Just because you live in an apartment, it doesn’t mean you can’t grow a garden to your heart’s content. There are plenty of plants that do very well in small spaces and urban gardening can be beneficial and fun. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your garden growing lush and green.
Choose The Right Pots
Balcony gardening means you have no earth or soil to plant in. This means you’ll have to choose the right containers for your plants. Almost all plants need good drainage, so make sure your containers have drainage holes in the bottom. To help water drain even better, layer shards of broken terracotta and small stones along the bottom of your container to make sure your plants’ roots stay moist but not soggy.
Attract Pollinators
A garden planted in a backyard or field will automatically attract butterflies and bees simply because of its location, but a garden planted on a balcony in the city will need extra help. You can bring attention to your garden by planting butterfly and bee-friendly flowers.
Do Your Research
Before you start planting, scope out your balcony to see how much sunlight passes over it during the course of a day. If your balcony remains shady, you’ll need to get shade-loving plants, and if you’ve got a lot of sun, don’t get heat intolerant plants.
Prepare Your Soil
Since you’re planting in containers, you’ll need the right combination of soil, mulch, and fertilizer for your plants. Good soil is the foundation for any decent urban garden, so make sure you know what kind of fertilization your plants need before planting.
Don’t Over Do It
Your balcony is not a large place, so make plans ahead of time concerning placement and available square footage. Don’t overbuy and run out of room for your plants. Make sure you have room to group your pots together so watering is easier. If you’re just getting started, start small and with just a few plants. You can always add on later.
Protect Your Plants
If the weather gets bad, be ready to bring them inside. If your balcony is getting too hot, invest in a shade curtain that can be drawn to protect them from the harsh midday sun. You can also wrap your containers in towels or fabric to keep them warmer during the cooler nights.
