The Spruce / K. Dave
A balcony garden can be as complicated or simple as you want.
Balconies are usually microclimates, differing significantly from the climate on the ground.
There can even be different microclimates on a tiny balcony.
The Spruce / K. Dave
The conditions on balconies can be extreme, with huge temperature fluctuations.
The good news is that there are beautiful plants for almost every condition possible.
The trick is to really figure out what the environment is before you plan yourout-of-the-ground garden.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Here are 15 essential tips to consider before starting your balcony garden.
Work Vertically
Are there vertical spaces you’re able to plant or hang planters on?
Even if yourspace is microscopic, you could still garden by creating vertical space.
The Spruce / K. Dave
From piling up pots to creating trellises, there are ways touse all of your space.
you should probably accurately assess how many hours of direct sun each place you want to grow stuff gets.
They’re a great choice for a balcony that gets lots of sun and summer heat.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Mostcontainer-grown succulentsare very drought tolerant, and are not too bothered by wind in terms of drying.
When choosing succulent plants, ensure they’re appropriate to your growing zone.
Pay Attention to Heat
Again, balconies and rooftops can get searingly hot.
The Spruce / K. Dave
For example, lettuce will not thrive in extreme heat.
The first thing to do is check yourUSDA Plant Hardiness Zoneto see if your balcony plant is winter hardy.
Finding your zone is a good place to start when planning your garden.
Another option is to create a display of annuals for your balcony.
This would mean starting over each spring and planting new annuals, which can get expensive.
Start Slowly
The best idea, if you are just beginning, is to start slowly.
Get a Good Watering Can
For many balcony gardeners, watering houseplants is an issue.
Sweet peas form lovely flowering vines and can be planted annually from seed.
Do you want flowering plants only?
Do you want small trees?
Check growing habits to see to it you will have enough have space as plants get bigger.
Try Edible Plants on Your Balcony
Perhaps you want to grow an edible balcony garden.
However, you’ve got the option to grow lots of greens with much less sun.
Lettuces and kale grow very quickly from seed and you’re able to plant several crops per season.
Some warm climate herbs such as rosemary will need to be brought inside during cold winters.
Nothing beats fresh Meyer lemons or limes picked from your very own tree.
There are also dwarf plums, cherries, and apples.
But maybe you don’t want your balcony floor covered with dirt.
Having trays beneath your containers is not only good formoisture retention or drainage, but helps keep things clean.
Get a small dust buster or small hand broom and dustpan to clean up spills.
Since you’l be growing in containers, you probably only need hand tools.
Protect your metal tools from the elements so they don’t get rusty.
