Apartment living doesn’t have to mean giving up on the joys of gardening. Even if you live in a rented space, there is definitely room for growth and you can still indulge yourself in a fantastic hands-on hobby with a collection of balcony garden ideas suited for all types of green thumbs.
Understanding the Space Available
A balcony garden in a rented apartment can be a confounding challenge for residents, especially those unfamiliar with horticulture. The key to a successful balcony garden lies in understanding the characteristics of your available space.
Firstly, figure out the exposure to sunlight on your balcony. Some plants love being bathed in sunlight whereas others prefer shady spots. Knowing the amount of sunlight exposure will help you select suitable plants for your space.
Secondly, gauge the overall size of your balcony. Some dwellings have large balconies that can accommodate standing planters while others might only have space for small hanging pots. Make the most of vertical, hanging, and railing planters in small balconies to maximize your green area.
Thirdly, always remember to consider the weight your balcony can bear. This is crucial if you’re planning to house a lot of plants or install heavy containers, stands or furniture.
Plan for Mobility
One of the unique challenges with balcony garden ideas for renters is that one day, you might have to move out. So, opting for a mobile garden that can travel with you is the best solution. There are a wealth of containers on the market suitable for planting, from self-watering pots, to lightweight plastic ones, to traditional terracotta pots.
Select smaller pots if you move frequently, or invest in a cart on wheels that can house numerous smaller pots. This provides the added advantage of being able to rotate your pots to ensure balanced growth, or move plants around based on their sun exposure needs.
Choose Plants Wisely
The choice of plants for your balcony garden should depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
If you are busy, opt for plants that are low-maintenance, hardy, and drought-tolerant such as succulents or snake plants. For culinary enthusiasts, creating a mini kitchen-garden with herbs like parsley, rosemary, mint, basil, and thyme can be a sensible choice.
For gardening beginners, it can be a good idea to start with plants that are easy to grow. Examples include geraniums, petunia, lettuce, spinach and radishes. They require minimal care but guarantee bountiful yields.
Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardening is an optimum way to maximize small spaces. Find vertical plant stands that can house multiple layers of small pots, or consider wall-mounted growing systems.
A creative spin would be to repurpose old shoe organizers or pallets. With quick modifications these can become handy vertical planting systems.
For edible plants, consider growing tomatoes, beans or cucumbers which can easily climb a trellis while adding a dash of greenery to your balcony.
Balcony Composting
Composting your kitchen waste is a great way to provide rich organic material for your plants and reduce waste. There are many composting bins perfectly designed for small spaces and without odours, making them a practical fit for balconies.
Plant Care and Maintenance
Remember, maintenance is key to thriving greenery. Regular watering, little pruning and watching out for pests are essential to maintaining a healthy balcony garden. In a small space, it’s easier for diseases to spread, so your plants need attention.
Use organic pesticides or insecticidal soaps to keep potentially harmful pests at bay and regularly check your plants for common diseases. Regular watering is dependent on the type of plant, the size of the pot, and the weather but as a general rule, you should water deeply and less frequently.
Creating a Comfortable Space
The final consideration for your balcony garden is to make it a space you enjoy. Complement your plants with comfortable furniture, maybe a small table and chair where you can enjoy morning coffee, read a book or work on your laptop surrounded by natural beauty.
String solar-powered fairy lights or hanging lanterns can add intimate ambiance for evenings. Install decorative birdfeeders or chimes to engage with local wildlife. You can even consider adding a small water feature for a calming effect.
Creating a balcony garden as a renter can seem daunting, but by understanding your space, planning for mobility, choosing the right plants and providing appropriate care, you can enjoy the calming effect of nature from the comfort of your own apartment – no yard required.
