However, you can also use balcony gardens strategically to screen off sections of a view that you don't particularly want to see, which is often the case in cities. There's a good chance your balcony has limited square footage, so take advantage of all the surface area you have available. On top of that, youre able to accomplish these things: Your first major consideration when growing on a balcony is whether the balcony itself can support what youre growing. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Herbs: Basil, sage, thyme, oregano, and so on A multi-tiered plant stand allows for plenty of pots without crowding the floor. They dry out quickly, especially if youre using terra-cotta pots. Photo: Franz Peter Rudolf / Shutterstock, On a small balcony, take advantage of vertical space to maximize your growing room. Plastic and fiberglass plant containers are ideal for balcony gardens because theyre lighter in weight than terracotta or ceramic pots and come in a vast array of styles and sizes. The biggest downfall of growing in containers on a balcony is just that youre growing in containers. The symmetrical arrangement of the plantings helps define the space and create balance. Be inspired to create chic and sophisticated interiors with these black room ideas, By Pippa Blenkinsop All youll need to do is plop some soil in them, pot them up with plants, and start growing. 'In the end, balcony garden ideas are just about having a bit of fun. Using containers and pots means that you can position your plants anywhere in the space and is a great way to personalise and add color to a balcony. If the balcony is attached to your home, know how much weight it can safely support. Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Use your balcony to plan a small garden that complements the rest of your home decor. The plants that grow well in balcony gardens will depend which direction the space is facing and how much sunlight it receives during the day. If you get sunlight pretty much all day, choose varieties such as petunias or marigolds. Balconies have three distinct sections to consider, which are the floor, the railing, and everything else. These types are the same as the sit on tops, but they dont have a notched bottom. It's also a good idea to invest in a garden watering can for those top-ups for thirsty plants. I would always begin with an evergreen palette so you can maintain your garden all year round choose things like gymeas and yuccas, ivy, and waxy leaf plants, because they are more durable in terms of gardening,' says Isabelle. Attach pots, shelves, or trellises to the walls; and if your balcony has a ceiling, add a few hooks for hanging plants. 'There might be a beautiful painting on the wall that will inform the color choices of the plants. The style can range from fancy to frivolous, depending on your tastes, but the container should be practical and suit the purpose. You can choose from pots, hanging baskets and window boxes. These balcony garden ideas will help you create a beautiful space and reap the benefits of outdoor life, even if you live in the city and don't have a traditional yard out large outdoor space. You can even include one or two of the best trees for a small garden, planted in pots or containers. FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: Plants, Design Ideas, Gardening Solutions & More! Plants will need to be watered in order to survive and thrive. Use all the same plant to make a cohesive statement, or vary your pots and planters for a cottage container garden feel. All rights reserved. With a just little know-how, you will be well on your way to creating a space that meets your every desire. You can find large self-watering containers at most nurseries or big-box stores, or you can build your own using the plans in Kevins book. Include plants you like and don't take it too seriously. Having several hanging baskets all at different heights against a bare wall can create a great feature, like in the balcony garden above, and could be the main focus of the space. For all their value, there is no more confusing piece of gardening gear than balcony railing planters. 'Clients will tell me about the sort of gardens they like, and we try and create a condensed version of that. If this isnt possible, think about the number of trips youll have to do, and dont get more plants than youll be willing to water. I pick up on the style of the room that leads to the balcony. a tropical paradise?) When you think of a vegetable garden, you may think of a sprawling suburban yard or a large plot of farmland, but a balcony wall can offer a chance to incorporate a small vegetable garden into your limited outdoor space. 'You can also use balcony garden ideas purposefully to grow herbs or something to eat, like by incorporating some small vegetable garden ideas into your space. You can also put plants that don't like the wind in low pots near a wall to give them more protection. 'A vertical garden makes green space accessible to the masses and as attention continues to turn to where our food comes from, were not hugely surprised that people are now thinking about what more their living walls can offer them,' says Matt Lindsay, general manager at Growing Revolution (opens in new tab). Photo by: Eurybia / Shutterstock, Dont be afraid to play with colors and plant types. This may mean you have to position plants in certain places, and it will also help in deciding which plants to choose. How you arrange your balcony garden will depend entirely on the size of available space and, what you hope to achieve from this extra room. Lettuce: Green Oak Leaf, Black Seeded Simpson Our favorite balcony garden ideas, curated tips and expert advice will inspire you to make the most of even the smallest of balcony gardens. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The walls also function as windbreaks, protecting the delicate foliage. 'Quite often, balconies are incredibly tiny, so they're usually a place where you would sit and relax. These are great options if you want to go with a plug-and-play option. What vegetables can be grown on a balcony? 'At home now I have a balcony and a larger garden, so I feel connected to containers or landscaping. Country is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. If you can, install an outside tap that will save you carrying water from inside the building, or find a way to collect rainwater if you want to incorporate sustainable small garden ideas into your scheme. Youll just need to adjust the types you grow to be shade-loving varieties. If your balcony gets a fair amount of wind, these may not be the best choice, as they can blow off, especially when the soil gets dry and the planter gets lighter. The increased volume will allow the soil to hold more water and evaporate much more slowly. Adapt the size and amount of pots to the space and your taste. When you plan a small garden, it's important to factor in the size of the planters, and resist them temptation to overcrowd the space, so you can give plants enough room to grow. Some factors to consider include container weight, durability, weather resistance, ease of watering, and cost. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Balcony gardening is attractive because its such an easy method to get started with, but the following are a few tips that make it an absolute breeze. That being said, there are some basic rules of thumb to follow to create a balcony garden thats beautiful, functional, and, best of allproductive. If you have lots of plants to water, consider investing in a large, lightweight watering can that you can fill in the bathtub. Here are some tips to help you get started: On this page: Maximize Your Space | Know Your Restrictions | How to Water | What to Grow | Choose Your Containers | Balcony Garden Ideas. Think about the best way to do this. If this is the case, try and find more sheltered areas to position the plants. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Next year it will be even more about multitasking. The planter then rests on its own weight, pressing into the side of the railing. Photo by: Tapui / Shutterstock, A dwarf olive tree is the perfect choice for a balcony garden because of its low water requirements and resistance to high winds and subfreezing temperatures. Photo by: Ania K / Shutterstock, RELATED: 'When I first moved to London I had a flat with two very small balconies it was a contrast to the large garden I was used to growing up, and I wanted to recreate a piece of that in my new home. Given the amount of wind that balconies are subject to, the last thing you want to do is shoddily attach a railing planter only to see it tumbling down to the ground below. Sprawling squash plants, for example, wouldnt be the best choice. 'Mindfulness and tranquility play a huge part in balcony garden ideas, and people want to feel connected to nature its about creating a welcoming space for wildlife as well as family and friends. to choosing imaginative containers (such as an old watering can or wood crate), the entire process can be an adventure. Cover the railings of your balcony with chicken wire to support climbing plants, or purchase plant hangers that can be attached to the top of a railing. Peppers: Camelot Turn your balcony into a vertical garden. I think of the garden as the fifth room and make the design fit the aesthetic. And, if you're not sure where to start and need some fresh garden ideas to inspire you, we've asked the experts to share their balcony garden knowledge with us just for you. If your balcony doesnt have good sun exposure, some herbs that grow well in partial shade include parsley, chervil, cilantro, and tarragon. From deciding what to grow (an urban vegetable garden? A mix of small trees, shrubs, foliage plants, and colorful annuals will add interest and diversity to your balcony garden. start your own balcony gardening adventure, Safety Tips for Landscaping Construction Projects, 7 Best Electric Lawn Mowers for a perfect Yard in 2022, Rattan Garden Furniture 101: Buyers Guide & Best Ideas, Push Mowers 101 & Definitive Buyers Guide for a Great Lawn. Vertical space can be maximized, for example, with hanging planters that hook directly onto your railing. Planted Well, Balcony Garden Frequently Asked Questions. The only true requirement for a balcony garden is that you dont grow anything that will absolutely take over the space. Tips for Small Outdoor Spaces. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. By clicking accept you give us permission to set cookies. Raised beds, food growing tips, recipes and more. Photo by: Udo Kroener / Shutterstock, Flowers cascading over railings and climbing up trellises bring breathtaking color and fragrance to this charming European balcony garden. A balcony that gets lots of light is perfect for annuals like poppies or petunias or a vegetable garden, while one that's mostly in the shade can be better suited to flowers like Sweet Alyssum or boxwood shrubs. Swiss chard: Rhubard, Rainbow Filed Under: Gardening Techniques Tagged With: Container gardening, Garden maintenance, Your email address will not be published. Anything that can hold soil and has good drainage has potential for a balcony container garden. (See more vertical gardening ideas.). This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 'Nearly every brief used to have "pretty and low-maintenance" at the top, whereas now its about more than that,' says Isabelle. Garlic: Artichoke, Silverskin Your first option is to plant wind-tolerant plants, such as rosemary. If sun is hard to come by, primroses and foxgloves would be good options. If you live in a climate with cold winters, consider growing some plants that are hardy enough to leave outdoors year-round or that can be overwintered indoors so you dont have to start from scratch again each spring. Leafy greens: Loose leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and so on These are screwed directly into the railing, so theyre great for wood. Learn the basics of planning and designing a small-scale balcony or rooftop garden, plus get tips for selecting the best plants and containers. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Crops in pots: Five tips to get you started, The seven best herbs for container gardening, How to make tomato plants grow faster: 14 tips for an early harvest, Green bean leaves turning yellow: 7 possible causes and solutions, Growing Swiss chard: Tips for nurturing this ornamental, leafy green, When to harvest cucumbers for the best quality and flavor, Growing turnips: How to sow turnip seeds and enjoy the harvest, When to harvest radish: Tips for growing and picking, Reduce noise pollution by growing living barricades, Make it harder for pests to reach your garden, Provide a bit of food for yourself and reduce your food miles. More about the newsletter. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Beans: Blue Lake (pole), Purple Queen (bush) ', 'The therapeutic element means that people are happy to spend a bit more time growing and maintaining. 'The finished space should elongate the home, so interior design is as important as garden design when it comes to small gardens and balconies.'. Oftentimes youll set up a balcony garden only to find that you placed your plants in an area that gets shaded by an obstruction for 80 percent of the day. Plants which are low-lying and therefore less likely to break in the wind, such as begonias, chrysanthemum, pansies and succulents, should fare better than taller plants such as delphiniums. Spread your pots around your balcony instead of clumping them in one area. Small trees, such as dwarf citrus trees or, Container-friendly annuals and perennials for. Most balconies should be able to handle a few containers or beds, but its a good idea to test the sturdiness of your space before you start loading it up with plants. Using bigger pots and growing vertically is easier and definitely a popular option in balcony garden ideas. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two. They come in lengths as long as 100 feet and retract when not in use for easy storage. The amount of sunlight the space receives is the most critical factor to consider, but wind exposure and temperature are important too. It is easier than you think to plan small balcony garden ideas. Your email address will not be published. Its easier to get your garden off to a good start if you buy seedlings from a local nursery and simply transplant them into your balcony garden. Kevin recommends going out on the balcony in the morning, afternoon, and evening to see how the shadows fall on the space before setting up your garden. Required fields are marked *. Photo by: Leigh Trail / Shutterstock, Slatted walls covered in climbing plants and other greenery turn an open balcony into a private retreat. These are our favorite small garden ideas for balcony gardens plus tons of design advice and inspiration. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you can earn extra conservation points by installing a balcony rain barrel. Yes, you still must adhere to the strict confines of your space, but there are many tricks for making every square inch count. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and beans are all great plants to grow in containers on your balcony floor. Put saucers or trays under your plants to collect any water overflow so you dont waste a drop. For the eco-conscious, you could use an old wellington boot as a container or find a brightly colored pot to add some happiness and color to your balcony garden ideas. This excerpt from the book about growing a balcony garden was provided by Cool Springs Press/The Quarto Group. Balcony gardens are the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee or an afternoon tea, so why not set up a cozy spot to perch. Theyre exposed to the most sun and dont take up extra space as they hang off the balcony. 'The container needs to be large enough to support the size plant(s) you will be growing in it,' says Jeanine Standard of Proven Winners (opens in new tab), one of the leading plant brands in the U.S. 'The more plants you are adding to the container, the larger it needs to be in order to hold a good amount of soil that will provide the water the plant needs.'. If you live in an apartment building or condo, be sure to check whats permissible by the building owner before you begin. Take note of how shade plays over your balcony to help inform the best location to set up your garden. See more tips for choosing the right container. This way you prevent massive amounts of runoff from being wasted and get to water your garden with fresh rainwater, which is always preferable to using city water. What direction does your balcony face? If a convenient water source is far from reach, make life easier by growing plants with low water requirements, such as cacti and succulents. Tip: If wind is a problem on your balcony, consider using balcony privacy screens as windbreaks to protect more fragile plants. Over time, theyll fill out the space well. Few balcony or rooftop gardens have access to an outside water source, which means youll have to rely on water from a sink or bathtub to keep your plants well-hydrated. The style is undulating and looks like a beautiful picture. All Rights Reserved. Before you start planting, decide what type of garden you want to have, as well as the type that'll work for your outdoor space. These containers wick water from a chamber at the bottom of the pot to give your plants roots a consistent supply. Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips, Garden Design's Top 10 Garden Trends for 2022. If you plan to use the tree as a focal point, uplight it at night to reflect the beauty of the silvery foliage. (Image credit: Ali Allen/Jacquie Melville/Nassima Rothaker), (Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny), Black room ideas 10 ways to use this striking shade, How to harvest mint for a fresh and prolific supply, Everything you need to turn your dream home into a reality, Inspiring real homes, expert project advice and on-trend shopping, Issues delivered direct to your door or device. Eliminate watering cans altogether by purchasing a lightweight, expandable garden hose that you can attach to a kitchen sink using an adapter. Here, a selection of colorful containers and pots filled with fragrant plants standout against a simple backdrop. In addition to the square footage of your balcony, there may be other restrictions that will limit what you can plant and where. If youre willing to sacrifice some foot room, the floor of your balcony is a great spot for larger containers full of plants that need a bit of space to grow. Heres why you can trust us. You need to consider how much sunlight your balcony gets. Strawberry: Ozark Beauty, Seascape. Think of your balcony garden as an extension of your indoor living space. If you have no soil to plant directly into, containers are a great alternative and will provide the conditions needed to grow flowers. Tomato: Patio Princess, Balcony Because so many different railing designs exist, its hard to tell at first whether one of these will fit your balcony. Theyre great options if you know that the design will fit your railing. There may be weight restrictions and rules regarding what you can hang from balcony railings and walls. Most balconies have drainage holes, or at the very least are sloped so water runs in a specific direction. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). However, on windy balconies, they can be blown over easily unless theyre secured in place. Weight. If your railings are a standard size, you can often pick up planters that have a notched bottom of exactly that size. Every balcony is unique, so the urban gardening masterpiece you decide to create should be tailored to your situation. Thinking in these three layers will help you make the absolute best use of the limited space you have. Everybody fails, even the best gardeners, so that's why you need to take things slowly and build up your confidence with time.. These are the most common type of railing planters, and they have a hook design to place around the railing. Microclimate. By growing on your balcony, youre beautifying a space thats otherwise pretty drab. 'You need to begin by thinking about what you want to use the space for,' explains Isabelle. To minimize your trips back and forth lugging heavy jugs of water, try some of these strategies for watering your plants: Keep in mind that the hotter and windier the conditions on your balcony, the more frequently youll need to water -- sometimes as often as twice a day. Self-watering pots, such as. They are an entertaining space, a work place, a vegetable garden and a healing retreat.'. Doing this will spread out the weight distribution and you wont have any nasty balcony gardening mishaps. However, there are some plants that are better suited for beautifying a balcony, as listed below. Theres structure, but theres a wild harmony to it that fits with the overall design ethos. Considering the weather conditions, such as the amount of sunlight the balcony gets how windy it can be, and of course, how much space you have, will help when deciding which flowers to purchase or grow. That being said, even squash is possible. Get plant information, gardening solutions, design inspiration and more in our weekly newsletter. For more on urban gardening techniques for balconies, rooftops, and other small urban spaces, grab a copy of Field Guide to Urban Gardening. Specialising in small-space gardening and the ever-popular trend of container planting, Isabelle Palmer of The Balcony Gardener (opens in new tab) is deftly positioned to provide expert balcony garden ideas that will transform bijou outdoor areas into the fifth room. How much space do you need for a balcony garden? Consider the direction you want to grow your plants in. Just about any plant you can grow in a container is fair game for a balcony garden, as long as you have the space for it and can give it the appropriate amount of sun or shade. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cucumber: Spacemaster 80 Visit our corporate site. Growing plants in a limited space like a balcony or terrace can be a challenge even for an experienced gardener, but its also a great opportunity to be creative and have fun. Youd be surprised at how heavy a container can get once its full of soil, water, and a loaded tomato plant, especially if you have a bunch of them. Wind issues are the biggest problem with balcony gardens, far more so than for raised beds or containers on the ground. * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Your railings are the crme de la crme location in your balcony garden. If you get a lot of wind, make sure you use heavier-duty pots, such as terra-cotta. Planting in balcony gardens can be more complicated than backyards as theres no soil to plant directly into, and often the space is much smaller too but this doesnt mean that youre unable to enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers. Small Garden Design 'Choose the colors that you love, but don't go too vivid restrict your palette to around three different colors that work well with each other,' advises Isabelle. When you're container gardening, it's also wise to separate annuals and perennials, that way come winter, you can move your perennial planters indoors. The weight from large ceramic containers and wet soil can add up quickly. Gorgeous Geranium 101: How to Grow Stunning Geraniums, 41 Best Plant Pots and Planters for Indoors and Outdoors . Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. Starting seeds is certainly a fun option to try if you want to flex your gardening muscles. Similar to checking the shade on your balcony, walk out a few times during the day to see which way the wind is blowing as well as how strong the gusts are. Wood pallets turned on end, old book shelves, or tiered planters are all practical solutions for gardening up rather than out. One step above choosing larger containers is choosing larger containers that are self-watering. South-facing balconies are the best, but southeast- or southwest-facing will do. But if youre a first-time gardener looking to get growing fast, buy seedlings from a local nursery. The extra cost is well worth the time youll save watering your plants. Both are enjoyable, but if I had to pick it would be containers, the main benefit being the instant gratification.'. A second option with more flexibility is to stake your plants well and use windscreens to help break some of the nastier gusts. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. If youre looking to transform your balcony into a lush gardenor even if you have a tiny patio space, Field Guide to Urban Gardening by Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening is a really helpful guide to figure out what you need with your space constraints and unique growing conditions.