If you have a small balcony, it can be tricky to grow plants without them taking over the space. Fortunately, there are several types of plants that are perfect for balconies and stingers provide ample sun light. If you don’t want to spend time weeding your garden and love getting home early from work, these flowers will make your day!
The “best plants for balcony privacy” is a question that has been asked many times. The best plants to grow on your balcony are those that do not attract bugs, require little water, and can be planted in small spaces.
Are you short on space? (Photo courtesy of Getty)
Living in a city has its advantages: there are coffee shops on every corner, there is never a lack of things to do or people to see, and there are good transportation options, to mention a few.
However, one of the hardest aspects of city life is the rarity of having a garden – much alone one that you’re permitted to do anything with.
For some city dwellers, having a balcony is their saving grace; obviously, it’s not exactly a garden, but it’s at least a little of private outside area where you can read a magazine while sipping coffee on a beautiful morning.
Balconies are difficult to perceive for anything other than what they are, yet they may be transformed into your own personal garden.
How to make an edible garden on your balcony
Balconies are an excellent area to cultivate your own plants, particularly culinary plants like rosemary and tomatoes, if you’re green-fingered.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that while growing plants on your balcony rather than in a garden, there are a few things to keep in mind.
‘When growing plants on a windowsill or balcony, the main problem is light levels,’ says mindful gardening expert Kendall Platt to Metro.co.uk.
‘Often, the spaces you have to offer your plants don’t receive as much sunshine as they would like – but you should attempt to give them six hours of sun every day where you can.’
Water is another concern.
‘Keep in mind that even if it rains, your plants are unlikely to benefit, particularly if your balcony is covered,’ Kendall advises.
‘An after-work watering session will benefit your plants and help you relax at the end of the day,’ says the author.
What are the finest plants to grow on a balcony?
Given your limited area, it’s critical to make informed decisions about which plants to cultivate.
While there aren’t many choices, Kendall suggests cultivating plants that are not just attractive but also delicious and functional.
Tomatoes
Choose a tomato plant that isn’t as tall as the others. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
‘With their petite height, tomato cultivars like Balconi Yellow and Tumbling Tom are suitable for planting in pots on a balcony or ledge,’ Kendall explains.
‘Grow your tomatoes from seed or purchase ready-grown plants, then pot each one in a 25cm diameter container filled with peat-free compost.’
‘Bury the plant so that the lowest leaves are 3cm below soil level; this will encourage the plant to establish additional roots along the hidden stem and absorb more water.’
‘As much light as you can give them and continuous watering, which in the summer may be twice a day, are the keys to optimal tomato development.’
‘To see whether the soil needs watering, dig your fingers into it up to the second knuckle – if it feels dry, give it a drink; if it feels moist, wait until later that day.’
Rosemary
Ideal for garnishing your G&T (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and rubbing the leaves between your fingers will transport you to a Mediterranean paradise,’ Kendall told Metro.co.uk.
‘Rosemary thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soils, making it excellent for growing in a container.
‘Don’t think this means they won’t need to be watered, but they’ll be a lot easier to live with than your tomatoes.
‘Take frequent cuttings to use in cooking, to add to your kitchen table vase, or to garnish your gin and tonic, always remembering to cut the stem off above a lead node (where the leaf connects the stems),’ says the author.
Nasturtiums
In a salad, these blossoms are fantastic. (Image courtesy of Getty Images/Westend61)
‘Nasturtiums are a terrific companion plant for keeping pests away from your tomatoes,’ Kendall explains. ‘Their brilliant orange blossoms and patterned leaves trickle softly down the side of the container.’
‘The leaves and blossoms are edible, and they add color and a spicy flavor to salads.
‘Poor soil encourages plants to blossom more, so putting them in pots, where nutrients can be used up rapidly, ensures you get a plentiful show.’
‘You may put the seeds straight into your huge container – roughly 10cm apart – or sow the seeds in smaller pots and allow the plants to grow larger before planting them out into their ultimate location in their containers.’
‘Water the plants to keep the soil wet, but don’t feed them since you’ll end up with more leaves than blooms, and don’t forget to deadhead to encourage more flowers to develop.’
Pelargoniums with a scent
To scent your house, put the petals in a jar (picture courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto).
‘After a hard day at work, pelargoniums give a splash of vibrant color and a fresh zingy aroma to re-energise you,’ Kendall says.
‘Pot the pelargoniums into a long trug, being care to slant some of the plants so that they trail down the edge of the container as they develop.’
If you’re not sure where to begin, the attar of roses and bitter lemon variations are excellent choices.
‘Both the flowers and the leaves are edible and may be used to decorate or flavor jellies and cakes. Handfuls of the flowers and leaves cut and put in a jam jar can also bring that delicious smell into your house.
‘Throughout the growth season, regular deadheading and watering will provide a continual flush of blooms.’
‘Bring them inside when the weather becomes cooler in the fall; they make a lovely perfumed houseplant for a sunny place until the fear of frost has gone in the spring.’
Gardening (and more)
Fleabane from Mexico
All pollinators will be drawn to this plant (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love this low-maintenance addition to your balcony garden, and it prefers well-drained soils in sun or light shade,’ Kendall explains.
‘They are drought-tolerant, but will need occasional watering if planted in a pot – particularly if the rain can’t reach them on your balcony.’
‘Plants will produce a profusion of blooms with little input from you throughout the season, but straggly stems will need to be clipped down at the end of the season to keep your pots looking nice.
‘If you don’t want additional young plants springing up in your container display, remove the seed pods.’
That’s it: your perfect, edible balcony garden is complete.
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The best plants to grow on your balcony are tall plants that can be used for decoration. Tall plants such as palm trees, bamboo, and date palms are the best choices. These plants will give you a great view of your balcony from their tallest point. Reference: tall plants for balcony.
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