Balcony garden diy
21 Balcony Garden Ideas for Beginners in Small Apartments
Learn the basics of planning and designing a small-scale balcony or rooftop garden, plus get tips for selecting the best plants and containers. By Anne Balogh
Photo by: Proven Winners
Growing plants in a limited space like a balcony or terrace can be a challenge even for an experienced gardener, but it’s also a great opportunity to be creative and have fun.
From deciding what to grow (an urban vegetable garden? a tropical paradise?) to choosing imaginative containers (such as an old watering can or wood crate), the entire process can be an adventure. Yes, you still must adhere to the strict confines of your space, but there are many tricks for making every square inch count. Here are some tips to help you get started:
On this page: Maximize Your Space | Know Your Restrictions | How to Water | What to Grow | Choose Your Containers | Balcony Garden Ideas
On this page:
- MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE
- KNOW YOUR RESTRICTIONS
- HOW TO WATER
- WHAT TO GROW
- CONTAINERS
- BALCONY GARDEN IDEAS
MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE
How much space do you need for a balcony garden? Surprisingly, not much at all if you take advantage of walls, railings, and overhead structures.
Turn your balcony into a vertical garden. Attach pots, shelves, or trellises to the walls; and if your balcony has a ceiling, add a few hooks for hanging plants. Cover the railings of your balcony with chicken wire to support climbing plants, or purchase plant hangers that can be attached to the top of a railing. (See more vertical gardening ideas.)
Think of your balcony garden as an extension of your indoor living space. If you choose plant colors and textures that echo the interior design, even the smallest balcony will look more expansive and welcoming.
KNOW YOUR RESTRICTIONS
In addition to the square footage of your balcony, there may be other restrictions that will limit what you can plant and where. If you live in an apartment building or condo, be sure to check what’s permissible by the building owner before you begin.
Weight. There may be weight restrictions and rules regarding what you can hang from balcony railings and walls. If the balcony is attached to your home, know how much weight it can safely support. The weight from large ceramic containers and wet soil can add up quickly.
Microclimate. The amount of sunlight the space receives is the most critical factor to consider, but wind exposure and temperature are important too.
- Wind: Strong winds, which are common on balcony and rooftop gardens high above the ground, can quickly dry out the soil, rip the petals off flowers, and knock over tall potted plants.
- Heat: Sun reflecting from windows can intensify the heat of a balcony garden and burn delicate foliage. Even the basic construction of your balcony (such as concrete vs. wood) will affect how much heat it retains.
- Shade: Many urban balconies receive quite a bit of shade if surrounded by tall buildings or covered by an overhang. Often you can work around this problem by putting sun-loving plants near the perimeter of the balcony, where the sun is more prevalent.
Tip: If wind is a problem on your balcony, consider using balcony privacy screens as windbreaks to protect more fragile plants. You can also put plants that don't like the wind in low pots near a wall to give them more protection.
HOW DO YOU WATER A BALCONY GARDEN?
Few balcony or rooftop gardens have access to an outside water source, which means you’ll have to rely on water from a sink or bathtub to keep your plants well-hydrated. To minimize your trips back and forth lugging heavy jugs of water, try some of these strategies for watering your plants:
- If you have lots of plants to water, consider investing in a large, lightweight watering can that you can fill in the bathtub. Collapsible watering cans are great space savers for balcony gardens because they flatten when not in use.
- Put saucers or trays under your plants to collect any water overflow so you don’t waste a drop. Self-watering pots, such as AquaPots®, can also help conserve water and significantly decrease watering frequency.
- Eliminate watering cans altogether by purchasing a lightweight, expandable garden hose that you can attach to a kitchen sink using an adapter. They come in lengths as long as 100 feet and retract when not in use for easy storage.
Keep in mind that the hotter and windier the conditions on your balcony, the more frequently you’ll need to water -- sometimes as often as twice a day. If a convenient water source is far from reach, make life easier by growing plants with low water requirements, such as cacti and succulents.
WHAT CAN YOU GROW IN A BALCONY GARDEN?
Photo by: Ania K / Shutterstock
Just about any plant you can grow in a container is fair game for a balcony garden, as long as you have the space for it and can give it the appropriate amount of sun or shade. If you live in a climate with cold winters, consider growing some plants that are hardy enough to leave outdoors year-round or that can be overwintered indoors so you don’t have to start from scratch again each spring.
- Herbs
- Vegetables
- Small trees, such as dwarf citrus trees or olive trees
- Small shrubs
- Container-friendly annuals and perennials for shade or sun
- Succulents
- Tropical houseplants, such as philodendron or spider plant.
- Flowering vines and other climbing plants, if you have a trellis or other vertical support.
WHAT CONTAINERS ARE BEST FOR A BALCONY GARDEN?
Anything that can hold soil and has good drainage has potential for a balcony container garden. The style can range from fancy to frivolous, depending on your tastes, but the container should be practical and suit the purpose. Some factors to consider include container weight, durability, weather resistance, ease of watering, and cost.
- Plastic and fiberglass plant containers are ideal for balcony gardens because they’re lighter in weight than terracotta or ceramic pots and come in a vast array of styles and sizes. However, on windy balconies, they can be blown over easily unless they’re secured in place.
- Fabric grow bags are another lightweight container option, with the added advantage of being easy to store after the growing season is over. They also have handles for more convenient portability.
- Hanging baskets and outdoor railing baskets are real space savers and can be used to grow everything from herbs to houseplants to trailing vegetables.
- Tiered planters are another space-saving solution that allow you to use vertical space for your garden rather than taking up precious space on your balcony floor.
See more tips for choosing the right container.
Featured in: Garden Design's Top 10 Garden Trends for 2022 ("Maximizing Balconies & Porches")
BALCONY GARDEN IDEAS
Most herbs will flourish on a sunny balcony or terrace and require very little space to grow. If your balcony doesn’t have good sun exposure, some herbs that grow well in partial shade include parsley, chervil, cilantro, and tarragon. Photo: Franz Peter Rudolf / Shutterstock
On a small balcony, take advantage of vertical space to maximize your growing room. Wood pallets turned on end, old book shelves, or tiered planters are all practical solutions for gardening up rather than out. Photo by: Eurybia / Shutterstock
Don’t be afraid to play with colors and plant types. A mix of small trees, shrubs, foliage plants, and colorful annuals will add interest and diversity to your balcony garden. Photo by: Udo Kroener / Shutterstock
Flowers cascading over railings and climbing up trellises bring breathtaking color and fragrance to this charming European balcony garden. The symmetrical arrangement of the plantings helps define the space and create balance. Photo by: Leigh Trail / Shutterstock
Slatted walls covered in climbing plants and other greenery turn an open balcony into a private retreat. The walls also function as windbreaks, protecting the delicate foliage. Photo by: Tapui / Shutterstock
A dwarf olive tree is the perfect choice for a balcony garden because of its low water requirements and resistance to high winds and subfreezing temperatures. If you plan to use the tree as a focal point, uplight it at night to reflect the beauty of the silvery foliage. Photo by: Ania K / Shutterstock
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Balcony garden ideas: 15 ways to create an oasis
These balcony garden ideas will help you create a beautiful space and reap the benefits of outdoor life, even if you live in the city and don't have a traditional yard out large outdoor space.
Considering the weather conditions, such as the amount of sunlight the balcony gets how windy it can be, and of course, how much space you have, will help when deciding which flowers to purchase or grow.
And, if you're not sure where to start and need some fresh garden ideas to inspire you, we've asked the experts to share their balcony garden knowledge with us – just for you.
Balcony garden ideas
These are our favorite small garden ideas for balcony gardens – plus tons of design advice and inspiration.
1. Use all surfaces of your balcony
(Image credit: Getty Images)
So much attention in gardening is focused downwards on digging, planting and weeding flower beds and lawns, but vertical gardens can make the most of a small space.
There's a good chance your balcony has limited square footage, so take advantage of all the surface area you have available. Vertical space can be maximized, for example, with hanging planters that hook directly onto your railing.
2. Choose the right size planters
(Image credit: Getty Images - WestEnd61)
When you plan a small garden, it's important to factor in the size of the planters, and resist them temptation to overcrowd the space, so you can give plants enough room to grow.
'The container needs to be large enough to support the size plant(s) you will be growing in it,' says Jeanine Standard of Proven Winners , one of the leading plant brands in the U.S. 'The more plants you are adding to the container, the larger it needs to be in order to hold a good amount of soil that will provide the water the plant needs. '
3. Choose a type of garden
(Image credit: Terrain)
Before you start planting, decide what type of garden you want to have, as well as the type that'll work for your outdoor space.
A balcony that gets lots of light is perfect for annuals like poppies or petunias or a vegetable garden, while one that's mostly in the shade can be better suited to flowers like Sweet Alyssum or boxwood shrubs.
When you're container gardening, it's also wise to separate annuals and perennials, that way come winter, you can move your perennial planters indoors.
4. Use a plant stand
(Image credit: SuccyPlanters on Etsy)
A multi-tiered plant stand allows for plenty of pots without crowding the floor. Use all the same plant to make a cohesive statement, or vary your pots and planters for a cottage container garden feel.
5. Grow a living wall vegetable garden
(Image credit: Growing Revolution)
When you think of a vegetable garden, you may think of a sprawling suburban yard or a large plot of farmland, but a balcony wall can offer a chance to incorporate a small vegetable garden into your limited outdoor space.
'A vertical garden makes green space accessible to the masses and as attention continues to turn to where our food comes from, we’re not hugely surprised that people are now thinking about what more their living walls can offer them,' says Matt Lindsay, general manager at Growing Revolution . 'With a fixture against an external wall or on a balcony, those in flats and other urban homes can reap the physical, mental and environmental rewards that gardening for production provides.'
(Image credit: Ali Allen/Jacquie Melville/Nassima Rothaker)
Specialising in small-space gardening and the ever-popular trend of container planting, Isabelle Palmer of The Balcony Gardener is deftly positioned to provide expert balcony garden ideas that will transform bijou outdoor areas into ‘the fifth room’.
'When I first moved to London I had a flat with two very small balconies – it was a contrast to the large garden I was used to growing up, and I wanted to recreate a piece of that in my new home.
'At home now I have a balcony and a larger garden, so I feel connected to containers or landscaping. Both are enjoyable, but if I had to pick it would be containers, the main benefit being the instant gratification.'
Here, a selection of colorful containers and pots – filled with fragrant plants – standout against a simple backdrop.
7. Set up a dedicated spot for an oversized planter
(Image credit: Ali Allen/Jacquie Melville/Nassima Rothaker)
Planting in balcony gardens can be more complicated than backyards as there’s no soil to plant directly into, and often the space is much smaller too – but this doesn’t mean that you’re unable to enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers.
Using containers and pots means that you can position your plants anywhere in the space and is a great way to personalise and add color to a balcony. Adapt the size and amount of pots to the space and your taste.
Plenty of pots may add charm and personality, but you may prefer to take inspiration from these courtyard garden ideas and create a more minimalist space with just one oversized planter, as shown above.
8. Add a table and chairs to large balcony gardens
(Image credit: Ali Allen/Jacquie Melville/Nassima Rothaker)
Balcony gardens are the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee or an afternoon tea, so why not set up a cozy spot to perch.
This space mixes nature with surrounding structures, in a way that is very original. The style is undulating and looks like a beautiful picture. There’s structure, but there’s a wild harmony to it that fits with the overall design ethos.
9. Create a fifth room with your balcony garden ideas
(Image credit: Ali Allen/Jacquie Melville/Nassima Rothaker)
Use your balcony to plan a small garden that complements the rest of your home decor.
'I approach designing balconies as I would do any other room in the house,' advises Isabelle Palmer . 'Clients will tell me about the sort of gardens they like, and we try and create a condensed version of that. I pick up on the style of the room that leads to the balcony.
'There might be a beautiful painting on the wall that will inform the color choices of the plants. I think of the garden as the fifth room and make the design fit the aesthetic.
'The finished space should elongate the home, so interior design is as important as garden design when it comes to small gardens and balconies.'
10. Plant according to sunlight
(Image credit: Future / Mark Scott)
You need to consider how much sunlight your balcony gets. This may mean you have to position plants in certain places, and it will also help in deciding which plants to choose.
If you get sunlight pretty much all day, choose varieties such as petunias or marigolds. If sun is hard to come by, primroses and foxgloves would be good options.
11. Take the weather conditions into consideration
(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)
If your balcony is quite high up, or you are planning a roof garden, your plants may have to also survive the harsh wind. If this is the case, try and find more sheltered areas to position the plants.
Plants which are low-lying and therefore less likely to break in the wind, such as begonias, chrysanthemum, pansies and succulents, should fare better than taller plants such as delphiniums.
12. Pretty up with picture-perfect pots
(Image credit: Future / Carolyn Barber)
If you have no soil to plant directly into, containers are a great alternative and will provide the conditions needed to grow flowers. You can choose from pots, hanging baskets and window boxes.
Containers are a great way to let your personality shine. For the eco-conscious, you could use an old wellington boot as a container or find a brightly colored pot to add some happiness and color to your balcony garden ideas.
13. Keep balcony plants hydrated
(Image credit: Future / Holly Jolliffe)
Plants will need to be watered in order to survive and thrive. Think about the best way to do this. If you can, install an outside tap that will save you carrying water from inside the building, or find a way to collect rainwater if you want to incorporate sustainable small garden ideas into your scheme.
If this isn’t possible, think about the number of trips you’ll have to do, and don’t get more plants than you’ll be willing to water. It's also a good idea to invest in a garden watering can for those top-ups for thirsty plants.
14. Experiment with pots, plants and heights
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)
Consider the direction you want to grow your plants in. Using bigger pots and growing vertically is easier and definitely a popular option in balcony garden ideas.
Having several hanging baskets all at different heights against a bare wall can create a great feature, like in the balcony garden above, and could be the main focus of the space.
15. Choose the right colors for a small balcony
(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)
'Choose the colors that you love, but don't go too vivid – restrict your palette to around three different colors that work well with each other,' advises Isabelle.
If you want to make a small garden look bigger, Isabelle advises: 'Lighter color flowers really open up a space, so put your lightest flowers at the furthest point so that your eyes are drawn outwards.'
How do I arrange my balcony garden?
How you arrange your balcony garden will depend entirely on the size of available space – and, what you hope to achieve from this extra room.
'Nearly every brief used to have "pretty and low-maintenance" at the top, whereas now it’s about more than that,' says Isabelle. 'Mindfulness and tranquility play a huge part in balcony garden ideas, and people want to feel connected to nature – it’s about creating a welcoming space for wildlife as well as family and friends.'
'The therapeutic element means that people are happy to spend a bit more time growing and maintaining. Next year it will be even more about multitasking. We expect our balcony gardens to work a lot harder for us and become so much more than just a place to sit and have lunch. They are an entertaining space, a work place, a vegetable garden and a healing retreat.'
What plants grow well on a balcony?
The plants that grow well in balcony gardens will depend which direction the space is facing and how much sunlight it receives during the day.
‘I would always begin with an evergreen palette so you can maintain your garden all year round – choose things like gymeas and yuccas, ivy, and waxy leaf plants, because they are more durable in terms of gardening,' says Isabelle. 'Ferns are great, especially if you have a shadier area.’
You can even include one or two of the best trees for a small garden, planted in pots or containers.
How do I start a small balcony garden?
It is easier than you think to plan small balcony garden ideas. With a just little know-how, you will be well on your way to creating a space that meets your every desire.
'You need to begin by thinking about what you want to use the space for,' explains Isabelle. 'Quite often, balconies are incredibly tiny, so they're usually a place where you would sit and relax. However, you can also use balcony gardens strategically to screen off sections of a view that you don't particularly want to see, which is often the case in cities.
'You can also use balcony garden ideas purposefully – to grow herbs or something to eat, like by incorporating some small vegetable garden ideas into your space. Think about zoning your balcony, and how to use the space for one specific purpose.
'In the end, balcony garden ideas are just about having a bit of fun. Include plants you like and don't take it too seriously. Everybody fails, even the best gardeners, so that's why you need to take things slowly and build up your confidence with time.’
How to create a cozy garden on a balcony: 10 tips from a landscape architect
We asked Olga Stepanova, a landscape architect and teacher at the "Details" school, what plants to choose, how to place them correctly and what will help turn a balcony into a cozy garden, like in a country house.
Publication date: 05/18/2020
Material prepared: Julia Sakharova
“My motto is to turn problems into opportunities,” says Olga Stepanova. - First, let's try to imagine not just a balcony in a multi-storey building, but a real hanging garden. The limited space of the balcony will be an occasion to create a garden microcosm, a cozy corner in which there will be all the best: flowering thickets, a sofa for relaxing, and a wooden covering, like on a terrace. You went out onto the balcony - and you are already at the dacha.
Photo: press office
A short formula for a cozy balcony garden
- Bet on annuals that bloom from spring to frost.
- Do not take perennials - in extreme conditions of balcony life (temperature changes, wind, soil freezing), they will not show high decorative qualities.
- Take indoor plants to the balcony. They will noticeably improve over the summer.
- Use wood for flooring. It is pleasant to walk barefoot on it, it is warm. A composite board is also suitable: it lasts a long time, does not fade, does not deform, and is almost indistinguishable from wood.
- Create a place to relax: a small sofa, an ottoman or a chaise longue with a soft mattress, pillows will do.
- Place a sisal or cotton rug for comfort and coziness.
- Use different light sources: lanterns, candles, garlands of light bulbs. This will set the mood for the holiday.
- Set up outdoor furniture, since we want to make a garden on the balcony.
- Place a rack with different plants at the end of the balcony. Another variation on the same solution: hanging plant boxes.
Using specific examples, we show how great these techniques work.
1. Use any free space for plants
At the end of the balcony, you can organize a place to relax. Why not, if there are many different surfaces for plants. Flowering annuals can take a light hanging box, and plants from the room can move to a narrow rack and window sill.
2. Choose simple solutions and handy tools
Use the simplest tools at hand, such as a shipping pallet as a base for an ottoman or a drawer as a table. This will give the garden on the loggia ease in the spirit of country style. Plant simple plants that are easy to care for. For example, a petunia will bloom all summer long, a thuja in a pot will turn green at any time of the year, and creepers will create a green wall - it will be cozy here for at least five months a year.
Photo: IKEA
3. Decorate your outdoor balcony the right way
If the balcony railings are as open as possible, then geranium, begonia elatior and climbing vertical ivy, as well as blooming annuals: surfinia, nasturtium, lobelia, will serve as an excellent decor for them.
4. Place foldable garden furniture
Place foldable garden furniture on the balcony: it saves space even visually.
Also take a look at hanging planters: they will help decorate the upper level of the space with greenery. Pay attention to multifunctional things: perforated containers are used instead of planters on this balcony. A bag of soil was inserted into each such container, the plants took their places in the cells. In this case, tulip bulbs and greens were planted. In the same way, you can plant gacinths and mini-daffodils.
Hardy plants - geranium, sansevieria, and a small ficus lyrata - were placed on the tables. Good choice, take note.
Photo: IKEA
5. Get by with houseplants, but big ones
It's easy to get by with just houseplants, but they need to be big enough. For example, the Nephrolepis and Schefflera fern are quite resistant and will not experience any stress if they are transferred to the street. Just make sure that they are not damaged by sudden frosts, and this happens even in June.
6. Create the illusion of a gazebo with ivy
Even on a small balcony, you can organize a cozy seating area - with a place to relax, pillows, a table, lanterns. Vertical gardening with vines (in this case, ivy) creates the illusion that you are in a gazebo outside the city. That's why creepers are worth using. True, for the winter the ivy will have to be moved into the house. Alternatively, climbing annuals like nasturtium can be used.
Also add flowers to this composition that will bloom all summer, such as Wittrock Violets ("pansies").
7. Combine large and small plants
Be sure to find a place for a real garden lounger. In the company of a mattress and homemade pillows, it is a cozy place to relax. Large indoor plants in this mise-en-scene play the role of trees, while medium and small ones play the role of bushes, flowers, grass. Pay attention to white flowers: a garden, solved in white, will always look elegant.
8. Set up a garden or mini-garden in hanging containers
If you need to save space, here's a useful idea: hanging balcony containers. In addition, to save space, plants can be placed on wall hanging shelves. A tiny herb garden is an elegant solution. Chives, any mint, parsley and dill, as well as small-fruited remontant strawberries are well suited for growing - the berries will be until autumn. Only a sunny place, rich soil and timely watering are needed.
9. Add romance
Paint the balcony walls with different shades of white: eggshell, limestone, chalk. If you love romance, decorate your balcony with pink flowers. They will create a mood of tenderness.
10. Create a color contrast
Do not be afraid of radical solutions and compositions based on contrast. An example is this loggia. The bright pink wall mural contrasts sharply with a splash of greenery, and this is an example of an actual color combination.
Photo: Farrow&Ball
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We make a winter garden on the balcony with our own hands: 13 photos
In a noisy, dusty and stuffy city, apartment dwellers have learned to appreciate every minute spent in nature. But in the modern rhythm of life, few manage to get out to the dacha, the river, or at least for walks in the parks quite often. That is why, more and more often, elements of “natural” styles appear in the interiors of apartments - stone, wood trim, the predominance of natural light and light colors.
However, the most popular way to make an apartment livelier and to give ecological styles a certain identity is to place green and flowering plants in it. Moreover, the cacti placed on the windowsills and shelves will not surprise anyone, because true connoisseurs of wildlife are able to organize a real winter garden in their own apartment!
Great place for relaxation!Contents
Advantages of arranging a winter garden in an apartment
Why is it so attractive to place a winter garden in an ordinary city apartment? Firstly, the opportunity to create a stunning interior of a balcony or loggia - most often, flower gardens are arranged in these rooms so as not to occupy the usable space of living rooms. Secondly, growing and caring for flowers, herbs, and even fruit crops can be a great hobby and can be a substitute for a full-fledged garden with a vegetable garden if you don’t have the opportunity to purchase a summer house. Such an occupation requires constant attention, perseverance and the acquisition of new knowledge, which will undoubtedly benefit those who like to engage in self-development.
If you wish, you can combine business with pleasure!Well, another valuable feature of the winter garden - together with it on the balcony you can arrange a whole recreation area, which will serve as an excellent place for relaxation, bringing feelings and thoughts in order. Living plants will create a special, favorable microclimate in the room, which means that the general well-being, physical and mental, of the inhabitants of the apartment will improve.
So, the main advantages of arranging a winter garden on a balcony are:
- Original balcony interior suitable for "green" apartments;
- An exciting activity, thanks to which you will learn a lot of new things;
- Improving the microclimate of the apartment and the well-being of its residents.
Naturally, each undertaking has its drawbacks and pitfalls. In this case, only one thing can be noted - you will have to tinker with the repair of the balcony so that the room is ideal for placing plants. But this is more of a minor difficulty than a significant disadvantage. And about how to prepare a balcony or loggia for the equipment of a home greenhouse, we'll talk below.
Necessary conditions for creating a winter garden
As mentioned above, the process of arranging a flower garden on a balcony cannot be called easy. You will have to take care of the quality repair of the premises, and the proper placement of plants, as well as the right choice of furniture and decor.
Let's start with the basics - how to prepare a balcony or loggia for placing plants? First of all, you need:
- Make sure the balcony structures are intact , reinforce them if necessary. If it is planned to equip a recreation area with massive pots, planters, etc. on the balcony, be sure to check how much weight its floors can withstand. If there is a loggia, this item disappears;
- Glazing a balcony or loggia if the room was open before. At the same time, the quality of the work done is important - the presence of cracks or a loose fit of the valves can lead to drafts and, accordingly, the death of plants. It is best to install multi-chamber double-glazed windows;
- Seal all gaps, seams and cracks with . This must be done for the same reason as described in the second paragraph;
- Insulate room and take care of its waterproofing;
- Provide heating to the balcony or loggia. An additional radiator, underfloor heating system or electric heaters suspended from the ceiling are perfect. In the event that the repair budget does not allow you to buy such equipment, you need to make sure that the temperature conditions of the room are suitable for the plants you have chosen.
In addition, it is worth considering the use of moisture-resistant materials for finishing the winter garden. These can be:
- Plastic panels;
- Tile;
- Wood treated with special compounds;
- Natural stone or masonry;
- Linoleum, etc.
Of course, it is best to give preference to more natural materials, but still the main selection criterion in our case is practicality.
How to place plants on a balcony or loggia
In case of insufficient lighting, you need to make artificialEveryone knows that different plants grow better in different conditions. There are heat-loving, moisture-loving, cold-resistant or shade-intolerant species. In order to choose exactly those plants that will suit your balcony, you first need to determine its location relative to the cardinal points.
So, if the balcony is located:
- On the north side , it is dominated by uniform diffused illumination. Here, the sun's rays will not warm the room much, which means that if it is not possible to install special lamps for plants and additional heating, you will have to choose those plants that are resistant to low temperatures and unpretentious to the lack of bright light. It can be gardenia, begonia, maidenhair, ficus or climbing ivy.
- On the south side of , the plants will receive maximum natural light and heat. In this case, you can safely give free rein to your imagination and organize a real paradise with dwarf tangerine trees, light-loving palm trees, flowering cacti and various ampelous flowers. But even in this case, you will have to carefully monitor the condition of the plants - the roots should not overheat, and the “greenhouse” effect should not be created on the balcony itself. Airing or installing a split system will help. It is also necessary to hang curtains or blinds on the windows, and do not forget to maintain the necessary air humidity with the help of a special device or a regular sprinkler.
- On the east side of , there will be moderate light and temperature on the balcony in the morning. But in the afternoon the sun can bake, especially in the summer. To create a shadow in this case, blinds are suitable, and an air conditioner or a split system can maintain the optimum temperature. You can grow ficus, dieffembachia, ginger, coffee tree and various ampelous flowers on such a balcony.
- On the west side of , the heat will remain 24/7. But on such a balcony, you should also take care of shading. Suitable for growing fuchsia, monstera, ragwort, as well as some types of exotic plants such as coconut.
In general, modern technologies make it possible to create the necessary conditions and microclimate in any well-insulated room. Installing a split system will help you avoid many mistakes and greatly simplify the care of plants in the winter garden.
Now let's figure out exactly how to place plants on a balcony or loggia:
- Dwarf trees, palm trees, large cacti or shrub flowers should be planted in large outdoor pots or flowerpots. In order to save space and comply with safety regulations, you should not place more than two or three heavy flowerpots on the balcony;
- For a window sill, long hanging pots are suitable, in which you can plant ampelous flowers, ornamental grass or various spices. You can also get confused with growing balcony garden crops like strawberries, tomatoes, etc.;
- Small plants can be placed in beautiful pots on a shelf or bookcase. In addition, here you can place books, decor elements, as well as utensils necessary for caring for plants;
- Hanging plants and climbing plants look great in hanging pots - they can be placed both against walls and under the ceiling.
When placing flowers, trees and shrubs on the balcony, it is important to remember that they should not interfere with the passage through it, block the free opening of the door or touch the heads of people on the balcony. At the same time, larger and lush plants should not cover the small ones - the light should be evenly distributed to all leaves and flowers.
The choice of furniture and decor for the winter garden on the balcony
Another important condition for creating a really cozy and ergonomic place of rest with a greenhouse on the balcony is the right choice of furniture for it. Since balconies usually have a small footage and are designed for a small weight load, when arranging furniture and various decor, you need to remember a few important things:0003
- Furniture should be light and compact. The surest option is wooden seats on the sides of the balcony, inside of which there are boxes for storing utensils, clothes or vegetables;
- For well-fortified and large balconies, as well as loggias, wicker furniture, rocking chairs and even chests of drawers are suitable;
- Necessary plant care utensils do not have to be hidden in boxes - beautifully arranged on hanging shelves or on a bookcase, they can become an excellent decor element;
- A small tabletop fountain or bonsai with a pond at the base will give a special flavor to the home garden. Such a piece of furniture will not only please the eye, but also additionally humidify the air in the room, which will undoubtedly help the plants;
- If bright flowers with large buds will prevail in your winter garden, you should not place bright decor.
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