Gardening doesn’t have to be hard in a small space like your balcony. The key is to follow some basic tips to keep it blooming beautifully.

Start by measuring the amount of sunlight your balcony gets and how much room it has to grow. Then, pick the types of plants you want to plant accordingly, advises Suman Mathur of the All India Kitchen Garden Association.

Start with Seedlings

There are a lot of people who live in apartments or condos that have small balconies. They don’t have a large garden area to work with, but there are still things that you can do to make your balcony a more pleasant space to grow plants in.

One of the first gardening tips for small balconies that you should consider is to start with seedlings. Using seedlings will allow you to see how your plants grow and whether or not they need additional care as they mature.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that your seeds will need sunlight to germinate. If you’re starting your seedlings indoors, you should use a heat lamp to ensure that they receive the light they need.

Once your seedlings have germinated, they will need to be moved outdoors gradually, a process called hardening off. This is done by exposing them to more sunlight each day for a week or so. This will prepare them for a life outside, and they’ll be ready to go into your garden.

Use Large Containers

Growing in containers can be a fun way to garden on your balcony, but it’s important to use the right container for your plants. Terracotta pots dry out quickly, so you want to use a larger container that can hold more water and keep the soil moist.

You can grow almost any plant in a large container if you have the space for it. Just make sure that the varieties you grow will get enough sun or shade, depending on where your balcony is facing.

For instance, if your balcony faces south, you should grow varieties that like the sun a lot. If your balcony is north or east-facing, you should try to grow varieties that like a bit of shade.

If you want to bring some colour to your balcony, grow geraniums and hydrangeas in bright colours. They are easy to grow and will provide a nice pop of color all summer long. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can pick out the perfect plant for your balcony.

Keep the Soil Moisture Levels Even

If you want to garden on a small balcony, you need to ensure that the soil moisture levels remain even. This is important because water, held in the soil as a film, dissolves salts and makes up the solution necessary for plant growth.

In order to keep the soil moisture levels even, it is important that you have a good irrigation system in place. You can choose from a variety of watering systems that are designed specifically for balconies, including those that are made with an automatic shutoff to prevent overwatering.

Another thing you should consider is the hours of sun your balcony gets. This will help you determine what plants will be best suited to your space and how much protection they will need from the elements.

If you don’t get as much sunlight, consider planting shade tolerant flowers or vegetables. These include fuchsia, hellebore, impatiens and vinca minor. Vegetables that grow well in low light include herbs, bok choy and other leafy greens.

Don’t Forget About Privacy

Whether you live in a small apartment or large house, privacy is an important part of enjoying your outdoor space. If you’re trying to relax on your balcony with a glass of wine or some quiet reading, the last thing you want is a nosy neighbor popping up and watching you.

The good news is that there are plenty of gardening ideas to keep you and your neighbors safe. Plants are the most obvious choice for ensuring privacy, but you can go even further and use other natural elements to create an inviting oasis.

One of the best garden concepts is a water feature in the center of your space that also provides a nice sound barrier. It can be a simple bowl of water or a sophisticated trough with a few strategically placed fountains. A good water feature also helps keep your plants from wilting. Adding the right water feature can be one of the most satisfying garden improvements you make for years to come.