When you think about gardening, you probably imagine a house with a huge garden in the back or front of it. And indeed, this is the most common picture people have in their minds when they imagine a garden.
However, if you live in an apartment building, you might yearn for a piece of tranquility and nature in your flat. Even though many people think they cannot make their own garden while living in a flat, this is not true.
Take a walk in every cit and you’ll notice some totally green neighborhood balconies. Many plants grow there, as well as vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Indeed, there are some tips you need to follow to make sure you create a healthy garden on your balcony. Doing this is not impossible and it is a recommended activity, especially during these times.
Gardening can help you relax and find your peace while growing food at the same time.
So, how do you create a healthy garden on your balcony? We have compiled a short guide that will help you start gardening and growing your own food.
Growing Conditions
If you have decided to start a garden on your balcony, then there are a few things you need to consider.
Plants, herbs, vegetables, and fruits need special growing conditions. While others thrive under direct sunlight, others might need more shadow.
So, before you actually start creating your garden, take a look at the usual weather conditions of your area. Which is the average temperature? Keep in mind that during summer days, the temperatures will surely be higher than usual. How is your balcony built? How much wind will the plants get?
After identifying all these, you could think about your available time for gardening and taking care of what you have planted. Some plants might need more care, while others not.
Knowing all these before actually creating the garden on your balcony is essential. This will help you choose the best plants and vegetables for the growing conditions on your balcony.
Vertical Gardens
One of the reasons many people avoid creating a garden on their balcony is the lack of space. And this is understandable. We usually imagine huge gardens in front of a house where everything is thriving. On the other hand, on a balcony the space is limited, so you need to use it wisely.
And the solution might be right here. Change the perspective on your balcony and think vertically. You can create a thriving vertical garden on your balcony that will not take up so much space. You can have a shelf of pots on the wall, which helps you use the space available wisely.
Upcycle What You Already Have
It’s clear that a balcony garden will change the space entirely. It will make it more welcoming and it will bring you closer to nature.
Creating a balcony garden is something many people want, but they often forget how important it is to be Eco-friendly. Some people might rush to the stores to buy pots. But you can skip this step and upcycle the things you already have in your house.
We live in difficult times. Pollution has reached alarming rates and the recycling rates are still small. Some might be tricked into thinking that recycling is the solution to reducing the waste humanity is generating. But this is just one of the solutions that can be implemented.
Some materials cannot be recycled forever, such as plastic, so upcycling them is one of the solutions that help us reduce waste.
Take a look at your waste and identify the things that could be upcycled.
For example, metal cans can be used as pots for different herbs. You can also use an old pair of boots to fill them with soil and plant vegetables. For sure many objects will otherwise end up in the bin, so identify and give them a new life.
Make Sure You Have the Right Supplies
When starting a balcony garden, you need to make sure you have everything you need to keep it going. If pots can be recycled and created from what you already have, you need other materials as well.
Make sure you choose the right type of soil and also buy gardening gloves and other tools that will ease your life. You will need to take care of your balcony garden, so you might need a watering can as well.
Choose Your Plants
Now that you have everything you need to start your balcony garden, you need to choose your plants.
These should be chosen depending on the weather conditions you have identified previously. Of course, this also depends on your gardening experience. If you are a beginner, you could start with using seedlings.
Many suppliers grow the seedlings up to a point when they sell them. You can buy plants that just started to grow and plant them in your balcony garden. However, if you feel you have more experience, you could choose seeds and plant them yourself.
When choosing your plants, it is important to get informed about them. Some might need direct sunlight, while others partial. If your balcony is shady, then you should choose plants that can thrive in these conditions. Lettuce, herbs, root veggies, and so on are a good choice.
Final Words
Creating a garden on your balcony might seem complicated, but it is easier than it seems. These are some steps you could take to make sure you create and grow a healthy garden.
You need to be aware of the weather conditions on your balcony. Plants depend on sun, wind, and water to grow and thrive, so these are some essential factors you need to be aware of.
If you do not have enough space, a vertical garden would work as well. Upcycle the things you already have, make sure you have all the tools you need, and choose your plants accordingly.
