How to Build a Balcony Garden

Containers require special maintenance but allow the esablishment of a garden anywhere

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a garden area, especially in urban areas. If you have a balcony, however, you can create your own garden retreat even though you are high above the earth. Balconies are often subjected to intense weather and strong winds, so special precautions have to be taken. Don’t be discouraged--follow a few tips and you can build a successful balcony garden.

Things You'll Need

• Balcony
• Containers

Instructions

How to Build a Balcony Garden

1. Check out the balcony’s construction. In addition to the weight of the plants, it is important to consider the additional weight that will be needed for containers and soil. Before beginning, you must find out from the building specifications how much weight the balcony can safely support. Don’t forget if you or others plan on using the balcony to include that weight as well. Never exceed the safety recommendations for the building.

2. Decide whether you need to put down floor coverings .If the floor is unattractive or unfinished, then you will likely want put down new flooring. It may be tempting to wait to replace the flooring but it is much easier to do it at the beginning of the project. Pick materials that are weather resistant and as light as possible. You might want to consider quality pressure-treated lumber decking because it is both attractive and affordable, while also a fairly comfortable for sitting.

3. Make the most of the space. On most balconies, available space is limited; therefore, you are going to want to make use of every available surface, including the walls and railings. If your balcony gets a lot of wind, you are going to want to install some type of windbreak such as a screen or wall. The more sheltered from extreme the weather conditions a balcony is, the more variety of plants that can be established. Remember to check what sun exposure will suit your plants. Pots and hanging baskets can also be used to increase the vertical planting area, but make sure they are secured to the wall.

4. Get creative with the horizontal surfaces. Because horizontal surfaces maybe limited, make the most of the balcony by adding a group of containers planted with hardy perennials or wind-resistant trees. Fortunately, modern advancements have yielded containers that look like metal or heavy stone but are instead are made of sturdy but light plastic materials.

5. Select balcony-friendly plants. The quickest way to give a balcony a look of established plants is to add larger shrubs. They can be very expensive, but the effect worth the expense. If a limited budget or access rules out moving in large plants, consider growing a hibiscus. They are reasonably priced and a small plant will grow rapidly and produce large, showy blooms every year.

6. Arrange containers for effect. Even a solitary planter can be displayed to a grand focal point. Arranging a number of mixed containers can create an effect of volume. Create visual interest by using containers of varying heights and widths.