Because so many different railing designs exist, its hard to tell at first whether one of these will fit your balcony. 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. 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. 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: '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. 
There may be weight restrictions and rules regarding what you can hang from balcony railings and walls. That being said, there are some basic rules of thumb to follow to create a balcony garden thats beautiful, functional, and, best of allproductive. 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. 
Attach pots, shelves, or trellises to the walls; and if your balcony has a ceiling, add a few hooks for hanging plants. Swiss chard: Rhubard, Rainbow This excerpt from the book about growing a balcony garden was provided by Cool Springs Press/The Quarto Group. 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. You can also put plants that don't like the wind in low pots near a wall to give them more protection. So much attention in gardening is focused downwards on digging, planting and weeding flower beds and lawns, but vertical gardens can make the most of a small space. Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips, Garden Design's Top 10 Garden Trends for 2022. Theyre exposed to the most sun and dont take up extra space as they hang off the balcony. Country is supported by its audience. 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. '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.'. These types are the same as the sit on tops, but they dont have a notched bottom. Small Garden Design Because there are so many different types of railings, its often confusing exactly how to attach planters to railings. Photo by: Udo Kroener / Shutterstock, Flowers cascading over railings and climbing up trellises bring breathtaking color and fragrance to this charming European balcony garden. Every balcony is unique, so the urban gardening masterpiece you decide to create should be tailored to your situation. 'Quite often, balconies are incredibly tiny, so they're usually a place where you would sit and relax. Copyright 2022. Wind issues are the biggest problem with balcony gardens, far more so than for raised beds or containers on the ground. Turn your balcony into a vertical garden. 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. How much space do you need for a balcony garden? The biggest downfall of growing in containers on a balcony is just that youre growing in containers. 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. 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 is quite high up, or you are planning a roof garden, your plants may have to also survive the harsh wind. 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. 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. A mix of small trees, shrubs, foliage plants, and colorful annuals will add interest and diversity to your balcony garden. Photo by: Leigh Trail / Shutterstock, Slatted walls covered in climbing plants and other greenery turn an open balcony into a private retreat. Heres why you can trust us. Your first option is to plant wind-tolerant plants, such as rosemary. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. More about the newsletter.
If you get a lot of wind, make sure you use heavier-duty pots, such as terra-cotta. (See more vertical gardening ideas.). Country is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Featured in: Garden Design's Top 10 Garden Trends for 2022 ("Maximizing Balconies & Porches"), Most herbs will flourish on a sunny balcony or terrace and require very little space to grow. The extra cost is well worth the time youll save watering your plants. 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. Most balconies have drainage holes, or at the very least are sloped so water runs in a specific direction. The walls also function as windbreaks, protecting the delicate foliage. By growing on your balcony, youre beautifying a space thats otherwise pretty drab. Over time, theyll fill out the space well. It is easier than you think to plan small balcony garden ideas. Here, a selection of colorful containers and pots filled with fragrant plants standout against a simple backdrop. 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. 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. Containers are a great way to let your personality shine. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). Eliminate watering cans altogether by purchasing a lightweight, expandable garden hose that you can attach to a kitchen sink using an adapter. 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. It's also a good idea to invest in a garden watering can for those top-ups for thirsty plants. Strawberry: Ozark Beauty, Seascape. 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. Visit our corporate site. 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. Leafy greens: Loose leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and so on If you have lots of plants to water, consider investing in a large, lightweight watering can that you can fill in the bathtub. Gorgeous Geranium 101: How to Grow Stunning Geraniums, 41 Best Plant Pots and Planters for Indoors and Outdoors . Some factors to consider include container weight, durability, weather resistance, ease of watering, and cost. Raised beds, food growing tips, recipes and more. 'At home now I have a balcony and a larger garden, so I feel connected to containers or landscaping. Required fields are marked *. * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. The style is undulating and looks like a beautiful picture. Adapt the size and amount of pots to the space and your taste. If you plan to use the tree as a focal point, uplight it at night to reflect the beauty of the silvery foliage. Theres structure, but theres a wild harmony to it that fits with the overall design ethos. If you live in an apartment building or condo, be sure to check whats permissible by the building owner before you begin. However, on windy balconies, they can be blown over easily unless theyre secured in place. 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. With a just little know-how, you will be well on your way to creating a space that meets your every desire. Be inspired to create chic and sophisticated interiors with these black room ideas, By Pippa Blenkinsop In addition to the square footage of your balcony, there may be other restrictions that will limit what you can plant and where. Consider the direction you want to grow your plants in. These are screwed directly into the railing, so theyre great for wood. If your railings are a standard size, you can often pick up planters that have a notched bottom of exactly that size. 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. These containers wick water from a chamber at the bottom of the pot to give your plants roots a consistent supply.
Put saucers or trays under your plants to collect any water overflow so you dont waste a drop. Get plant information, gardening solutions, design inspiration and more in our weekly newsletter. We expect our balcony gardens to work a lot harder for us and become so much more than just a place to sit and have lunch. If you have no soil to plant directly into, containers are a great alternative and will provide the conditions needed to grow flowers. However, there are some plants that are better suited for beautifying a balcony, as listed below.
The style can range from fancy to frivolous, depending on your tastes, but the container should be practical and suit the purpose. Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Published 28 July 22, Discover how to harvest mint for plentiful leaves and a healthy plant. You need to consider how much sunlight your balcony gets. Starting seeds is certainly a fun option to try if you want to flex your gardening muscles. Tips for Small Outdoor Spaces. Photo by: Eurybia / Shutterstock, Dont be afraid to play with colors and plant types. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. All youll need to do is plop some soil in them, pot them up with plants, and start growing. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and beans are all great plants to grow in containers on your balcony floor. Wood pallets turned on end, old book shelves, or tiered planters are all practical solutions for gardening up rather than out.
They are an entertaining space, a work place, a vegetable garden and a healing retreat.'. ', 'The therapeutic element means that people are happy to spend a bit more time growing and maintaining. Thinking in these three layers will help you make the absolute best use of the limited space you have. Filed Under: Gardening Techniques Tagged With: Container gardening, Garden maintenance, Your email address will not be published. All Rights Reserved.
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. Your email address will not be published. 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.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theyre great options if you know that the design will fit your railing. 'Clients will tell me about the sort of gardens they like, and we try and create a condensed version of that. 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 symmetrical arrangement of the plantings helps define the space and create balance. What vegetables can be grown on a balcony? For more on urban gardening techniques for balconies, rooftops, and other small urban spaces, grab a copy of Field Guide to Urban Gardening. (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. The increased volume will allow the soil to hold more water and evaporate much more slowly. The planter then rests on its own weight, pressing into the side of the railing. And if youve got a north-facing window, you can still grow plants. 'I approach designing balconies as I would do any other room in the house,' advises Isabelle Palmer (opens in new tab). These are the most common type of railing planters, and they have a hook design to place around the railing. Use your balcony to plan a small garden that complements the rest of your home decor. They come in lengths as long as 100 feet and retract when not in use for easy storage. Tomato: Patio Princess, Balcony To counteract this and give your plants the even moisture that they need, select the largest pots you can. 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. 'In the end, balcony garden ideas are just about having a bit of fun. Cucumber: Spacemaster 80 'Ferns are great, especially if you have a shadier area.. 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. 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. Plenty of pots may add charm and personality, but you may prefer to take inspiration from these courtyard garden ideas and create a more minimalist space with just one oversized planter, as shown above. Peppers: Camelot Doing this will spread out the weight distribution and you wont have any nasty balcony gardening mishaps. to choosing imaginative containers (such as an old watering can or wood crate), the entire process can be an adventure. '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. 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.
'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). If you choose plant colors and textures that echo the interior design, even the smallest balcony will look more expansive and welcoming. Lettuce: Green Oak Leaf, Black Seeded Simpson Measure the width of your railing and comparing it to the size of the hook or attachment on the planter box. Microclimate. You can choose from pots, hanging baskets and window boxes. Use all the same plant to make a cohesive statement, or vary your pots and planters for a cottage container garden feel. The weight from large ceramic containers and wet soil can add up quickly. The only true requirement for a balcony garden is that you dont grow anything that will absolutely take over the space. All rights reserved. Think of your balcony garden as an extension of your indoor living space. 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. I think of the garden as the fifth room and make the design fit the aesthetic. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: Plants, Design Ideas, Gardening Solutions & More! One step above choosing larger containers is choosing larger containers that are self-watering. Your railings are the crme de la crme location in your balcony garden. 'There might be a beautiful painting on the wall that will inform the color choices of the plants. Our favorite balcony garden ideas, curated tips and expert advice will inspire you to make the most of even the smallest of balcony gardens. 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. A multi-tiered plant stand allows for plenty of pots without crowding the floor. Eggplant: Fairy Tale, Bambino There's a good chance your balcony has limited square footage, so take advantage of all the surface area you have available. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Beans: Blue Lake (pole), Purple Queen (bush) Planted Well, Balcony Garden Frequently Asked Questions. Sprawling squash plants, for example, wouldnt be the best choice. Self-watering pots, such as. Learn the basics of planning and designing a small-scale balcony or rooftop garden, plus get tips for selecting the best plants and containers.
There may be weight restrictions and rules regarding what you can hang from balcony railings and walls. That being said, there are some basic rules of thumb to follow to create a balcony garden thats beautiful, functional, and, best of allproductive. 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. Attach pots, shelves, or trellises to the walls; and if your balcony has a ceiling, add a few hooks for hanging plants. Swiss chard: Rhubard, Rainbow This excerpt from the book about growing a balcony garden was provided by Cool Springs Press/The Quarto Group. 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. You can also put plants that don't like the wind in low pots near a wall to give them more protection. So much attention in gardening is focused downwards on digging, planting and weeding flower beds and lawns, but vertical gardens can make the most of a small space. Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips, Garden Design's Top 10 Garden Trends for 2022. Theyre exposed to the most sun and dont take up extra space as they hang off the balcony. Country is supported by its audience. 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. '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.'. These types are the same as the sit on tops, but they dont have a notched bottom. Small Garden Design Because there are so many different types of railings, its often confusing exactly how to attach planters to railings. Photo by: Udo Kroener / Shutterstock, Flowers cascading over railings and climbing up trellises bring breathtaking color and fragrance to this charming European balcony garden. Every balcony is unique, so the urban gardening masterpiece you decide to create should be tailored to your situation. 'Quite often, balconies are incredibly tiny, so they're usually a place where you would sit and relax. Copyright 2022. Wind issues are the biggest problem with balcony gardens, far more so than for raised beds or containers on the ground. Turn your balcony into a vertical garden. 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. How much space do you need for a balcony garden? The biggest downfall of growing in containers on a balcony is just that youre growing in containers. 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. 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 is quite high up, or you are planning a roof garden, your plants may have to also survive the harsh wind. 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. 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. A mix of small trees, shrubs, foliage plants, and colorful annuals will add interest and diversity to your balcony garden. Photo by: Leigh Trail / Shutterstock, Slatted walls covered in climbing plants and other greenery turn an open balcony into a private retreat. Heres why you can trust us. Your first option is to plant wind-tolerant plants, such as rosemary. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. More about the newsletter. If you get a lot of wind, make sure you use heavier-duty pots, such as terra-cotta. (See more vertical gardening ideas.). Country is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Featured in: Garden Design's Top 10 Garden Trends for 2022 ("Maximizing Balconies & Porches"), Most herbs will flourish on a sunny balcony or terrace and require very little space to grow. The extra cost is well worth the time youll save watering your plants. 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. Most balconies have drainage holes, or at the very least are sloped so water runs in a specific direction. The walls also function as windbreaks, protecting the delicate foliage. By growing on your balcony, youre beautifying a space thats otherwise pretty drab. Over time, theyll fill out the space well. It is easier than you think to plan small balcony garden ideas. Here, a selection of colorful containers and pots filled with fragrant plants standout against a simple backdrop. 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. 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. Containers are a great way to let your personality shine. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). Eliminate watering cans altogether by purchasing a lightweight, expandable garden hose that you can attach to a kitchen sink using an adapter. 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. It's also a good idea to invest in a garden watering can for those top-ups for thirsty plants. Strawberry: Ozark Beauty, Seascape. 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. Visit our corporate site. 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. Leafy greens: Loose leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and so on If you have lots of plants to water, consider investing in a large, lightweight watering can that you can fill in the bathtub. Gorgeous Geranium 101: How to Grow Stunning Geraniums, 41 Best Plant Pots and Planters for Indoors and Outdoors . Some factors to consider include container weight, durability, weather resistance, ease of watering, and cost. Raised beds, food growing tips, recipes and more. 'At home now I have a balcony and a larger garden, so I feel connected to containers or landscaping. Required fields are marked *. * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. The style is undulating and looks like a beautiful picture. Adapt the size and amount of pots to the space and your taste. If you plan to use the tree as a focal point, uplight it at night to reflect the beauty of the silvery foliage. Theres structure, but theres a wild harmony to it that fits with the overall design ethos. If you live in an apartment building or condo, be sure to check whats permissible by the building owner before you begin. However, on windy balconies, they can be blown over easily unless theyre secured in place. 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. With a just little know-how, you will be well on your way to creating a space that meets your every desire. Be inspired to create chic and sophisticated interiors with these black room ideas, By Pippa Blenkinsop In addition to the square footage of your balcony, there may be other restrictions that will limit what you can plant and where. Consider the direction you want to grow your plants in. These are screwed directly into the railing, so theyre great for wood. If your railings are a standard size, you can often pick up planters that have a notched bottom of exactly that size. 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. These containers wick water from a chamber at the bottom of the pot to give your plants roots a consistent supply.
Put saucers or trays under your plants to collect any water overflow so you dont waste a drop. Get plant information, gardening solutions, design inspiration and more in our weekly newsletter. We expect our balcony gardens to work a lot harder for us and become so much more than just a place to sit and have lunch. If you have no soil to plant directly into, containers are a great alternative and will provide the conditions needed to grow flowers. However, there are some plants that are better suited for beautifying a balcony, as listed below.
The style can range from fancy to frivolous, depending on your tastes, but the container should be practical and suit the purpose. Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Published 28 July 22, Discover how to harvest mint for plentiful leaves and a healthy plant. You need to consider how much sunlight your balcony gets. Starting seeds is certainly a fun option to try if you want to flex your gardening muscles. Tips for Small Outdoor Spaces. Photo by: Eurybia / Shutterstock, Dont be afraid to play with colors and plant types. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. All youll need to do is plop some soil in them, pot them up with plants, and start growing. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and beans are all great plants to grow in containers on your balcony floor. Wood pallets turned on end, old book shelves, or tiered planters are all practical solutions for gardening up rather than out.
They are an entertaining space, a work place, a vegetable garden and a healing retreat.'. ', 'The therapeutic element means that people are happy to spend a bit more time growing and maintaining. Thinking in these three layers will help you make the absolute best use of the limited space you have. Filed Under: Gardening Techniques Tagged With: Container gardening, Garden maintenance, Your email address will not be published. All Rights Reserved.
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. Your email address will not be published. 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.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theyre great options if you know that the design will fit your railing. 'Clients will tell me about the sort of gardens they like, and we try and create a condensed version of that. 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 symmetrical arrangement of the plantings helps define the space and create balance. What vegetables can be grown on a balcony? For more on urban gardening techniques for balconies, rooftops, and other small urban spaces, grab a copy of Field Guide to Urban Gardening. (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. The increased volume will allow the soil to hold more water and evaporate much more slowly. The planter then rests on its own weight, pressing into the side of the railing. And if youve got a north-facing window, you can still grow plants. 'I approach designing balconies as I would do any other room in the house,' advises Isabelle Palmer (opens in new tab). These are the most common type of railing planters, and they have a hook design to place around the railing. Use your balcony to plan a small garden that complements the rest of your home decor. They come in lengths as long as 100 feet and retract when not in use for easy storage. Tomato: Patio Princess, Balcony To counteract this and give your plants the even moisture that they need, select the largest pots you can. 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. 'In the end, balcony garden ideas are just about having a bit of fun. Cucumber: Spacemaster 80 'Ferns are great, especially if you have a shadier area.. 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. 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. Plenty of pots may add charm and personality, but you may prefer to take inspiration from these courtyard garden ideas and create a more minimalist space with just one oversized planter, as shown above. Peppers: Camelot Doing this will spread out the weight distribution and you wont have any nasty balcony gardening mishaps. to choosing imaginative containers (such as an old watering can or wood crate), the entire process can be an adventure. '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. 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.
'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). If you choose plant colors and textures that echo the interior design, even the smallest balcony will look more expansive and welcoming. Lettuce: Green Oak Leaf, Black Seeded Simpson Measure the width of your railing and comparing it to the size of the hook or attachment on the planter box. Microclimate. You can choose from pots, hanging baskets and window boxes. Use all the same plant to make a cohesive statement, or vary your pots and planters for a cottage container garden feel. The weight from large ceramic containers and wet soil can add up quickly. The only true requirement for a balcony garden is that you dont grow anything that will absolutely take over the space. All rights reserved. Think of your balcony garden as an extension of your indoor living space. 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. I think of the garden as the fifth room and make the design fit the aesthetic. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: Plants, Design Ideas, Gardening Solutions & More! One step above choosing larger containers is choosing larger containers that are self-watering. Your railings are the crme de la crme location in your balcony garden. 'There might be a beautiful painting on the wall that will inform the color choices of the plants. Our favorite balcony garden ideas, curated tips and expert advice will inspire you to make the most of even the smallest of balcony gardens. 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. A multi-tiered plant stand allows for plenty of pots without crowding the floor. Eggplant: Fairy Tale, Bambino There's a good chance your balcony has limited square footage, so take advantage of all the surface area you have available. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Beans: Blue Lake (pole), Purple Queen (bush) Planted Well, Balcony Garden Frequently Asked Questions. Sprawling squash plants, for example, wouldnt be the best choice. Self-watering pots, such as. Learn the basics of planning and designing a small-scale balcony or rooftop garden, plus get tips for selecting the best plants and containers.