Skip to main content

Balcony Gardening Basics

No garden? No problem! A balcony, patio, or even a sunny windowsill can be transformed into a productive and beautiful green space. Container gardening is easy to start and incredibly rewarding.

A vibrant balcony garden with various potted plants and flowers.

Step 1: Assess Your Space​

Before you buy anything, get to know your balcony.

  • Sunlight: How many hours of direct sunlight does your balcony get each day? This is the most important factor in choosing your plants. 6+ hours is "full sun," 3-6 hours is "part sun/shade," and less than 3 is "full shade."
  • Weight: Remember that pots filled with wet soil can be very heavy. If you plan on having many large containers, make sure your balcony can handle the load.

Step 2: Choose Your Containers​

You can grow plants in almost anything that holds soil and has drainage holes at the bottom.

  • Pots: Standard terracotta or plastic pots are a great start.
  • Railing Planters: These are perfect for maximizing space and hang securely on your balcony railing.
  • Vertical Gardens: Wall-mounted planters or tiered shelves are fantastic for growing a lot in a small footprint, especially for herbs and salads.

Step 3: Pick Your Plants​

The best part! Choose plants that match your sunlight conditions.

  • Full Sun: Tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and most herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme will thrive.
  • Part Sun/Shade: Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, as well as mint and parsley, do well with less sun.
  • Flowers: Marigolds, petunias, and geraniums add a splash of color and attract pollinators.

Step 4: Soil and Watering​

Always use a high-quality potting mix, not soil from your garden. Potting mix is lighter and drains better, which is essential for container plants.

Containers dry out much faster than garden beds, so you'll need to check your plants daily, especially on hot or windy days. Water thoroughly until you see it running out of the drainage holes.