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If you think your space is too small to learn how to plan a container garden for your apartment balcony or patio space, think again!
Many of us are living in urban areas with less. Whether limited by time, space, or money, it’s important to make the most of what we have. And that’s how I got started with container gardening.
Container gardening is a convenient, cost-effective, and inclusive way to grow plants all year.
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Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, everyone can reap the benefits of blearning how to plan a container garden.
In this article, I will show you step-by-step how to plan a container garden for an apartment balcony, no matter where you live!
Let’s get started!
1. Observe Your Space
What does your space look like? Do you have patio space or just the balcony? Is there cover from rain and sun or is it completely open? When do you receive the most amount of sunlight during the day?
Before you plant anything, you should know the answers to these questions.
Sun. My balcony is west-facing. While it’s cool and shady in the morning, the balcony is a hotspot for warm and intense rays in the afternoon into the evening. Depending on which way your balcony is facing, you may have to consider plants that are more heat tolerant or vice versa.
Shade. Pay attention to how much shade your balcony gets and how the shadows move throughout the day. The worst thing you can do is set up your garden only to find out your plants can’t get the amount of sunlight they need!
Wind. The wind is unpredictable. Not only can it knock your pots over, but your plants could end up damaged. To prevent them from getting knocked over, choose heavy-material pots, such as terracotta. Stake your plants for extra support.
Some sunny and bright area plants include herbs, berries, melons, and tomatoes. The ideal temperature for bright and sunny plants would be mid-70s and above.
Shady and cool area vegetables to consider are kale, potatoes, carrots, and broccoli. These cool-weather vegetables do well in temperatures around the 70s or lower.
Check your planting zone and start small to get an idea of what will be most successful.
2. Choose Your Container
Choosing the right container is one of the biggest challenges of container gardening. Every type of planter material will have its pros and cons.
The most common materials include:
Plastic
This is the most common and budget-friendly option that people use for pots. It’s cheap, strong, and lightweight, and you can find them in abundance pretty much everywhere. The downside of plastic is the obvious damage to our environment, so please try to repurpose or upcycle plastic containers whenever you can! A great idea is upcycled milk crates. Durable, cheap, stackable, and perfect for square-foot gardening on a balcony or patio!
Terracotta
Terracotta is a classic and popular choice due to its look. The pots are heavy and don’t get knocked over by the wind easily. But if they do, it can be a huge mess to clean up! Terracotta is also porous, which means it loses water easily. If your balcony isn’t shaded, this can be an issue for moisture.
Wood
Wood is a great option due to its organic nature and it’s also not too expensive. The only issue with wood is that it will eventually rot over time. Avoid chemically treated wood; only use wood that has been heat-treated. You’ll see this on the wood as a stamp or label. If you’re not sure about the source, just skip it to be safe!
Metal
I haven’t used too many metal planters but I wouldn’t be against it. The only problem with metal is that if you’re in warmer climates like me (Florida), metal is a great conductor of heat! You don’t want to burn up your plant, so if you’re in a hot climate, try to use metal planters inside only or in the shade. As long as you can drill holes for drainage at the bottom and it has a proper coating, metal planters are a great choice for container gardening.
Creative Planter Ideas
Always resource planters wherever you can. But when you plan a container garden for your apartment balcony, you may have to think beyond the traditional planters.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Railing planters (or hangers and hooks): Ideal for balconies, fences, and posts.
- Hanging overhead troughs: Great for balconies and a major space saver.
- Tower gardens: Cheap, cute for aesthetics. Perfect for planting herbs and perennials.
- Planters on wheels: Easier movement for larger pots.
- Upcycled containers: Use anything from storage totes and juice jugs to 5-gallon buckets.
- Fabric grow bags: My favorite! These come in different sizes so they can fit into any space, they’re easy to transport, and breathable for those hot and humid climates.
What Size Container Do You Need?
Honestly, there are so many different-sized pots to choose from but a general rule of thumb is the bigger the pot, the better!
Shallow pots are typically better for herbs or succulents while root vegetables like carrots or potatoes will need deep containers with at least 12 inches or more.
- If space is limited or you only have smaller pots on hand, check out 27 Cute and Practical Plant Ideas for Tiny Pots!
Larger soil volumes also stay moisturized for longer. Keep in mind though, when watering, you can have a pot full of soil that gets way too heavy. H
Always check with your property management office if you have concerns!
Ensure Proper Drainage
Ensure any container you use has a hole at the bottom for drainage. Place a paper towel or landscaping fabric over the hole to prevent soil from spilling out of the pot.
If drilling drainage holes isn’t an option, cut up sponges and place the pieces at the bottom of the pot to soak up excess water.
3. Use a Healthy Soil Mix
When growing plants or vegetables in containers, having suitable soil is essential.
If you can afford it, choose a quality potting mix over a potting soil.
Potting mix is an organic, lighter, mix formulated specifically for pots. Mixes are completely sterile to guarantee the best environment for seedlings.
Potting soil is cheaper, heavier, and denser, but still light enough for potted plants. There are risks of bacteria, pathogens, or fungi that could kill your seeds or cause them not to germinate. Potting soil may or may not contain actual soil.
Unless you are a purely organic gardener, potting soil is still a good choice for any beginner. Adding compost to potting soil over time can help it become lighter and fluffier over time.
Compost is the best slow-release organic fertilizer you can use.
And luckily with advanced technology, composting in your space is easier than ever! This cuts down on your waste in the kitchen as you give back to the earth. If you’re committed, you’ll have a good pile of compost in as little as a few weeks to a few months.
4. Choose the Right Plants
A good starting point for learning to plan a container garden for an apartment balcony is picking the right plant. Write out a list of vegetables you want to grow and research the required spacing and maintenance needed. This will help utilize your space wisely and ensure a higher chance of success.
It might even be a good idea to sketch out a quick layout. You don’t need to be an artist, just use a pencil and paper to sketch out your future garden with the containers placed strategically.
If you don’t have enough space for your favorite plants, cross them off the list. Not having the right conditions for certain crops will become a frustrating and unproductive process.
If possible, you can save space through vertical gardening. This is ideal for tomatoes, pole beans, and other climbing crops. This method is great for a cleaner harvest and cuts down on pests and diseases.
Don’t forget to plant flowers as companions to your crops! Not only will they add a dose of happiness to your green space, but they are extremely valuable in attracting hard-working pollinators.
Easy Crops to Grow in a Balcony Garden
- Herbs (Basil, sage, oregano, thyme)
- Leafy greens (lettuce, arugula, kale)
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Peppers
- Egg Plant
- Beans
To help your seeds germinate, put them in a damp paper towel and seal them in a Ziploc bag.
Alternatively, you can plant seeds in egg cartons, cut water bottles, or even toilet paper rolls! Just simply follow the directions on the back of your seed packets for germination.
Remember as plants mature, the smaller the pot, the quicker your soil will dry out and that means more watering for you. If this doesn’t sound ideal, invest in self-watering pots. Elevate your planters to avoid algae and mildew from growing.
Always use saucers and drip trays.
Not only will they give you a couple of days of rest, but you lessen the risk of spilling water on a neighbor below.
Tips to Remember
- Group your plants in groups of threes to increase humidity and always use mulch to protect your soil from scorching heat! This is also a classic decor tip.
- Use creative methods like succession planting or vertical gardening to grow multiple varieties in a smaller space.
- Choose the dwarf or container variety for vegetables to grow in a smaller space as well as an easier harvest.
5. Decorate with a Theme
Once you have an idea of the weather conditions and plants you want to grow, you can decorate your balcony that reflects your personality!
In the past, people didn’t have social media, blogs, or even books to show them how to garden.
Instead, they learned to use their imagination and the resources they had on hand. So before you down your space for being too small, open your mind to the possibilities.
A good starting point for decor is your containers themselves! It might sound counterintuitive, but larger pots will give the illusion of having a bigger space. Smaller pots are a cheaper option but have too many and your space will start to feel claustrophobic.
Try spray painting pots one color or decorating with a repeating pattern to create cohesion.
For warmth, add ambient lighting like floor lanterns or fairy lights. Create a cute reading nook in the corner for a cozy vibe or alternate displays with plants of different heights to give your area some visual interest.
Decor Themes to Inspire Your Container Garden
Tropical garden – Perfect for hot and humid climates like Florida. Grow tropical plants that love the sun. Transport to a coastal getaway with a book or refreshing drink on those hot summer days.
Japanese Zen garden – Green is the color for peace and serenity. Use natural elements like water and rocks to reflect a cozy sanctuary. Keep it organic with a splash of red for Asian inspiration.
Moon garden – This unique idea is perfect for night owls! If you like hanging out on your balcony at night, decorate using white flowers and leaves with iridescent patterns that will glow under the moon.
These days, we’re looking to be more in tune with nature so make it a space truly designed for you. The opportunities are truly endless.
Final Thoughts
Did you find this post helpful? Pin and share!
This post has shown you How to Plan a Container Garden for Your Apartment Balcony!
Take the time to master your space before making major changes and take joy in the journey rather than the destination. You’ll be relaxing in your dream garden before you know it!
