Do you want to have a balcony garden? Take your inspiration from our article
Whenever somebody says the word “garden,” we immediately picture an outside idyllic oasis, usually quite large and with a ton of colors. But hey, who says you can’t have your dream garden even if you’re not living in the countryside? I am here to help you with some expert tips that will turn your bland and boring balcony space into a relaxing spot full of plants.
Before diving into the balcony garden, it is important to know your space, how big it is, and more importantly, how much sun you get through the day. Then look for good quality soil, which is one click away on Amazon, a couple of pots, and if you are a beginner, I’d say a maximum of 10. The number of pots can also differ depending on how big or small your balcony space is.
Last but not least, they say the sky is the limit, so try and use your vertical space wisely. Use sturdy bamboo poles and rope to support your plants upright so they may develop without taking up any floor space.
Now that we’ve settled this, let’s get to work! Continue reading for ideas on how to design the little green area you never imagined your city apartment might have.
Flowers cascading over railings
Were you super impressed by your latest trip to Europe’s biggest cities? Perhaps Athens or Rome? Then you’re going to love the first balcony garden inspiration. This delightful European balcony garden is filled with amazing color and scent thanks to flowers that grow up trellises and cascade over railings. The plants’ symmetrical layout contributes to the space’s definition and harmony.
Isn’t it awesome? Experts say the best choices are plants like Surfinias and Calabrichoas since they work well in patio pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
Mix up your plants (and pots)
The good thing when you are a green thumber is that you can play infinitely with your plants. Let your imagination run freely and arrange everything on your balcony to make it look like a tiny jungle. Depending on the area you’re living in, look up the plants suitable for the climate.
If you’re a newbie and you’re looking for some plants that require the minimum effort, then you can go for Boston Fern, Chinese Money Plant, Aloe Vera, or Philodendron. These are also indoor plants, so in case winters are heavy in your city, you can easily move them into the living room.
Furthermore, a variety of little shrubs or annual flowers can also give your balcony garden more appeal and variety; Pollypetite, Butterfly Bush, or Low Scape Mound are three of the most beautiful examples of shrubs that grow in small pots.
As I mentioned before in the article, if your balcony isn’t too wide, you can also use hanging pots for your flowers. I purchased mine from Amazon, and to my surprise, the prices aligned with the quality, and it’s excellent. But enough brags. Here is a 3-pack hanging planter for both indoor and outdoor plants that costs only $19. I’d say it’s a good deal!
Use wood pallets
Make the most of the vertical space on a tiny balcony to increase the amount of area for growing. Repurposed wood pallets, stacked bookcases, or raised planters are all useful options for growing indoors as opposed to outside. And if you style them accordingly, trust me, they will look awesome, especially if you also want to create a boho-countryish overall look on your balcony.
Create a mini culinary garden
Do you want to have your favorite herbs at your fingertips? It is possible even on a small balcony. If you are a cooking enthusiast, mint, rosemary, and basil are the easiest herbs to grow indoors. For most of these herbs, you will need a sunny space (6 or 8 hours daily) and plenty of water to keep the roots and soil moist all the time.
Some herbs that grow well in partial shadow if your balcony doesn’t receive enough sunlight are tarragon, chervil, parsley, and cilantro.
Go bold with flooring
Having a cute little garden on your balcony isn’t enough; you should also improve the aspect of your floors. And don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone! Try bold colors because colors can create a cozy and nice atmosphere, plus they can also help with your greenery to grow happy and healthy.
Don’t spend an arm and a leg for this; just grab some painting tools pick a color that matches your feelings and have fun. Vibrant green or sky-like blue are two possible colors that will instantly turn the space into a happy one.
If you’re feeling brave or you already know how to do that without professional help, tiles are also an option for balconies. Make your space pop with some white and yellow tiles. If none of these suggestions appeal to you, you can always opt for a lively rug to add texture and comfort to your balcony space.
I know that most of you are busy, and you don’t really have the time to go all over Google to search for rugs. That’s why I am here—to help you out. Check out this reversible rug, perfect for both indoor and outdoor space, easy to clean, waterproof, and non-slip. Find it on Amazon for $29.99.
Make it private
If besides greenery you would also want to turn your balcony space into a place to relax and unwind, try and make it more private, away from your neighbor’s eyes. An open balcony becomes a quiet haven if you install some slatted walls and cover them with climbing vines and other lush greenery.
Bonus tip: the walls act as windbreaks, shielding the fragile vegetation during the cold season.
Take advantage of your walls
I can’t stress enough the fact that walls can be your friend in need if you have limited space and you want to make the most of every piece of your balcony. It’s super easy to connect trellis or pots to the walls if there’s room for that. And trust me, it will quickly improve the appearance of your walls. For those looking to give their balconies a splash of color without painting the walls again, this is a fantastic solution.
No matter what plants you pick, a simple planter for salads or some climbing plants you can’t fail. The good news is that you can “teach” these plants to climb a trellis that is fixed to the wall, and they can happily survive for two or three years in medium-sized containers. For example, Jasminum stephanense grows nicely on balconies and during summer provides a pleasant fragrance from its blooms.
How do you make your balcony space pop? And hey, if you know any other tips that I forgot to mention, we’d love to hear them in the comments section below!
Hi everyone who loves gardening I hope you enjoyed reading these lines! If you’re new here, you might want to read over a few of our other posts before you go. And my suggestion for you is another related article: 12 Heat-Tolerant Plants for Sunny Gardens.
