In the safe and cosy confines of the balcony environment, plants can grow in a habitat that is uniquely their own. And whether you are growing some fresh veg, or opting to fill your balcony with an array of colourful flowers, you can benefit from having a handful of tips to make your balcony garden a success.
The balcony garden, otherwise known as a terrace garden, has become immensely popular over the years and they can be as complicated or as minimalist as you choose. And with the selection of plants and containers out there, you can create your own lush balcony garden, even if you are on a budget!
When you start the process of creating your balcony garden, you need to think about the space, the lighting, how much of it will be exposed to the elements and how much of your time can be dedicated maintaining the garden.
While it might not get an overabundance of sunlight, the balcony is going to be exposed to wild winds, cooler temperatures, and cold nights. As a micro garden with its own micro climate, you should be aware that the climate on your balcony will be quite different to the one on the ground. This is especially the case if the balcony is shaded.
The Best Plants for your Garden Balcony
There are plenty of plants that will grow quite easily on a balcony, provided you create the right environment for them, and properly tend to the plants once they are in their place.
It is of course up to you to decide if you are going to be growing an edible garden or planting one that is simply beautiful and calming. To help you make your decision that little bit easier, we have a list of the best plants you can grow on a balcony.
Bedding Plants
You don’t need a great big garden bed to grow an array of beautiful garden plants. All you really need is a few plant containers, preferably the long, rectangular planters that will fit in neatly on balconies of all sizes. The ideal bedding plants include bergonias and nicotianas (shaded areas) and coleus, zinnias and pelargoniums (sunny spots).
Fruits
One of the ideal edible plants to grow on a balcony is the strawberry, and since they come in different shapes and sizes, you can find the one that fits your needs perfectly. Strawberries can be grown in long containers or small pots, while they also grow well in hanging baskets. Other fruits to include on your balcony include blueberries, cherries, and even figs.
Vegetables
Without a doubt one of the easiest vegetables to grow is the cherry tomato, and it just so happens that they are incredibly popular right now. Tomatoes can grow like weeds (in a good way as they grow particularly fast) and cherry tomatoes can creep up walls. Once they get going they will yield plenty of vegetables over the years. And when the plant looks like it is about to die, simply take a tomato and bury it. Within a few weeks, new plants will come up.
Aside from cherry tomatoes, you can also grow beans, lettuce, chilies, and spring onions on your balcony.
Jasmine
Every South African knows spring is on the way when the jasmine starts flowering. The scent is soothing and refreshing, and luckily for those who have a balcony garden, the plant grows quite easily in any space.
Houseplants
Most plants that thrive indoors will do really well on a balcony, and that includes succulents. You can also grow tender ferns, calatheas and philodendrons. Make sure that you have enough shade as well as enough sunlight for your plants.
Bulb Plants
Because bulb plants don’t need the kind of root space that other plants require to grow, they are quite perfect for the balcony. Depending on the amount of sunlight or shade they require, you can grow hyacinths, daffodils and tulips. There are many plants of this kind to choose from and when spring creeps in, the plants come alive with colour.
Tips for Growing Balcony Plants
To make sure that your balcony plants grow to their full potential, you need to not only have chosen the right plants, but you also need to have properly prepared your balcony layout and everything else your plants will need in order to flourish. These are some of the considerations to make:
Choose the right planter
Just like with your pot plants, the right planter can really make the difference in how your plant grows. When selecting your planter, make sure that it has appropriate drainage and that it will be compatible with the plants you are growing.
Potting soil
Only use soil that is appropriate for the container and for the plant that is being potted. This will ensure that the plant has the best possible start on your balcony.
Draw a sketch
While going out and buying a whole lot of pots is exciting, before you start spending, it is best to sketch out a plan for how you’d like the balcony to look once the planters are in their place. This will ensure that you don’t buy planters that are too big or too small. During this part of your planning, you should also consider how much weight your balcony can safely hold.
Use Mulch
Pot plants can dry out very quickly. To prevent this from happening, you can cover the soil with mulch. This can help keep the soil moist.
Compost
For those with a balcony garden, using compost tea can be a fantastic way to keep the plants well nourished. If you can’t make compost, or if you find that using it is too messy, this is a great option to have.
Lighting
The last important thing you need to do is to make sure that your balcony will get enough light throughout the year. Some plants, as you know, will do better in full sunlight while others prefer the shade. Before you select your balcony plants, make sure that you know what type of lighting the plants need.
A balcony garden can be one of the most rewarding project, especially if you want to be closer to nature while living in the busy city. And with minimal maintenance and easy setup, you can quickly have the compact garden you’ve always wanted.
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