Use all the same plant to make a cohesive statement, or vary your pots and planters for a cottage container garden feel. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Think of your balcony garden as an extension of your indoor living space. Because there are so many different types of railings, its often confusing exactly how to attach planters to railings. What direction does your balcony face? Over time, theyll fill out the space well. 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.

A multi-tiered plant stand allows for plenty of pots without crowding the floor. This excerpt from the book about growing a balcony garden was provided by Cool Springs Press/The Quarto Group. Anything that can hold soil and has good drainage has potential for a balcony container garden. 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.

If a convenient water source is far from reach, make life easier by growing plants with low water requirements, such as cacti and succulents. Next year it will be even more about multitasking. Required fields are marked *. FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: Plants, Design Ideas, Gardening Solutions & More! Herbs: Basil, sage, thyme, oregano, and so on They are an entertaining space, a work place, a vegetable garden and a healing retreat.'. 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). Cucumber: Spacemaster 80 Beans: Blue Lake (pole), Purple Queen (bush) (See more vertical gardening ideas.). Vertical space can be maximized, for example, with hanging planters that hook directly onto your railing. 'In the end, balcony garden ideas are just about having a bit of fun. However, on windy balconies, they can be blown over easily unless theyre secured in place. Our favorite balcony garden ideas, curated tips and expert advice will inspire you to make the most of even the smallest of balcony gardens. If sun is hard to come by, primroses and foxgloves would be good options. Peppers: Camelot There's a good chance your balcony has limited square footage, so take advantage of all the surface area you have available. Youll just need to adjust the types you grow to be shade-loving varieties. Think about the best way to do this. 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. 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. The biggest downfall of growing in containers on a balcony is just that youre growing in containers. If you plan to use the tree as a focal point, uplight it at night to reflect the beauty of the silvery foliage. 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. 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. 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. 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. Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Sprawling squash plants, for example, wouldnt be the best choice. Eggplant: Fairy Tale, Bambino

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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. '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.'. Leafy greens: Loose leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and so on 'With a fixture against an external wall or on abalcony, those in flats and other urban homes can reap the physical, mental and environmental rewards that gardening for production provides.'. Country is supported by its audience. Surprisingly, not much at all if you take advantage of walls, railings, and overhead structures. Self-watering pots, such as. Tip: If wind is a problem on your balcony, consider using balcony privacy screens as windbreaks to protect more fragile plants. * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. 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. Garlic: Artichoke, Silverskin 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. However, there are some plants that are better suited for beautifying a balcony, as listed below. Theyre exposed to the most sun and dont take up extra space as they hang off the balcony. Doing this will spread out the weight distribution and you wont have any nasty balcony gardening mishaps. Wood pallets turned on end, old book shelves, or tiered planters are all practical solutions for gardening up rather than out. The walls also function as windbreaks, protecting the delicate foliage. 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. Learn the basics of planning and designing a small-scale balcony or rooftop garden, plus get tips for selecting the best plants and containers. They dry out quickly, especially if youre using terra-cotta pots. 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. Be inspired to create chic and sophisticated interiors with these black room ideas, By Pippa Blenkinsop Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and beans are all great plants to grow in containers on your balcony floor. Check this when youre growing on a balcony; the last thing you want to do is annoy a downstairs neighbor by raining dirty water all over them every time you water the garden. South-facing balconies are the best, but southeast- or southwest-facing will do. Your email address will not be published. Microclimate. 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. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. 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. That being said, even squash is possible. Strawberry: Ozark Beauty, Seascape. 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. 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. And if youve got a north-facing window, you can still grow plants. Tips for Small Outdoor Spaces. These are our favorite small garden ideas for balcony gardens plus tons of design advice and inspiration. You need to consider how much sunlight your balcony gets. I pick up on the style of the room that leads to the balcony. Adapt the size and amount of pots to the space and your taste. 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. If you choose plant colors and textures that echo the interior design, even the smallest balcony will look more expansive and welcoming. The planter then rests on its own weight, pressing into the side of the railing. Your email address will not be published. a tropical paradise?) What vegetables can be grown on a balcony? Small Garden Design 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. * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. How much space do you need for a balcony garden? Gorgeous Geranium 101: How to Grow Stunning Geraniums, 41 Best Plant Pots and Planters for Indoors and Outdoors . The style can range from fancy to frivolous, depending on your tastes, but the container should be practical and suit the purpose. (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. By clicking accept you give us permission to set cookies. 'Clients will tell me about the sort of gardens they like, and we try and create a condensed version of that. These are great options if you want to go with a plug-and-play option. The style is undulating and looks like a beautiful picture. 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. Theyre great options if you know that the design will fit your railing. Photo by: Eurybia / Shutterstock, Dont be afraid to play with colors and plant types. Using bigger pots and growing vertically is easier and definitely a popular option in balcony garden ideas. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you can earn extra conservation points by installing a balcony rain barrel. Spread your pots around your balcony instead of clumping them in one area. 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 finished space should elongate the home, so interior design is as important as garden design when it comes to small gardens and balconies.'. Photo: Franz Peter Rudolf / Shutterstock, On a small balcony, take advantage of vertical space to maximize your growing room. I think of the garden as the fifth room and make the design fit the aesthetic. '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. These are the most common type of railing planters, and they have a hook design to place around the railing. To counteract this and give your plants the even moisture that they need, select the largest pots you can. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Photo by: Ania K / Shutterstock, RELATED: The symmetrical arrangement of the plantings helps define the space and create balance. Balconies have three distinct sections to consider, which are the floor, the railing, and everything else. Think about zoning your balcony, and how to use the space for one specific purpose. Yes, you still must adhere to the strict confines of your space, but there are many tricks for making every square inch count. 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. These containers wick water from a chamber at the bottom of the pot to give your plants roots a consistent supply. This may mean you have to position plants in certain places, and it will also help in deciding which plants to choose. Take note of how shade plays over your balcony to help inform the best location to set up your garden. If this is the case, try and find more sheltered areas to position the plants. Starting seeds is certainly a fun option to try if you want to flex your gardening muscles. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 you get a lot of wind, make sure you use heavier-duty pots, such as terra-cotta. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These are screwed directly into the railing, so theyre great for wood. Measure the width of your railing and comparing it to the size of the hook or attachment on the planter box. For more on urban gardening techniques for balconies, rooftops, and other small urban spaces, grab a copy of Field Guide to Urban Gardening. The amount of sunlight the space receives is the most critical factor to consider, but wind exposure and temperature are important too. If your balcony doesnt have good sun exposure, some herbs that grow well in partial shade include parsley, chervil, cilantro, and tarragon. One step above choosing larger containers is choosing larger containers that are self-watering. Some factors to consider include container weight, durability, weather resistance, ease of watering, and cost. The only true requirement for a balcony garden is that you dont grow anything that will absolutely take over the space. 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. This space mixes nature with surrounding structures,in a way that is very original. Planted Well, Balcony Garden Frequently Asked Questions. If your balcony is quite high up, or you are planning a roof garden, your plants may have to also survive the harsh wind. Use your balcony to plan a small garden that complements the rest of your home decor. 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. '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. 'Quite often, balconies are incredibly tiny, so they're usually a place where you would sit and relax. A second option with more flexibility is to stake your plants well and use windscreens to help break some of the nastier gusts. You can even include one or two of the best trees for a small garden, planted in pots or containers. 'At home now I have a balcony and a larger garden, so I feel connected to containers or landscaping. '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. Eliminate watering cans altogether by purchasing a lightweight, expandable garden hose that you can attach to a kitchen sink using an adapter. 'Ferns are great, especially if you have a shadier area.. 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. Visit our corporate site. 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. Consider the direction you want to grow your plants in. If the balcony is attached to your home, know how much weight it can safely support. Every balcony is unique, so the urban gardening masterpiece you decide to create should be tailored to your situation. Plants will need to be watered in order to survive and thrive. Lettuce: Green Oak Leaf, Black Seeded Simpson 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Because so many different railing designs exist, its hard to tell at first whether one of these will fit your balcony.

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. For all their value, there is no more confusing piece of gardening gear than balcony railing planters. Include plants you like and don't take it too seriously. 'I approach designing balconies as I would do any other room in the house,' advises Isabelle Palmer (opens in new tab). Small trees, such as dwarf citrus trees or, Container-friendly annuals and perennials for. Country is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Tomato: Patio Princess, Balcony Containers are a great way to let your personality shine. Most balconies have drainage holes, or at the very least are sloped so water runs in a specific direction. 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. If you have no soil to plant directly into, containers are a great alternative and will provide the conditions needed to grow flowers. Turn your balcony into a vertical garden. In addition to the square footage of your balcony, there may be other restrictions that will limit what you can plant and where. 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. 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. Put saucers or trays under your plants to collect any water overflow so you dont waste a drop. Thinking in these three layers will help you make the absolute best use of the limited space you have. From deciding what to grow (an urban vegetable garden? Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips, Garden Design's Top 10 Garden Trends for 2022. The increased volume will allow the soil to hold more water and evaporate much more slowly. The weight from large ceramic containers and wet soil can add up quickly. 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. 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. See more tips for choosing the right container. If you live in an apartment building or condo, be sure to check whats permissible by the building owner before you begin. 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. Your railings are the crme de la crme location in your balcony garden. There may be weight restrictions and rules regarding what you can hang from balcony railings and walls.

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