My tips can turn your balcony into a mini garden – an ‘enchanting’ add-on will transform it into a magical space
AS brighter days approach city dwellers who live in apartment blocks don’t need to miss out on chilled days in their garden, as there are clever ways to make the most of having a balcony.
There are a variety of plants that can thrive in the small space whether your building is in a sunny or shady area.
Essential Living specializes in offering luxurious apartments to rent in London, England.
Their experts have shared budget-friendly tips that can be used to transform small balconies into peaceful private gardens.
ADD GREENERY
The experts said it’s important to consider how exposed your balcony is when deciding which plants to buy.
“Strong winds can dry out the soil, knock over tall plants, and rip off flowers,” they said.
Hardy geraniums, hawthorn, and allium christophii can withstand battering from harsh winds without too much damage.
However, be mindful when deciding what type of container or compost you want to use to avoid putting too much weight on your balcony.
Snowdrops, bellflowers, Siberian bugloss, and hardy cyclamen can be a “perfect” addition to balcony gardens that are in full shade.
If your balcony is shady just three to six hours a day, primroses or begonias can also thrive.
Parsley, chives, mint, and coriander are the best herbs to grow in a shady garden.
However, if your balcony is in full sun swap these herbs for lavender, rosemary, or oregano.
Vibrant petunias flower beautifully in the sun but require a small amount of shelter when it rains.
Alternatively, creeping zinnia require minimal care and are just as decorative.
Homeowners can also add color to their mini garden by growing vegetables such as peppers, chilies, tomatoes, squash, and beans.
Dull walls can be livened up by attaching a trellis to grow clematis, ivy, and jasmine.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon’s Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
STAY ON THEME
The expert said balcony gardens should be seen as an “extension of your living space,” therefore plants and decor should tie in with the home interior.
They suggest creating colorful patterns and designs using cheap paint.
Cozy decor and upcycled furniture can make the balcony look “homely.”
They recommend accessories such as floor pillows, cushions, and rugs to make the space appealing to sit and read a book or catch a tan.
FINAL TOUCHES
The experts at Essential Living said outdoor lighting can make the balcony feel “enchanting.”
Lighting can be tied to any railing or stuck on the wall to avoid taking up too much space.
“Whether you opt for string lights to infuse ambiance, lanterns for a cozy atmosphere, or solar lights that offer both charm and energy efficiency, lighting adds the finishing touch to your balcony garden ensemble,” they said.
