Are you looking for a way to get into gardening but don’t have the space for a traditional garden? A small balcony garden may be the perfect solution for you! In this blog post, we will provide tips on how to get started with small balcony gardening and grow fresh produce right outside your door. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and productive garden space that brings joy to your life year-round.
Assess your balcony space and determine what you can use
One of the great things about small balcony gardening is that you can grow a wide variety of plants in even the most limited space. By carefully assessing your balcony space and determining what you can use, you can create a beautiful and bountiful garden that will bring you joy throughout the year. Start by evaluating the amount of sunlight that your balcony receives. This will dictate what type of plants you can grow.
If you have a south-facing balcony, you’ll be able to grow sun-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers. If your balcony gets partial sun or shady, however, you’ll want to focus on growing greens and other shade-tolerant plants. Once you know what type of plants you can grow, take a look at the layout of your balcony and decide how you want to arrange your garden. You may want to create raised beds, hang pots from the railings, or simply line the perimeter with potted plants.
Whatever design you choose, be sure to leave enough space for walking around and enjoying your garden. After all, you will need to be able to get to the plants. It does you no good to create a garden that you can’t ever get to because it’s blocked. With a little careful planning, your small balcony can be transformed into a verdant oasis.
What Are The Best Plants For a Balcony Garden?
A balcony garden can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to spend a lot of time or money on maintenance. However, choosing the right plants for your space is essential to ensuring that your garden thrives. Here are a few tips to help you select the best plants for your balcony garden.
It’s important to consider the size of your balcony when choosing plants. If you have a small space, it’s best to stick with compact varieties that won’t overwhelm the area. Likewise, if you have a larger balcony, you can choose larger plants or even trees. Just be sure not to overcrowd the space.
Finally, make sure to select plants that are appropriate for your climate. If you live in an apartment in a hot and humid city, for example, you’ll want to choose plants that can tolerate those conditions. By taking the time to select the right plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving balcony garden.
If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, for example, you’ll want to choose plants that are tolerant of wet conditions. Likewise, if you live in a hot, dry climate, you’ll need to select drought-tolerant plants. It’s also important to take into account the amount of sun or shade your balcony receives.
Once you’ve determined the growing conditions on your balcony, you can narrow down your plant choices to those that are best suited for your space. With a little planning, you can create a small balcony garden that is both beautiful and easy to care for.
Recommended: What Off-Grid Living Skills Can I Learn While Living in an Apartment in the City?
What Plants Can I Grow To Eat In New York City?
If you live in New York City, you can grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and squash are all good choices for the city. Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme will also do well. If you have a sunny spot, you can even try growing citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.
7 Fruits and Vegetables You Can Grow In A NYC Apartment
If you live in a New York City apartment, you may think that growing your own fruits and vegetables is impossible. However, there are actually quite a few options for city dwellers who want to get their hands dirty. Here are seven fruits and vegetables you can grow in a NYC apartment.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes love the sun and do well in warm weather. They can be grown in pots or hanging baskets and will provide you with fresh tomatoes all summer long. Click here for our Recommended 14 Rare Tomato & Tomatillo Garden Seeds
- Peppers: Peppers come in a variety of colors and can be grown indoors or out. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day and do best in warm weather.
- Eggplants: Eggplants are heat-loving plants that do well in containers. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day and should be watered regularly.
- Squash: Squash can be grown in small spaces and does well in warm weather. Zucchini, summer squash, and pumpkins are all good choices for the city.
- Herbs: Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme do well in pots and can be grown on a windowsill. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day and should be watered regularly.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges can be grown in pots on a sunny balcony. They need at least eight hours of sunlight per day and should be watered regularly.
- Greens: Greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Check out the pricing on this 20 Most Popular Vegetables Seeds Variety Pack
Plan out your garden space, including where to put each plant
Gardening is a great way to enjoy some time outdoors and to get in touch with nature, even if you don’t have a lot of space. If you’re like many people, you may only have a small balcony to work with. But that doesn’t mean you can’t grow a beautiful and bountiful garden!
The key is to plan out your space carefully, so you can make the most of every inch. Start by measuring the dimensions of your balcony, then sketch out a basic plan.
Next, research which plants will do well in your particular climate and soil type. Once you’ve decided what to grow, it’s time to start planting! Be sure to leave enough room between each plant so they have room to grow.
Related: 5 Best Cities for Preppers to Live In
Install a railing planter or other type of container garden
Container gardens are a great way to add a splash of color to small spaces, like balconies or patios. Planters come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that fits your space. Railing planters are a great option for small balconies, as they can be hung directly over the railing.
If you have a bit more space, consider adding a small table or shelves to create an herb garden or mini flower display. Whatever type of container garden you choose, be sure to select plants that are suited for your climate and environment. With a little care and attention, your container garden will thrive all season long.
How to keep the plants in your balcony garden alive
For many people, the 2020-2021 season has been a time to explore new hobbies or finally get around to some long-awaited projects. One of the most popular activities has been gardening, with people of all ages and experience levels taking up the challenge of growing their own plants.
If you’re one of the millions of people who have recently started gardening, you may be wondering how to keep your plants alive and thriving. Here are some tips for successful small balcony gardening if you live in an apartment with a small balcony.
First, choose the right plants. Not all plants are suited for life in a small pot on a sunny balcony. Look for plants that are drought-tolerant and don’t mind being rootbound. Some good options include herbs like oregano and thyme, succulents like aloe vera and sedum, and small fruits like strawberries and blueberries.
Once you’ve chosen your plants, make sure they have adequate drainage. Balconies can get very hot in the summer, so it’s important to make sure that your plants don’t get too much water. Drill holes in the bottom of your pots or raise them up on pot feet to ensure good drainage.
Finally, don’t forget to fertilize your plants. Just like any other garden, balcony gardens need food to help them grow. Use a liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets to give your plants the nutrients they need. With a little care and attention, your balcony garden will be flourishing in no time.
What Size Containers Do I Need For My Small Balcony Garden?
One of the most challenging aspects of gardening in a small space is choosing the right size containers for your plants. If you’re not careful, you can easily end up in a cramped and overcrowded garden. But if you choose containers that are too large, you’ll end up wasting space and money. The best way to choose the right size containers for your balcony garden is to start by determining the size of your space.
Measure the length and width of your balcony, then sketch out a basic layout. Once you know how much space you have to work with, you can start shopping for containers.
As a general rule of thumb, larger containers are better for plants that need more room to grow, like tomatoes and peppers. Smaller containers are better for plants that don’t need as much space, like herbs and succulents.
Interesting Read: How to Store Seeds for Prepping: The Complete Guide
If you’re not sure what size to get, ask a gardening expert at your local nursery or garden center. They’ll be able to help you choose the right size containers for your space and plants. With a little planning and some careful container selection, you can easily create a beautiful and thriving balcony garden, even in the smallest of spaces. So get out there and start gardening!
How Often Should I Water My Plants?
One of the most important aspects of successful small balcony gardening is knowing how often to water your plants. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by new gardeners, and it can quickly lead to problems like root rot and fungal diseases.
To avoid overwatering, start by checking the soil before you water it. If the top inch or so of soil is dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, wait a few more days and check again. In general, most plants need to be watered once a week, though some may need more or less depending on the weather and the type of plant.
If you’re not sure how often to water your plants, ask a gardening expert or look up the care requirements for your specific plants. With a little trial and error, you’ll quickly get a feel for how often your plants need to be watered.