Balcony gardening is a great way to make use of your outdoor space. It’s also a great way to add color and texture to your home without having to worry about a backyard.
However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when starting your balcony garden. These tips will help you achieve the best results possible.
1. Choose the Right Plants
Before you start planting, choose plants that are ideal for your balcony’s climate and growing conditions. This will help your plants thrive and keep you happy with less work on your part!
For example, if your balcony is exposed to wind, consider choosing a plant that’s hardy and wind-tolerant, such as rosemary.
Another great balcony flower is sweet alyssum, a perennial with scented blooms that cascade down planters or hanging baskets. They can withstand partial shade but are best grown in full sun for maximum flowers and pollinators!
Vegetables are also a good choice for balconies, as they require less water and maintenance than many other plants. They can be grown in a variety of container sizes and soil types, as long as they’re treated with a specially formulated potting mix that has the right nutrients for your veggies.
2. Create a Self-Watering System
A balcony garden is a great way to add color and texture to your home, even when you live in an apartment or condo. But it can be a challenge to keep your plants healthy when you live in an urban setting.
One of the easiest ways to keep your plants healthy is to create a self-watering system. This will keep your soil hydrated without drowning the roots, which can be a problem in apartments and condos with balconies.
First, determine how much sun your balcony gets and where it receives indirect light. Then, choose plants that thrive in those conditions.
3. Choose the Right Containers
If you have limited space, you can use containers to grow a variety of plants. These include vegetables, herbs, perennials, flowers and vines.
When choosing the right containers for your balcony garden, consider their material, size, and shape. Choose a container that will be durable and easy to move around.
In addition, think about the climate in your apartment or condo and what kind of weather your plants need. Some plants like sun and others need shade.
When selecting containers, look for plants with different shapes and textures to give your pot a unique look. For example, one plant may be tall and upright (thriller), another medium-high and mounding (filler), and the last low and spreading to soften the edges of your design.
4. Place Your Plants in the Right Places
Regardless of the type of plants you choose, they need to be placed in the right places to stay healthy. Whether you’re planting in a pot or in the ground, it is important to consider how much sunlight each plant needs.
If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony garden that receives lots of direct sunlight, you can grow a wide range of edibles and herbs like tomatoes, peppers and even dwarf fruit trees. The downside to this type of balcony gardening is that the soil will dry out quickly, so be sure to water your plants regularly to keep them healthy.
If you have a shady balcony, choose plants that thrive in partial shade. Lettuces, salad leaves, rocket and parsley are all good choices for growing in this environment.
5. Keep Your Plants Healthy
One of the most important things that a beginner gardener needs to know is how to keep their plants healthy. Whether you are growing flowers or vegetables, it is important to make sure that your plants are thriving and not suffering from diseases and pests.
The best way to do this is by making sure that your plants get the right amount of water and fertilization. This can be achieved by conducting a soil test and ensuring that you give your plants the nutrients they need in the proper amounts.
It is also vital to be aware of what kinds of plant diseases are compatible with your zone. Using the What’s Wrong with my Plant tool will allow you to easily find out which plants are incompatible and how you can best treat them.