How to create a balcony garden

A smaller space doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the pleasures of a blooming garden. Whether your balcony is large or small, you can create a fabulous balcony garden with plant decor and innovative designs, turning your area into your own private haven even if you’re renting. We take a look at some low-maintenance options that will jazz up your space and bring the scents of spring to your home.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Overview of the best ways to maintain balcony plants

• Know the conditions: Determine the levels of direct sun and wind exposure your balcony receives.
• Research your plants: Take the time to find the right plants.
• Purchase the right-sized pots: Select the best pots to suit your space and plants.
• Buy advanced plants: Bigger plants can give greater and instant impact.
• Pick a good potting mix: Never skimp on the potting mix.
• Take care of your plants: Mulching, watering and feeding are key to beautiful pots.

Understanding your balcony environment

Before picking your plants, the most important step is to understand the sort of conditions the balcony is exposed to.

• Sunlight: The perfect aspects are north or north-east facing. This provides good levels of sun all day, increasing your planting opportunities. If you face east or south you’ll have a fair level of shade, but may get blasts of direct sunlight. West facing will be exposed to harsh afternoon sun which can be fierce in summer.
• Wind: The rough rule of thumb is the higher you are, the windier it gets. This means you’ll need to be looking at plants with tougher leaves, more compact forms and heavier pots - especially if you’re in a high-rise apartment.
• Salt spray or mist: Even a few blocks back from the beach, your plants may be exposed to salty winds. This can damage leaves so you’ll need to avoid more sensitive plants.

Begin your plant hunt

Thinking of your local climate is key. Take a stroll around your neighbourhood. Ask neighbours about their gardens, take in what others are planting (as well as what’s surviving and what isn’t). You’ll learn a lot from the local landscape, and researching online can also be a good tool (just remember to reference local and relevant pages, as plant selection can vary greatly state to state, even suburb to suburb).

Also bear in mind that some plants, although they’ll look great on your balcony all year, may have seasonal availability. Camellia sasanquas, for example, will have more varieties available during their peak flowering period from late summer through early winter. And if in doubt, you can always chat to the Bunnings team when in store.

Choosing the perfect pot for your balcony garden

Pots maketh the plant! There are a few things to consider when picking pots. Are you going for an overall look in colour or style? Do you want contemporary matched pots, more of a boho mix or somewhere in between?

You’ll find a fabulous and enormous range of lightweight composite pots that make moving your plants easier. Also consider square pots and troughs as their footprint is more economical - you don’t lose valuable balcony space as they can be nested together, placed right against walls and balustrades or into corners.

If your apartment has glass balustrades, it’s also important to be aware of any Body Corporate regulations which may cover the colour or style of pots that are easily visible. Be aware of any balcony weight restrictions too.

Investing in advanced plants and potting mix

Consider building your balcony garden around one or two advanced plants (that’s nursery speak for larger) - using them as an impactful centrepiece. And, if you’re investing in good plants it’s always best to ensure you’ve got a top-shelf potting mix to match. Go for a premium potting mix and, if a specialist mix is available to suit your plants, such as native or citrus, then use that. Also, take notice of how long the potting mix feeds for and pop a note in the diary for when to do the next feed.

Use a quality controlled-release fertiliser, such as Osmocote for pots and planters, for the most efficient and reliable long-term feeding.

Regularly supplement this main feeding by using liquid products that stimulate activity of beneficial microorganisms in the potting mix. GoGo Juice from Neutrog is an ideal choice.

Mulching your pots, just like the garden, can help reduce watering. You can use naturally derived mulches such as barks or straw but you need to make sure they’re a fine, not chunky, particle size. Pebbles in various colours can be a fantastic choice.

Position your pots and test the space

The best aspects of a balcony area for growing plants may take time to reveal themselves. Some things to look out for are:

• Are pots in one corner drying faster?
• Are windy days drying plants out?
• Are they staying reliably moist over the cooler months?

Just like a terrestrial garden, these will be aspects of garden care that you’ll need to learn over time as each balcony will have its differences. Remember: the right balance of watering will be a major key to success.

Tip: Want to revamp your garden area this spring? These easy updates will help revitalise your outdoor space.

Top potted plant picks for any balcony environment

Shaded or part-sun balcony

• Gardenias
• Camellias, especially the smaller sasanqua varieties
• Palms
• Various ornamental figs
• Bromeliads (sun-tolerant varieties)

Full-sun balcony

• Olive trees
• Citrus (select dwarf varieties)
• Succulents and cacti
• Pruneable large shrubs, such as compact lilly-pilly varieties
• Geraniums (pelargoniums)

Shady balcony

• Bromeliads (shade-tolerant varieties)
• Clivia
• Ornamental ficus (figs)
• Palms
• Many indoor plants (if the location is sheltered)

Design ideas for balcony gardens

1. Hanging planters on a balcony wall

Beautify a plain expanse of wall or fence using a mesh grid system that allows you to hang a variety of planters. A dwarf variety of olive tree is a hardy choice that can even tolerate coastal conditions.

Tip: Dark pots disappear in a dark background, allowing plants and blooms to pop.

2. Using fixtures to your advantage

Even the most compact outdoor space can be transformed into a thriving garden nook. If renting, you can utilise existing fixtures such as balustrades, fences or wall panels, and hang baskets and planters from hooks rated for outdoors.

Tip: If installing new screens, securely attach using fixings suitable for your wall type.

Keep in mind...

• Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch, compost and potting mix.
• Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets, and check their suitability for your region, as some may be classified as weeds in certain states and territories.
• Check Body Corporate guidelines and rules before making over your balcony area, and seek permission if unsure.
• Store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.

Want more info on pot plants?

Check out our story on the seven best pot plants for your garden or home.

Photo credit: Guy Bailey.