Balcony Planting Ideas: 7 Ways to Start a Garden in a Small Space

Lack of backyard space doesn’t have to stop you from having a tranquil balcony garden brimming with plants. When moving to an urban space, the balcony can sometimes be an afterthought, but it doesn’t have to be. Use these seven balcony planting ideas to get your garden started and have a captivating space in no time.

1. Decorate Your Balcony Garden With Pots

Pots aren’t just for planting flowers—they create a fun aesthetic too. They’re basically decor, so head to your local plant nursery and pick out a few stunning plant pots that catch your eye. These pots will help inspire more balcony planting ideas to get your garden going. From polka dots and stripes to bright colors and terra-cotta, pick the pots that express your personality and the vibe you’re going for with your balcony garden.

2. Try Container Gardening

Starting a garden, no matter the size, is a fun and rewarding hobby. Finding jungle garden inspiration online can be a great idea, but take your balcony garden one step at a time. Spend an afternoon putting together a container garden that will set off your balcony gardener career.

Balconies are perfect for container gardening, which is using strategic plants to create a perfectly balanced container. You can create a container for your balcony by picking out a tall, dramatic plant, a few more neutral plants that add volume and color, and a plant that trails. Combine them all in the same pot for a striking look.

3. Find Resilient Plants for Your Balcony

If you are new to gardening or don’t want to spend a ton of time caring for your plants, search for plants that thrive in many conditions.

Whether your balcony gets full sun or shade only, try the following plants and flowers:

Partial Sun

• Begonias

• Pansies

• Succulents

• Gardenias

• Nicotianas

Full Sun

• Chrysanthemums

• Hydrangeas

• Lavender

• Verbenas

• Geraniums

Shade

• Fuschias

• Ferns

• Caladiums

• Lobelias

• Hostas

4. Use Your Vertical Space

Small spaces can be tough to fit plants, but using the upright areas can help expand your garden footprint. Stacking pots, vertical wall planters, and hanging baskets are all a great way to fill higher spaces.

Try a DIY project like building a ladder-like structure by screwing wood to two thick dowel rods and then finish it off by attaching your favorite pots with screws or glue. This vertical DIY will help lift your plants up and give you more space to plant.

5. Save Space by Growing Herbs

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Another great balcony planting idea is to beautify your space by growing herbs. Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice an edible garden. An herb garden will decorate and enliven your space, all while providing seasoning for dinner.

Herb balcony planting ideas include:

Partial Sun

• Basil

• Mint

Full Sun

• Chives

• Dill

Shade

• Cilantro

• Lemon balm

6. Add Color With Flowers

Think flowers only thrive in yards? Think again! There are plenty of flowers that grow well on balconies and they’ll add vibrant color to your outdoor space too.

Try the following flower balcony planting ideas:

• Dianthus

• Impatiens

• Zinnias

• Marigolds

7. Get Creative With Pallet Planters

The sky's the limit with your balcony garden. You can get creative and go beyond typical container gardens. Pallets make great planters, as they are blank canvases to make your plants shine. You can find pallets for free at local businesses.

How Does Your Balcony Garden Grow?

Most importantly, plant a balcony garden that you enjoy. Plants allow you to connect to nature, even from the urban space you’re living in. Search for plants that evoke emotions in you, whether that be joy or peace.

Head to your local nursery and pick out plants and flowers that speak to you, but don’t be afraid to try something new. With a mix of pots, plants, flowers, fairy lights, and colorful rugs, you can create the balcony garden of your dreams.