Plants really dress up any room, and they can do the same for a tiny lanai or balcony. Plants will perfume and clean the air, bring wildlife and beneficial insects, and embellish the area with natural elegance. Even urban gardeners can bring nature a little closer by choosing easy balcony plants that will thrive in their small corner of the outdoors.
Tips on Choosing Easy Balcony Plants
Before you purchase, watch the lighting during the day in your growing space. Every plant has different lighting needs and since they can’t be moved elsewhere, they need to get the sunlight they require right on your balcony. You may also want to consider hanging or trailing plants, or those that grow vertically and can be trellised. This will save room in smaller spaces, making way for patio furniture and other needs. Select the containers you will use wisely. Terra cotta and other unglazed pots will dry out quickly in sunny situations. Any container should have drainage holes and the use of a saucer is a good idea to prevent the over spilling of water. You may also want to consider the weight of a container, especially if you are hanging it overhead. Plastic is an affordable option, comes in tons of colors and styles, and is lightweight.
What Balcony Garden Plants Should I Grow?
The best balcony plants are those that will thrive and that accommodate your needs. If you are an avid cook and have good light, you may want an herb trough. If you are feeling really adventurous grow tomatoes, cucumbers, even beans in containers. If you are stuck with a shady location, you can grow gorgeous hosta, brightly leaved Coleus, Caladium in a rainbow of colors, and lush ferns. There are also many flowers that thrive in shade such as hellebore, bleeding heart, impatiens, begonias, fuchsia, and much more. With good lighting, the choices multiply. Remember to consider a plant’s mature size if it is a perennial.
What are Good Balcony Plants?
Choosing balcony plants and flowers is the fun part of designing your outdoor area. You may have houseplants that can transition to the balcony in spring and summer. Or you may decide to buy all new and create a theme like an edible garden, or exotic flower displays. Some of the easiest plants to grow in containers are:
herbs chrysanthemums pansy hydrangea alyssum coral bells bulbs like tulips and daffodil lantana geranium petunia portulaca marigold
Try your hand at veggies like:
cucumber tomato small summer squash leeks, shallots, garlic lettuce radish peppers snow or snap peas
