Balcony gardening is a brilliant way to make even the smallest urban space into a green retreat. Whether you're looking to grow a few herbs for your kitchen, brighten up your view with flowers, or simply create a peaceful spot to relax, balcony gardens offer a practical solution for city dwellers. Making the most of a small balcony not only brings a touch of nature closer to home but also supports wellbeing, encourages time outdoors, and helps you connect with the changing seasons, all without needing a traditional garden.
Assess Your Space: Light, Layout, and Local Guidelines
Before buying anything, spend a little time getting to know your balcony. How much direct sun does it get, and at what time of day? Is it sheltered or exposed to wind? These factors will shape almost every decision you make, from the plants you choose to where you position your containers.
Check your building's rules too. Most balcony gardening needs no planning permission, but if you're planning to fix anything to walls or railings, it's worth checking with your building management first. Weight is another practical consideration, particularly on upper-floor balconies. Check weight restrictions and avoid overloading the space with heavy containers or large furniture. A folding bistro set is a practical space-saving option that can be tucked away when not in use.
Choosing Containers for Your Balcony
Weight and drainage are the two things to prioritise when choosing containers for a balcony. Lightweight materials such as plastic, fibreglass, or resin are easier to move and won’t overload your balcony. Avoid large terracotta pots, which are heavy even before you add compost.
Choose pots with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, and make sure they’re deep enough for healthy roots, especially if you want to grow vegetables or larger plants. Troughs and rectangular planters make good use of limited floor space and work well along railings. The Elho Vibia Campana trough is a lightweight option that fits neatly into a small balcony layout.
Get creative with your containers, lightweight plastic or fiberglass pots are easy to hang, while fabric grow bags fit neatly on shelves or railings. Upcycled containers like old tins and crates can save you money and reduce waste, making your balcony garden more eco-friendly.
Vertical Gardening to Maximise Every Inch
On a small balcony, the walls and railings are just as useful as the floor. Living wall systems let you grow herbs, flowers, or leafy greens on a single wall, while wall trellis or chicken wire fixed to railings creates support for climbers such as sweet peas or nasturtiums. Wall-mounted shelves and hanging planters keep the floor clear while adding greenery at eye level.
The Forest Garden trellis planter combines growing space with a climbing support in one piece, and tiered planters or window boxes let you stack plants upwards to make the most of every inch. Our guide to making a hanging basket covers the basics if you haven't tried one before, and a compact growhouse is worth considering if you want to start plants from seed or extend the growing season.
The Best Plants for a Balcony Garden
Choosing the right plants is all about matching them to your balcony’s conditions. For sunny spots, try easy-care flowers like geraniums, petunias, or marigolds, which add colour and attract pollinators. Herbs such as basil, thyme, and parsley thrive in pots and are handy for cooking. If you get a lot of wind or sun, look for tough evergreens or plants with waxy or silvery leaves, like lavender or rosemary.
If your balcony is shady, ferns, hostas, or ivy are good options. Edible plants like cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and salad leaves can do well in containers with enough sun and regular watering. Don’t forget to mix in some trailing plants or climbers for height and interest.
Watering and Feeding
Watering is often the biggest challenge in balcony gardening, especially if you don’t have an outside tap. Containers dry out quickly in sun and wind, so check your pots daily in summer. Use saucers to catch runoff, and group pots together to create a more humid microclimate.
Self-watering containers or a micro-drip irrigation kit like the Gardena Micro-Drip System can make life much easier. If you have a lot of plants, a lightweight, expandable hose with a sink adaptor is a smart investment.
Feed your plants with a slow-release fertiliser mixed into the compost, and top up with a liquid feed during the growing season for best results.
The Mental Health Benefits of Balcony Gardening
Gardening on your balcony is a proven way to boost your mood. Spending time outdoors, tending to your plants, and watching them grow can help ease anxiety and promote mindfulness. It's an activity that's open to everyone, regardless of age or experience.
Manchester's Jason Williams was a complete beginner when he turned his high-rise balcony into a green retreat during lockdown to support his mental health. Now an RHS medal winner, he works as the Cloud Gardener to inspire a new generation of urban growers to make the most of their outdoor spaces.
Ready to get started? Visit Bents for everything you need to create your own balcony garden, from containers and compost to plants, furniture, and watering solutions. With a little planning and a bit of care, even the smallest outdoor space can become an inviting outdoor sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a balcony garden in the UK?
Most balcony gardening does not require planning permission. If you're planning structural changes such as adding heavy planters, railings, or screens, check with your building management or local council first.
Can I grow vegetables or fruit on a balcony?
Yes, you can grow a good range of crops on a balcony. Tomatoes, strawberries, salad leaves, and herbs are the most reliable options. Sunlight and container depth are the main limiting factors.
How do I stop pests on my balcony plants?
Check plants regularly for signs of aphids, vine weevil, or red spider mite. Avoid overwatering, and where treatment is needed, natural options such as neem oil or soapy water sprays are effective and kind to other wildlife.
What are the best plants for a shady balcony?
A shady balcony still has plenty of options. Ferns, ivy, hostas, begonias, and impatiens all do well without direct sun. Most herbs prefer sun, so are less suitable for a deeply shaded spot.