Creating a balcony vertical garden is a great way to add some greenery to your living space, especially if you live in a small apartment or have a limited outdoor area.
And, vertical gardening is a popular technique that maximises small spaces and allows you to grow more plants no matter where you live! What’s not to like?
After all, in your quest for self-sufficiency you’ll want to make sure that you optimise the area you have for growing your favourite vegetables and decorative plants.
A balcony vertical garden is the perfect option! Read on to learn more.
Building Your Balcony Vertical Garden
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there are a few essentials to keep in mind when starting a balcony vertical garden. These include choosing the right plants, using the right soil, and providing adequate drainage.
You’ll also need to consider the amount of sunlight your balcony gets and how you plan to water your plants. By keeping these essentials in mind, you can create your very own thriving vertical garden balcony!
Key Takeaways
- Balcony gardening is a brilliant way to add greenery to small living spaces.
- Vertical gardening maximises small spaces and allows you to grow more plants in a limited area.
- Key points of balcony vertical gardening include choosing the right plants, using the right soil, and providing adequate drainage.
Table of Contents
Essentials of Building a Balcony Vertical Garden
To get started, let’s look at some of the essentials of balcony vertical gardening that you need to consider.
Choosing the Right Containers
First of all, choosing the right container is very important when it comes to balcony vertical gardening. After all, container gardening is a great way to make the most of minimal space and create a garden that is both beautiful and functional.
Another great option for limited room is vertical planters. These vertical structures take up very little space and can hold many different plants.
Wall planters are another good choice for those who want to make the most of their vertical space.
I’ll go into more detail about balcony vertical gardening ideas later in the article, so keep reading for more info!
Selecting Suitable Plants and Vegetables
Different plants require different growing conditions.
For example, vertical planters and wall units are a great way to make use of the entire wall and grow a variety of different plants.
Taller plants such as tomatoes, beans, and peas can be grown in vertical structures, while lower plants like fresh herbs and flowers can be grown in wall planters.
Understanding Sunlight and Shade
Understanding the amount of sunlight and shade your balcony receives is crucial in selecting the right plants for your vertical garden.
Some plants require full sunlight, while others thrive in the shade. The part of your balcony wall that receives too much sun or shade should be avoided when creating a vertical balcony garden – unless you are certain that you’ve chosen your plants correctly.
Balcony Vertical Garden: Creative Vertical Structure Ideas
Here’s where I dive into more details on a few quick vertical structure ideas that can help you make the most of your little city space…
1. DIY Pallet Gardens
DIY pallet gardens are a creative way to build a vertical garden on a budget.
You can easily find used pallets and turn them into a beautiful vertical herb garden or a seasonal vertical garden.
Simply attach the pallet to the wall and fill the gaps with soil. Then, plant your favorite herbs or seasonal plants in the pallet.
2. Wall Planters
Wall planters are another option to utilise vertical space on your balcony wall. You can use a wall unit or even create your own DIY wall planter using recycled materials.
Wall planters allow you to grow a variety of plants, from taller plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers, to shorter plants, such as herbs, in a small space.
3. Hanging Baskets and Planters
Hanging baskets and planters are a traditional way to add greenery to your balcony.
They can be hung from the ceiling or attached to the balcony wall, and you can use a variety of plants, from flowers to herbs, to create a stunning hanging garden.
4. Tiered Planter (especially for herbs)
Creating your own tiered planter is easier than you might think and is optimal for growing herbs on your balcony.
To make your own, you’ll need a herb planter, a drill for pilot holes, along with potting soil or a mixture of compost.
First, drill small holes in the bottom of each planter to ensure proper drainage. Then, add a layer of soil to each planter. Next, select your herbs and plant them in the planter, ensuring there’s enough space for the roots to grow.
Once planted, stack the planters on top of each other and secure them with pilot holes and screws. Use well-draining soil and remember to water your herbs regularly.
5. Trellis
A trellis is one of the most popular options for balcony vertical gardens.
Not only do trellises offer support for climbing plants, but they also look very pretty!
Beforehand, you should consider your preferences and space constraints, because you might want to opt for smaller trellises or vertical planters.
When it comes to plant selection, prioritise climbing varieties suited to your climate, such as tomatoes, small melons, or climbing vegetables, to create a lush and visually striking garden display.
Balcony Vertical Garden: Irrigation Solutions for Small Spaces
When it comes to small space gardening, irrigation is a key aspect to consider.
In urban areas, you’ll need to ensure that your plants get enough water without taking up too much space.
Below are some suitable irrigation solutions:
Self-Watering Planters
Self-watering planters are excellent for those who want to save time and space. These planters have a built-in reservoir that hold water, which is then slowly released to the plants through capillary action.
This means that you don’t have to water your plants as often, and you can save space by not having to store a separate watering can.
Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems also work for small space gardening.
Here, you’ll use a series of tubes and emitters to deliver water directly to the plants’ roots. This ensures that the plants get the water they need without wasting any water on the surrounding soil.
Drip irrigation systems can be set up to run on a timer, which can save you time and effort.
Traditional Container Gardening
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, container gardening is always an option.
By using containers, you can control the amount of water your plants receive while also providing drainage to prevent overwatering (just make sure your containers have drainage holes).
Container gardening is good for growing your favourite plants in a small space, whether it’s on a balcony wall or part of the wall in an apartment building.
Balcony Vertical Garden: Aesthetic Tips
Here are some further tips to help you create a visually appealing balcony garden.
Colour Schemes and Plant Selection
When it comes to selecting plants for your vertical garden, consider using a variety of colours to create an eye-catching display.
For example, you could choose a mix of green and purple plants, or opt for a monochromatic scheme using different shades of green.
Think about using different types of plants to add texture and interest to your balcony garden. For example, you could mix trailing plants like ivy and ferns with upright plants like succulents and cacti.
Accessorising Your Balcony Garden
Adding accessories to your balcony garden truly adds some personality and style to your space.
As already mentioned, one option is to use vertical structures like trellises to support climbing plants like roses or jasmine.
Perhaps you could make the most of decorative items like lanterns or fairy lights to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere!
Finally, don’t forget to make the most of any growing space you have available. Think about using the entire wall of your balcony to create a living wall, or use part of the wall to create a seasonal vertical garden with a variety of favourite plants that bloom at different times of the year.
This can add a great deal of green space to an outdoor area, even if there isn’t enough space for a traditional garden.
Balcony Vertical Garden: My Final Thoughts
When it comes to small spaces, creating a vertical balcony garden is an awesome option for apartment dwellers living in city areas.
Making the most of your vertical space with wall planters, vertical gardening systems, and living walls can provide a green space and allow you to grow different types of plants, including herbs and vegetables.
Vertical balcony garden ideas can include a variety of planters and structures, allowing for a diverse range of plants to flourish in a minimal space.
And, there are plenty of options to maximise your growing space. Whether it’s a part of the wall or an entire wall unit, a vertical garden can transform a balcony into a lush and vibrant area!
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