When you have only a balcony to work with for gardening in your space-limited apartment, it can be hard to identify what to grow and how to maintain a thriving garden. It can even be disheartening when you come across bare walls and limited gardening space. However, it’s possible to enjoy balcony gardening with these invaluable tips.
Plant Selection
The right plant selection is a major consideration when it comes to balcony gardening. Rather than opting for tall magnolias, you want to settle for other plants that can thrive in pots. In particular, bedding plants such as begonias and petunias are excellent container plants that will brighten up the balcony from late spring to summer. It’s also worth noting that succulents make excellent houseplants besides being ideal for growing in balcony pots.
Planning the Garden
Before you embark on your gardening project, you want to ensure you recognize the amount of weight your balcony can withstand. While most balconies can accommodate a few beds or containers, you should evaluate the sturdiness of your space before you begin loading it with plants.
It might surprise you to find out how heavy containers can get once they’re full of water and soil. For this reason, you’ll want to spread the pots around your balcony rather than clump them in the same area. Doing so will ensure you spread the weight distribution to prevent gardening mishaps.
Revitalize Your Soil
If you’re a new grower, it’s best you stick to commercial mixes and buy the best quality available to ensure your plants have the necessary nutrition. Avoid reusing the previous mix without refreshing because you’ll find the nutrients spent. At the same time, the soil condition won’t be suitable for your new plants.
It’s equally important to test the soil with a pH test kit, which is accessible at most local garden stores. This way, you’ll examine whether your soil pH is appropriate to promote growth. Depending on the results, it will be possible to make minor modifications by feeding the soil with whatever’s missing. You must recognize your plant’s requirements concerning the soil pH. For instance, blueberries require acidic soil, so the typical bagged mix for vegetables might be unsuitable for your plant.
Shed Plants
Numerous balconies tend to be shady. If your balcony faces west or east, it will merely get direct sun partially throughout the day. On the same note, if it’s facing north, it might not obtain any direct sunlight. You should go out on the balcony in the afternoon, morning, and evening to determine how the shadows fall on your balcony space before you set up the garden.
Oftentimes, people set up balcony gardens only to discover that they positioned their plants in a spot that gets shaded by an obstruction for 80% of the day. Taking note of this factor will inform you of the best location for setup.
Balcony Design
Balconies aren’t similar in their design. Therefore, the masterpiece you come up with must be customized to your situation. To create a beautiful and productive balcony garden, you must follow certain fundamental rules of thumb. It’s worth noting that balconies comprise three distinct segments worth considering-the railing, floor, and everything else. Considering these layers will allow you to maximize the limited balcony space.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking of turning your balcony into a lush, beautiful garden but are concerned about where to begin, this guide will help you execute your plan successfully.
For more information on how to grow a spring garden on your balcony, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.