So you’re dying for some relaxing green space to build up your house's value — but all you have is a cramped balcony. Or maybe you’re lucky enough to own a home with a balcony...but it’s bare, boring, and waiting for some beauty. Don’t despair; we’re here to help you transform your small space into a tranquil, lush escape from the everyday and in addition, add some value to the property. Fortunately, it doesn’t take either a professional realtor or expert green thumb. Let’s start from the very beginning.
Check on how much weight your balcony can support
Before you start putting furniture and large planters full of soil out on your balcony, you may just want to be sure that everything is on the up and up as far as safety and weight limits. This shouldn’t be a problem in newer homes, but in older rentals or vintage homes, double-check. Check railings for safety, too.
Assess the sun and shade situation
How much sun does your balcony get? Are there bright spots and deep shady corners? Plants labeled “full sun” (many vegetables, especially) will need 6 or more hours of sunlight. Of course, even if shade is prevalent, there are plenty of plants that can thrive...but you need to know your situation before making any purchases.
Buy your basic equipment
You don’t need a lot to get started with a balcony garden. A watering can, some small pruners, a trowel, and perhaps a pair of work gloves will probably be enough. You’re going to want to think about where you’ll keep these items, since it will be most convenient to have them close at hand.
Pick your plants
This is where it gets fun! Do you want to try container vegetable gardening? Many vegetables are available in container or “patio” varieties, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and carrots. Others, such as kale, lettuce, chard, radishes, herbs, and strawberries, are naturally suited to containers. Your local nursery or garden store can advise you on all this.
You might be surprised to learn that fruit can also be grown in containers! Pineapple is a fun option (you can even start one for free from the top of a pineapple you bought at the store), and dwarf bananas are a possibility, though they must be protected from freezes. Many people enjoy growing dwarf citrus, such as Meyer lemon, kumquats, and dwarf oranges and tangerines. Potted citrus is actually quite easy to maintain, and smells and tastes wonderful.
Of course, not everyone is interested in vegetable and fruit gardening, and that’s fine too. There are hundreds of kinds of ornamental plants that work well in containers, many intentionally bred just for this purpose. Geraniums, petunias, ivy, aloe vera and other succulents, ferns, begonias, and morning glories are all popular, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Again, ask your local nursery or garden store for recommendations.
Purchase soil and containers, and plant
One thing you don’t want to use in your balcony garden is plain old regular dirt! Potting soil is lighter, retains water much better, and often contains time-release fertilizer to keep your plants happy.
When it comes to containers, the most important thing is plenty of drainage holes. Other than that, the sky is pretty much the limit. You can spent a pretty penny on gorgeous pots, or repurpose items like old jars, baskets, chairs, teapots, even shoes!
Water and fertilize
Container plants dry out easily, so don’t forget to water regularly! Different plants have different requirements, but in general, if you can stick your finger down an inch and the soil is dry, it’s time to water.
Even if your plants are in potting soil containing fertilizer, they still need some “food” from time to time (every two weeks or so, depending on type of plant). You can buy liquid fertilizer, or try compost tea.
Add personality!
Once your plants are established, you’ll certainly want to enliven and beautify your balcony garden with some extra touches. Consider a small patio table and chairs, an outdoor rug, lanterns, twinkle lights, pillows, a patio umbrella, wind chimes, screens, or even a small fountain. The possibilities are gorgeous and endless. Enjoy your green and thriving outdoor room that will add so much beauty and value to your house or flat!
Carol Williams
