How To Get Started With Balcony Gardening

Choose balcony-friendly containers

Balconies have a maximum load capacity, so it’s a good idea to choose lightweight pots (such as those made from recycled plastic) over heavier terracotta or ceramic pots.

You can also hang planters off ceilings or walls to take the weight off the balcony. Ensure you regularly inspect your balcony for any structural issues, and don’t overfill it with more weight than it can handle.

If your balcony is undercover or doesn’t get rain, use self-watering pots or saucers to give plants their own water reservoir and reduce how often you need to water.

Get creative with your space 

Growing food isn’t just limited to the floor surface of your balcony. Bring dimension to your space by hanging planters off railings. Rectangle trough style planters are fabulous for this and can be easily installed with planter hooks. Raising your containers to waist level also means it’s much easier to reach your plants.

Use vertical grow towers for growing smaller plants like herbs, salad greens, and strawberries.

If your plants are struggling to reach the sunlight when placed on the ground, pop them on an outdoor shelf to raise them off the ground, and use the space underneath to store gardening tools.

Use the right growing mix 

When growing in containers, the easiest way to ensure healthy plants is to use a commercially formulated premium potting mix, rather than in-ground soil.

Potting mixes have the optimum structure and texture for container growing – balancing water retention, drainage and aeration – and also contain slow-release fertiliser.

Do note that potting mixes will break down over time, so it’s best to repot plants with fresh potting mix at least every two years. If you’re feeling confident with a bit of DIY, old potting mix can be rejuvenated by adding the right amendments. Otherwise, gift it to a friend or community garden to compost!

Observe, experiment, and get to know your balcony

No growing space is perfect, and that’s okay. Even backyards have their limitations.

Look at your balcony as its own little world and get to know its microclimate. For example, an enclosed, sheltered balcony might mean chillies and eggplants thrive in your space as you get to avoid the winter frost. Experiment with different plants and placements, then focus on what grows easiest.

North and east facing balconies should have a good amount of sunlight to grow a wide range of veggies and even fruit. South facing balconies with indirect light work best with herbs and leafy greens.

Sometimes, west facing balconies might mean that sunny afternoons get a bit too much. If you find that’s the case, you can always take the summer growing season off, and prioritise growing through the milder seasons instead.

Balcony-friendly plants to try 

• Strawberries
• Herbs, leafy greens, and salad greens
• Dwarf lemon, limes, and cumquats
• Capsicums and chillies
• Bush beans and snow peas
• Edible flowers
• Determinate and micro tomato varieties

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