A town or city balcony can make one of the most inviting mini gardens imaginable. It will also extend your living space if you create a flow from the indoor living area to the outdoors. With planning you can create an area that will add hours of relaxation and activity to your home.
Your first step in creating a balcony garden is to check your housing or renting policies. They will know what changes you can make to the balcony, what weight the balcony will hold and how any changes will need to be made. For example, any screen or partition may need to be screwed in not nailed.
Many housing units also have policies on if a balcony can be enclosed.
Microclimates play a big part in the success of a balcony garden. You will need to study the amount of sunlight your space receives and from what direction. A southern or southwestern lighting is more direct while northern lighting is softer. And wind can create damage if it is constant.
Wind will also cool a balcony area, which will make a difference in the plants you can grow. A high windy area will need a sturdier collection of plants. The addition of a screen, barrier or balcony wall will affect wind and create a warmer microclimate for plants.
If you are going for a lush balcony garden you will want to determine the plants you use. Will you be growing a mini kitchen garden with vegetables and herbs? Or do you plan of adding color with flowers and potted shrubs and trees? A balcony has limited space so keep size and space in mind when planning for plants. The use of small space garden techniques will be helpful.
You may also want to consider making use of your vertical space. Hanging baskets, a living wall or vertical garden will add a lush feel and privacy.
And one final step in designing the balcony garden is to look at your design from the inside. Find a focal point on the balcony that attracts you to the space and create from there. This might be a plant, water fountain, and lighting or table and chair.
And one final consideration is the added weight to your balcony. When selecting planters, plants and furniture try to select lightweight items.
Your balcony garden will be an enjoyable added addition to your home so take to to plan it to fit you and your families needs.
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