A balcony garden can be a wonderful way to make the most of your outdoor space. But before you start planting, you need to take into account some unique gardening challenges.
Among them are wind and high temperatures. It’s important to select plants that will be able to handle these conditions.
Make the Most of Your Space
Balcony container gardening is a fun way to beautify your outdoor space and bring a touch of nature indoors. But it’s important to make sure that you choose plants that will thrive in your space.
The first step is to assess the size of your balcony and how much sunlight it gets. Next, plan your garden layout and planters.
Stack planters, railing planters and vertical wall planters are great options for balconies with limited space. Hanging baskets and vertical wall pockets are also a fantastic way to add color and interest to a small balcony.
If your balcony is buffeted by wind, consider placing your plants in an enclosed space or installing a wind screen. This will help prevent them from being damaged by blowing weeds and other debris.
Choose the Largest Pots You Can
When it comes to balcony container gardening ideas, you need to choose the largest pots that your plant will grow well in. This is because the size of the container will determine how much soil it will need to thrive.
It’s also important to choose pots that have adequate drainage holes so that water can escape. Not all containers have this, and if they do, the roots can become matted and the soil will be waterlogged.
A good rule of thumb is to get pots that are twice as big as the plant’s root ball. This will provide a safe and healthy environment for the plant to grow in.
There are many plants that can be grown in containers, including roses, hydrangeas, and heucheras. These are easy-to-grow flowers that will add a touch of tropical flair to your balcony.
Keep Your Plants Moisturized
When it comes to growing flowers and vegetables in balcony containers, moisture is key. Make sure the soil at the surface of your containers is moist, and don’t overwater or underwater.
To check if your container is properly moisturized, stick your finger into the soil about an inch below the surface of the container. If the soil feels dry to your touch, water your plants as needed.
You can also use a plastic bottle with holes in the bottom to hold water for your plants if you’re away on vacation. Place the bottle in the container with its holes facing toward your plant and fill it with water, then pat the soil around the bottle to firm it in slightly.
Another great way to keep your plants hydrated is by using absorbent capillary matting. This is a great option for shorter vacations or for keeping plants from drying out if you are going to be away for more than a few days.
Grow on the Floor
Gardening on your balcony is a great way to have a garden in the city. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, balcony gardening can be fun and rewarding.
You’ll have a lot of plant choices, from annuals to perennials. Choosing which ones are best suited for your environment is key to having a successful balcony garden.
Vegetables are a good choice for balconies, as they grow well in containers. Peppers, lettuce and greens have shallow roots that only need to be 8 inches deep, while tomatoes require a larger container with plenty of space for their large root system.
Some vegetables need to be watered frequently, so make sure the pots you choose have drainage holes. Otherwise, water can get trapped and rot the plants’ roots.