{"id":26013,"date":"2023-10-29T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-29T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/?p=26013"},"modified":"2025-01-06T14:28:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T14:28:34","slug":"balcony-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/balcony-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Balcony Garden Ideas for Small Spaces"},"content":{"rendered":"
You don\u2019t need a garden to exercise those green fingers. All you need is a window box, balcony, or yard to enjoy a haven of green. So, if you\u2019re stuck for space but still want to surround yourself with the energy of living things, you\u2019ve come to the right place. Read on for balcony garden ideas. <\/p>
Whether you live in an apartment or have a tiny outdoor yard, any available sunny spot offers a valuable way to enjoy plants and flowers and even grow veg and herbs. Even shaded areas can thrive if you choose the right plants. <\/p>
This article offers a range of yard and balcony garden ideas that will transform your outdoor space into a lush oasis for relaxing, entertaining, and thriving. <\/p>
Ready? Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>
As the name suggests, balcony gardening is about, well: gardening on a balcony. But some considerations differ from typical garden spaces of which to be aware:<\/p>
Balconies often have different climate conditions from open gardens. This is because the airflow around a balcony is typically different to gardens. <\/p>
If you’re up in the skies, you’re likely to experience more wind (the weather type \ud83d\ude09 ), while gardens tend to be surrounded by walls and fences that protect them from heavy gusts. An open balcony is often more vulnerable to the elements. <\/p>
One of the best things about balcony gardening is that you better control the soil. If you have a garden, you’re at the mercy of your local environment \u2014 you might have heavy soil that becomes soggy and rots your plants’ roots or sandy soil that quickly dries out and loses nutrients. <\/p>
You\u2019re going to use a lot of pots for balcony and yard gardening, so buy the best-quality compost and potting mix you can afford for optimal results. <\/p>
However:<\/p>
Remember that pots don\u2019t hold onto moisture as willingly as garden soil. So, you\u2019ll need to water regularly. <\/p>
Some plants prefer dry soil, while others can’t bear it. So before choosing your plants, determine the needs of each and do your best to cater to their exact requirements. <\/p>
You could place all the thirsty plants on one side of your balcony garden and the less moisture-reliant ones on the other. This way, you’ll remember which to water more regularly. <\/p>
The advantages of balcony gardens extend beyond the purely aesthetic nature of the exercise, but these can\u2019t be overlooked! <\/p>
Filling a space with plants and flowers brightens up the dullest of spaces but also introduces a genuine sense of calm. <\/p>
You genuinely can\u2019t overestimate the value of green and luscious plants to provide an ambience of tranquillity \u2014 that\u2019s way better than cracking open a bottle of wine to wind down at the end of the day. <\/p>
Plants absorb carbon dioxide, which they use for photosynthesis, and release oxygen as part of the process. So, surrounding your outdoor space with plants is a great way to clear the air. <\/p>
And that’s perfect for those who live in cities surrounded by vehicle fumes. <\/p>
Balconies make perfect environments for growing various fruit, veg, and herbs. I’ve found the best edibles to grow on a balcony are:<\/p>
Firstly, evaluate your available space. Consider the light and wind conditions of your balcony or yard space. And identify how much rain tends to hit your balcony. <\/p>
It\u2019s essential to pay heed to these as they\u2019ll dictate the types of plants that will thrive. <\/p>
Don’t worry if you get little or no direct sunlight \u2014 some plants love these conditions. <\/p>
Most balconies are on the snug side, so determine whether you have the floor space for seating and build your plan around that. Can you fit a table for working or enjoying a coffee, or can you squeeze into a seat?<\/p>
Remember, pots don’t need to sit on the floor \u2014 consider the benefits of a vertical garden, using the walls and the ceiling for beautiful hanging baskets. <\/p>
It’s easy to get over-excited at the garden centre and buy everything in sight. But before filling your space with pots and plants, draw a basic sketch. <\/p>
So, think about the layout of your planters and pots, and consider using the walls and ceiling. <\/p>
Once you have a basic drawing, list the materials you’ll need. <\/p>
Consider:<\/p>
You might even consider an irrigation system if you don\u2019t have someone to water your plants while you\u2019re away. <\/p>
If you have a small space, then you should consider the spread potential of the plants you choose. <\/p>
So, always read the labels or the seed packets to find out how much room the plant needs at full size. <\/p>
Tempting as it might be, avoid overcrowding your space \u2014 it\u2019s a recipe for poor growth, fungal diseases, and a lack of sunlight reaching your apartment. <\/p>
So, now you have the basic facts and a plan, think about the plants that will bring your space to life. <\/p>
Popular balcony plants include:<\/p>
Choose a mix of perennials and seasonal plants for year-round foliage and seasonal interest. <\/p>
These potted plants do well in full sun (south-facing):<\/p>
These plants thrive in partial shade (east\/west-facing):<\/p>
These potted plants do well in shaded areas (north-facing):<\/p>
Typically, fruiting edibles such as tomatoes, peppers, and chillis need good sun exposure to ripen. However, you can ripen fruits by wrapping them in newspaper and storing them in a dark drawer. <\/p>
If your balcony is enclosed with open railings, consider inviting trailing plants to creep around the rails. This provides greater privacy for your balcony garden and a lovely organic barrier between your home and the outside. <\/p>
Consider:<\/p>
It’s not just about pots; there are several ways of revitalising your outdoor space:<\/p>
OK. So, we have an idea of the types of plants, tools, and materials we need for our balcony garden. But don’t dive head-first in yet. <\/p>
Follow these steps:<\/p>
You’ve set up your garden. Now, ensure you keep it thriving.<\/p>
Many plants are happy on a balcony, but consider the microclimate and match plants according to the expected weather exposure. Tomatoes, lettuce, and strawberries do well on sunny balconies, while hostas, ferns, and begonias enjoy more shaded outdoor spaces. Always read the instructions on the label when you buy a plant and follow the recommendations.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>
Consider the available space, and remember you can use the walls and ceilings for hanging baskets and trailing plants if you lack floor space (or don’t want to take all the floorspace up with pots). Some of the best balcony trailers include trailing rose, ivy, and honeysuckle.<\/p> <\/div>
If your balcony faces north, you won’t get a lot of direct sunshine. But you can still grow plants and flowers on your shaded balcony. The best plants for shady areas are hostas, ferns, caladium, coleus, and fuchsia.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
I hope I’ve answered all your questions about creating a thriving balcony garden. But if you have any questions, get in touch<\/a>.<\/p>