[gardendoc]

Light will be your limiting factor, as you've found out. Try your idea, but I believe that both eggplant and cukes will suffer in the lower light conditions.

Leafy vegetables, like chard, spinach and salad greens would probably be better choices.