Living in a city apartment often leaves us craving a touch of nature. Your balcony, no matter its size, is the perfect spot to bring that greenery into your daily life. If you’re wondering how to start gardening in balcony, you’re in the right place. It can transform that space from just a laundry area into your own mini garden, a peaceful retreat, or a lively herb corner. It’s simpler than you might think—just takes a little planning and patience. Let’s walk through the essential steps for how to start gardening in your balcony together.
How to Start Gardening in Balcony: Assess Your Space First
Before buying a single plant, get to know your balcony’s “personality.” This first step in how to start gardening in balcony is crucial. Spend some time observing it over a day or two.
Light is the top factor. Watch how the sun moves across your space.
South-facing balconies get the most sun. They’re great for sun-loving plants like roses, bougainvillea, sunflowers, most herbs (basil, rosemary), and even small veggies.
North-facing ones receive softer light. Go for shade-tolerant greens: pothos, spider plants, English ivy, monstera, or ferns.
East or west balconies get morning or afternoon sun. Plants like gardenias, hydrangeas (avoid harsh afternoon sun), or some succulents often do well here.
Think about space and weight too.
Measure your balcony’s length, width, and height. Notice where the railings are.
Keep safety in mind—balconies have weight limits. Skip very heavy stone pots or thick garden soil. Choose lightweight containers (plastic, resin, fiber clay) and light potting mixes instead.
Short on floor space? Grow upward. Hang pots on walls, use vertical planters or shelves, or let climbers like clematis or morning glory reach for the rails.
Good air flow keeps plants healthy and pests away. Don’t crowd your plants together.
Every pot must have drainage holes. Use saucers underneath to catch extra water and protect your balcony floor.
Define Your Balcony’s Style and Function
Now, picture how you want to use this space. A key part of how to start gardening in balcony is defining its purpose.
Will it be just for plants, or do you need room for relaxing, dining, or drying clothes?
Pick a style that matches your home’s vibe. Do you prefer clean and modern, cozy cottage charm, or a bright tropical look?
Sketch a simple layout. Mark zones for plants, for moving around, and for your activities. Make sure you can still hang laundry or sit comfortably, and leave a little room to care for your plants.
How to Start Gardening in Balcony with the Right Pots and Soil
Choosing containers and soil is a practical step in how to start gardening in balcony.
Containers come in many styles. Material matters. Terracotta breathes well but dries fast. Plastic is light and holds moisture. Glazed ceramic looks pretty but can be heavy. Size for the future—choose pots that give roots room to grow. Starting with medium-sized containers is a safe bet. Sticking to one color palette (like all white, black, or terracotta) makes a small space feel tidy and designed.
Never use garden soil in containers. It can compact, hold diseases, or host pests. Bagged potting mix is the easiest choice—it’s ready to use, drains well, and feeds your plants. To save money, you can mix your own. Try combining compost, coconut coir, and perlite for a light, airy blend.
Choose Plants That Will Thrive
Selecting the right greenery is the fun part of how to start gardening in balcony. Start with easy plants to build your confidence.
For sunny spots (south balconies): try marigolds, geraniums, petunias, portulaca, mint, or cherry tomatoes.
For shady areas (north balconies): peace lilies, snake plants, spider plants, Boston ferns, heuchera, or hostas are great.
Herbs need good light: basil, cilantro, thyme, and parsley are both pretty and useful for cooking.
Leafy greens are beginner-friendly: lettuce, spinach, arugula, and chives grow well in pots. Avoid cabbage or kale in summer—they attract more pests.
A quick note: many decorative succulents handle dry soil but can burn in all-day intense sun. Give them a little shade on hot afternoons.
Design and Layout Your Balcony Garden
This is where your vision comes to life. Think about the floor and furniture. If your budget allows (think $50-$200 for basic setups), laying down outdoor tiles, decking, or a weather-resistant rug makes the space feel cozy and inviting. Choose furniture that’s light, foldable, and easy to clean—think bistro sets, slim chairs, or a wall-mounted bench.
Create height and layers. Place taller plants or shelving units against the wall. Use medium-sized pots in the middle layer. Let trailing plants like ivy or tradescantia spill from hanging baskets or railings. Fill empty corners with a statement plant or small decor—a wind chime, a string of solar lights.
Protect your balcony floor from water. Place waterproof mats or trays under pots and watering areas, especially if you have floor surfaces you want to keep dry.
Planting and Long-Term Care
Now for the hands-on work. Planting is simple. Partly fill your pot with soil. Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, place it in, and fill around it with more mix. Press lightly, then water thoroughly until water runs out the bottom.
Watering is your main routine. There’s no fixed schedule—check if the top inch of soil is dry before watering. Then water deeply. Little and often leads to weak roots; soggy soil can cause rot.
Plants in pots need food. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks, or use slow-release granules. In winter, most plants rest, so you can pause fertilizing.
Keep plants looking good. Remove dead leaves and spent flowers regularly. This encourages more blooms. Trim back leggy stems to keep plants bushy and full.
Prevent pests before they start. Good airflow, proper watering, and clean soil help keep plants healthy. Check under leaves now and then. Spot a few bugs? Spray them off with water or wipe leaves with diluted soapy water. Try natural remedies first before turning to stronger solutions.
Gardening on a Budget
You don’t need a big investment to explore how to start gardening in balcony. Start small and grow over time. Seeds or small seedlings cost much less than mature plants. Ask gardening friends for cuttings—many plants root easily in water or soil. Turn kitchen scraps like vegetable peels into simple compost tea. Upcycle tin cans or bottles into pots (just remember to punch drainage holes in the bottom).
Imagine stepping out with your morning coffee, surrounded by your own green oasis. That first homegrown herb in your dinner, that flower that blooms against the city skyline—these small joys add up. Your balcony is waiting. The journey of how to start gardening in balcony begins with a single pot. Pick up some soil, and one plant that makes you smile. The rest will grow from there.
