Having an apartment with a balcony is a great way to enjoy nature, be close to friends and family or just to relax and enjoy the view. There are many ways to add an apartment gardening idea to your balcony space. One way is to use the balcony to grow your favorite herbs, flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs. This article will show you how to do that.
Create visual interest by growing plants at various heights. For that purpose, you could use hanging baskets and plant stands. For a minimalistic look, you could use minimalist plant stands. A square wooden railing with a pot rack on one side would add even more charm to the appearance. You could also opt for potted plants as these are low maintenance and require little care.
When selecting hanging plants for your balcony, go for low maintenance, fragrant and aromatic varieties. You could select plants such as lavender, hydrangeas, orange, blue, red and pink roses, and herbs such as basil, mint, and parsley. These plants will provide year round interest as they bloom during different seasons. However, it might take a while before you get to know these plants. So, keep your balcony gardening simple and choose annuals, perennials and flowering bulbs.
Most apartment gardens have limited sunlight and often suffer from freezing conditions. You need to ensure that the plants you select are suitable for such conditions. Hanging baskets enable you to provide sufficient sunlight without affecting your plants’ health. If you grow flowering annuals, place them on a table near other flowers. This will prevent your balcony gardening idea from becoming too cluttered.
For balcony gardening, pots are the most ideal option. It is advisable to use water based potting soil so that your plants do not become dependent on your watering. When choosing pots for your hanging basket or hanging plants, do not go for cheap pots which could trap moisture causing the plants to wilt. Instead, invest in pots of good quality that will last longer.
Most balcony owners use pots made of metal or plastic. Metal hanging pots are preferred over plastic because they are more durable. They require very little care and maintenance and last much longer than pots of lesser material. Pots made of natural material are often found near the plants. To make your garden look more appealing, repaint old hanging pots to match the color scheme of your landscape.
If your balcony has multi-purpose items such as an iron canopy, then consider hanging baskets which are useful for multiple functions. These can be used as planters, for storing plants and flowers and even as a table top. Hanging baskets can also be used to decorate the balcony railing. Iron baskets look very stylish and elegant hanging from the balcony rail. Choose one that complements your garden furniture and other outdoor decors. You can also customize your hanging baskets by painting them in attractive colors.
One great idea for using hanging baskets is to create an informal seating area in your patio. Hanging baskets can be placed at the edge of your patio where you and friends can relax while conversing. Arrange a few picnic tables or chairs here and have plants serve as table leaves. You can add flower pots or potted plants and serve delicious meals. Your guests would surely love such an informal atmosphere in your patio.
It is not necessary to buy hanging baskets made out of expensive materials. In fact, hanging baskets made of lightweight materials are best for balconies. Such pots can be made using straw, plant containers made from recycled materials, baskets made from natural fibers like straw and wicker, clay pots, terracotta pots, and even plastic containers. You can create the designs yourself or ask the help of an expert if you do not have any specific ideas.
There are various hanging baskets available online or in your local home stores. They come in different sizes and designs and can accommodate different number of plants. Some hanging baskets even feature beautiful crockery on the handles. Other hanging baskets are more simple and just hold plant pots on the top. This is better if you do not have plans to entertain people on your balcony.
Hanging plants can give a very pleasing effect to your balcony. Most importantly, however, it is important to take safety measures when you hang your garden accessories. Before placing anything heavy on your balcony, check the weight of the plant so that it will not cause you any injury. If you intend to put hanging pots on your balcony, be sure that they are also within the weight limit.