Balcony gardening means cultivating plants, flowers, herbs, or vegetables in receptacles on a balcony or sundeck. It's about making a garden in a little outdoor area. People use pots, planters, hanging baskets, or vertical structures to fit plants in little rooms.
Living in a municipality doesn't mean you can't enjoy gardening. Even with a small outdoor area like a balcony, you can make a small leafy oasis.
What are the best plants to grow on a balcony?
These are some plants that are best to grow on a balcony,
Jade plant
Spider plant
Tomatoes
Pansy
Fuchsia
Lobelia
Begonias
Succulents
Sweet alyssum
Strawberry
How will you water your plants on the balcony?
You could feel about using drip irrigation or self-watering pots for your plants. Another possibility is to get a watering can that's easy to fill from the bathtub. Be thoughtful and place saucers or trays under your plants to catch any extra water.
Is your balcony or terrace windy?
Be mindful of severe conditions. If you're higher up, you'll likely experience more wind, which can dry out your plants fast. Use a lattice or wire trellis to block strong winds and support climb vines at the same time.
How hot is your balcony or rooftop?
Without sunlight bouncing off windows, it can get too hot. Lettuce might not do well and could wilt. If heat is a problem, try rising equatorial plants for a more exotic touch! Just one pot of alocasia, banana, or canna can make the area feel like a wilderness.
How big is your space?
If your space is small, we suggest starting small. You can think about vertical gardening later on, but beginners should begin with just a few pots. Arrange beds and larger containers along the outer edges to outline the area and spread weight evenly. Use wall space to hang half-baskets and wall pockets for further planting room.
Do you want to grow edibles?
You might not grow sufficient food for all your needs, but planting some pole beans, a pot of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a couple of pepper plants will give you a fresh taste of summer. Make sure to place them in the sunniest spots you have.
Do you have time to care for your plants?
Taking care of a small garden is important. When plants are in containers rather than the ground, they require more periodic watering. That's why it's a good idea to think about using self-watering pots or drip irrigation systems.
Do you have the budget?
Be careful about buying fully grown plants unless you're okay with paying a lot of money. Look for pots at yard sales. Buy seeds or ask friends to share their seeds. You can also get seed apartments that nurseries no longer need.