When it comes to growing plants on a balcony or roof terrace, it can be challenging to decide what to grow and how to ensure everything thrives.
Seeing bare walls and a wilting pot plant when you step out onto the balcony can be quite deflating. Luckily, we’ve removed the guesswork from balcony gardening so that you can get it right every time.
We’ve curated the best flowers, vegetables, and herbs to grow on a balcony and included tips on how to make it happen. We’ve included clever tricks for squeezing more plants into a tight area and solutions for common balcony problems.
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Choose the right plants
If you want to grow plants on a balcony or roof terrace, it is important to choose the right ones. It may be tempting to dream of having 10m-tall magnolias, but there are still plenty of plants that will thrive in pots.
Summer bedding plants such as begonias, petunias, osteospermum, and busy Lizzies are perfect for container gardening and will bring colour to your balcony from spring to autumn.
Succulents are also ideal for balconies, as they make great houseplants and are easy to maintain in pots. Furthermore, there are various vegetables and herbs that will happily grow in pots.
Plants for sunny balconies
Plants in pots on sunny balconies can really get hot, especially when there’s a clear screen, creating a greenhouse effect.
To keep them happy, choose drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants. Get inspired by the Mediterranean, with herbs like lavender, rosemary and oregano that add fragrance and beauty and pelargoniums, stachys and succulents that bring colour and interest.
Plants for windy balconies
Creating a balcony garden can be challenging due to wind. Many balconies are exposed and windy, which can cause petals to be ripped from flowers and moisture whipped out of leaves.
To protect your plants, create a windbreak if possible and ensure your pots and furniture won’t be blown over the side.
Secure them in place if necessary. Choose plants that can tolerate windy conditions, such as those that naturally grow by the sea.
Grow up the walls
When space is limited, make the most of what you have. You can add a touch of beauty to your balcony walls by attaching pots or trellises and growing plants. Making a planter for salads is an easy way to start.
Alternatively, you could create a living wall to make a bold statement. Climbing plants such as Jasminum Stephanense can thrive in large containers for up to three years and fill your space with fragrant flowers during the summer.
If you cannot attach anything to the walls of your balcony, you can still maximise vertical space. Grow sweet peas or clematis in a big pot and train the plant up a wigwam placed inside the pot.
Grow vegetables on a balcony
Now is a great time to start growing your own vegetables at home – even without a garden! All you need is a few pots or containers, such as woven plastic shopping bags or wooden crates lined with an old compost bag (but be sure to make holes in the bottom for drainage).
You can grow a variety of delicious vegetables and herbs, like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, and a range of herbs. Enjoy the fresh, flavourful taste of your homegrown produce!
How Do I Start A Small Balcony Garden?
It can be easier than you may think to plan a small balcony garden. With some simple knowledge, you’ll be on your way to designing a space to fit your needs.
- Start by considering what you’d like to use the area for. Balconies are usually quite small, so it’s often a place to relax and unwind. However, you can also use balcony gardens strategically to hide a view that you don’t want to see, which is common in cities.
- You can also use balcony garden ideas for a purpose, such as growing herbs or even incorporating some small vegetable garden ideas. Think about zoning your balcony and how to use the space for a particular purpose.
- Finally, balcony garden ideas are all about having some fun. Include plants you like, and don’t take it too seriously. It’s normal for even the most experienced gardeners to make mistakes, so take it slow and build your confidence over time.
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