Vertical gardening has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.
This technique allows individuals to take advantage of small spaces, giving them the opportunity to grow their own plants and create beautiful green spaces even in the heart of the city.
In this blog post, I will walk you through the steps needed to transform your balcony using vertical gardening techniques.
You will learn how to assess the space, choose the right plants and vertical garden structures, prepare the balcony, plant and care for your garden, and even harvest your bounty.
Let’s get started!
Before diving into creating a vertical garden on your balcony, it’s important to assess your balcony’s size and weather conditions. Doing so will save you time and money by ensuring that you don’t waste resources on plants and other materials that might not work based on the space and environment you have. By assessing your balcony, you can determine which plants will work best, what vertical structure will fit properly, and what additional accessories you may need.
To start assessing your balcony, first, measure the space you have available. Note down the size of the balcony, the floor space, and any surrounding walls. Assessing the square footage of your balcony is important, as it can help determine the number of plants you’ll be able to fit in your vertical garden.
Next, take note of the amount of sunlight your balcony receives. If your balcony is south-facing, the amount of sunlight is likely to be high, so consider choosing plants that like full sunlight. Alternatively, if your balcony is north-facing and receives less sunlight, you may want to choose plants that prefer partial to full shade.
It’s also important to take into consideration the weather conditions in your particular area. For instance, if you live in an area with high wind speeds, you’ll need to choose a vertical gardening structure that can withstand strong winds. Similarly, if you live in an area with heavy rain, you’ll need to consider drainage options to avoid soil erosion and root rot.
Finally, evaluate your balcony for any limitations that might affect your vertical garden. For example, if your balcony is close to your neighbors, you may need to select a vertical garden structure that doesn’t encroach on their balcony space. Or, if your balcony doesn’t have an electrical outlet, you’ll need to research plants that don’t require a lot of power.
By assessing your balcony’s size, environmental conditions, and limitations, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about the plants and structures you choose for your vertical garden on your balcony.
When choosing plants for your vertical garden on a balcony, it is important to take into account several factors to ensure their growth and survival. Firstly, consider the amount of light that your balcony receives, as different plants have different light requirements. If your balcony receives limited light, choose shade-tolerant plants such as ferns and herbs that grow in the shade; otherwise, you can select sun-loving plants like succulents and vegetables.
Secondly, consider water requirements, since potted plants tend to dry out faster than those grown in the ground. Plan for plants that do not require water as frequently or that can retain water well. Succulents are again a great option here, as well as plants such as thyme or ornamental grasses that have less water demand than leafy plants.
Thirdly, ensure that your chosen plants are suitable for your climate and the weather conditions in your area. For example, if you live in a windy area, you will have to choose plants that are resistant to strong winds. Consult with your local garden center for the best plant options that thrive in your area.
Here are some popular plants for vertical gardening on balconies. For shade-tolerant plants, you can go for hostas, ivy, and ferns. Sun-loving plants can include cherry tomatoes, strawberries, petunias, and geraniums, while succulent lovers might like Kalanchoe, Aloe Vera, or Sedum. The key is to choose plants that are both suitable for your gardening experience and reflective of your personality or food tastes.
Adding a vertical garden to your balcony may be a new experience for some people, which means deciding on the right structure that will suit both your balcony and your style may not be easy. However, there is a wide range of options for you to choose from. You can make use of wall planters, trellises, hanging pots, rail planters or window boxes. Each option offers unique features and benefits that can bring out the best of your garden.
If you have a wall, which is the most common vertical garden area in balconies, wall planters could be the best option for you. They offer easy installation and come in different designs, shapes, and sizes, which means you can choose the ideal one that fits your space.
On the other hand, if you have limited space, say, you have a small balcony, rail planters or window boxes are perfect. They can easily hang on the edge of the balcony railings or the window mounted boxes, allowing you to grow herbs, flowers, or any crops you want.
Trellises are great when you want to create an ideal privacy screen for your balcony. They offer a beautiful design that presents a healthy garden wall. With trellises, plants can easily climb the slats, giving your balcony a lush green look.
Hanging pots can be an excellent vertical garden option as they allow you to freely arrange your plants by either hanging them directly from your balcony or securing them over the beams.
When choosing the best option for your balcony, consider the size of your balcony and the types of plants you want to grow. You may want to choose a specific structure that can handle the bulk and weight of the plants. Whatever option you chose, make sure it fits not only your balcony but also your personality and style.
Preparing your balcony for a vertical garden is crucial for its success. Before installing any gardening structure, you must clean and prepare the surface. You can start by sweeping or scrubbing away any dirt or debris on your balcony floor or walls. This would prevent potential clogging and ensure that your plants receive ample water and air circulation.
If your balcony has rough or uneven surface, you may need to sand it down, level it, or repair any damages before starting with your vertical garden project. If the surface is painted, you may still need to clean it or apply a new coat before beginning.
Another essential aspect that you should consider when preparing your balcony for vertical gardening is the weather. While outdoor vertical gardens are great for green living, they have to survive the elements. Balconies that receive full sun can become extremely hot, dry, or light-filled. You may need to consider to provide shade to your balcony to prevent your plants from drying up. A simple solution is to use umbrellas, sun shades, or a freestanding pergola.
If your balcony faces strong winds or stormy weather, you can use a balcony screen to protect your plants from any falling debris or nearby traffic pollution. Simple wire mesh or hanging netting could be installed and secured quickly.
By preparing your balcony adequately, you can ensure that your vertical garden would thrive and produce charming results in no time!
Now that you have assessed your balcony, chosen the right plants, and selected the appropriate vertical garden option, it is time to plant your balcony garden. It is important to follow the guidelines of planting to get optimal results.
Start by filling your wall planters, hanging pots, or other structures with soil. Use high-quality potting soil and follow instructions on when to use fertilizers. Before planting, arrange your plants based on size and water requirements because taller plants may obstruct the sun from other smaller plants.
Gently remove the plants from their nursery containers and loosen their roots. Place the plants in the soil and lightly pack the dirt around the roots. To avoid overcrowding, plant sparsely at first and allow the plants to mature before filling in empty areas if needed.
After planting, it is important to water your plants deeply and regularly — the soil should be moist, but not too wet. Over-watering risks root rot, while too little water can cause your plants to wilt and die.
It is advised that you keep an eye on the soil moisture, especially during hot and dry summer days. Consider setting a reminder on your phone or calendar to help you stay on top of things.
Finally, be cautious of excessively pruning new growth, especially during the first months. You can start regular pruning once the plants are established. A little bit of care goes a long way to ensure your balcony garden becomes one of your favorites. Happy planting!
Caring for your balcony garden is essential to ensure optimal growth and health of your plants. Here are some tips to help you maintain your vertical garden:
Watering: Depending on the plants you choose, the watering requirements may vary. Over-watering or under-watering can harm your plants. Ensure the appropriate amount of water to keep your plants thriving. A self-watering planter may be a convenient option if you’re frequently away from home.
Fertilizing: Fertilizer provides essential nutrients for your plants to grow. Regular fertilization can help to boost the growth of your vertical garden.
Pruning: Regular pruning can help keep your plants productive and healthy. Trim back any dead or overgrown branches or buds to encourage new growth.
Pest Management: Pests can cause significant damage to your plants. Monitor your plants regularly and take the necessary precautions to prevent and control pest infestations.
Protection: During extreme weather conditions such as high winds or heavy rain, your plants may need additional protection. Cover them with netting or bring them indoors to prevent damage.
By following these tips, you can ensure the optimal growth and health of your balcony garden. Happy gardening!
Harvesting your balcony garden can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Nothing beats the feeling of growing your own produce and being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are some tips and tricks that can make the harvesting process enjoyable and efficient.
As a rule of thumb, harvest your plants early in the morning before the sun is at its peak. This is the time when the plant’s moisture level is at its highest, making it less likely to wilt. At this time, the leaves on the plant have a higher sugar content compared to afternoon and evening harvests.
Most fruits and vegetables are best picked when they’re ripe. However, some are best harvested when they are slightly immature, such as tomatoes, papayas, cucumbers, and okra. You can tell when your produce is ready by looking at the skin color, firmness, and smell. Practice and experience will help you determine when to harvest for best results.
After harvesting your produce, make sure to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Store them in a cool, dry place like a refrigerator, a pantry or a basement. Proper storage can extend the shelf-life of produce by days or even weeks.
Finally, if you find that you have more produce than you can consume, don’t let them go to waste. You can share with your friends, family, or neighbors. Alternatively, you can try preserving them by canning, freezing or dehydrating so you can enjoy them during off-seasons.
Happy harvesting and enjoy your balcony garden’s bounty!
In conclusion, vertical gardening on your balcony is an excellent way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and at the same time, create a relaxing and comfortable environment.
Whether you have a small or large balcony, vertical gardening is an ideal choice for those looking to create a green space without taking up too much space.
Now that you know what vertical gardening is, how to assess your balcony, choose the right plants, create the structure, prepare and care for your plants, and so on, it’s time to take action.
So, which strategy are you going to try first?
Let me know by sending me a message.
I would love to hear from you.
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Author: Scott Sanders
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