Balcony gardening is a way to connect with nature in urban life, especially suitable for beginners. Imagine opening the balcony door every day and seeing flowers blooming, fragrant herbs, and even being able to pick your own vegetables. That sense of satisfaction is unparalleled. But if you are a beginner, you may not know where to start. Don’t worry, this guide will teach you step by step how to start balcony gardening, from evaluating the space to daily maintenance, helping you create your own green corner.
Evaluate balcony conditions
Firstly, measure the size of the balcony and observe how much sunlight there is each day (full day, half day, or cool?). For example, my friend’s balcony faces south and receives 6 hours of sunlight every day. She uses her phone to record changes in light and find the best planting area. This step is important because the light determines what plants you can plant.
Evaluate balcony conditions
Choose appropriate plants
Beginners should choose plants that are easy to cultivate, such as basil, mint, succulents, or dwarf tomatoes. Ensure that the lighting requirements of plants match the balcony: full day sunlight is suitable for tomatoes, half day sunlight is suitable for lettuce, and ferns can be planted in cool areas. Take it slow, plant a few plants first, get familiar with them, and then expand.
Choose the appropriate container
The container should have good drainage and be suitable for balcony space. Vertical flower racks, hanging pots, or stacking boxes are all very practical. Ceramic pots are breathable, while plastic pots are lightweight. Choose the one that suits your needs. Remember to drill holes at the bottom to prevent water accumulation and root rot.
Choose appropriate plants and the appropriate container
Understanding Soil and Watering
Use high-quality potting soil with good drainage. When watering, touch the soil surface and wait until it dries before watering. Don’t water too much. Watering more during hot weather and less during cool weather, regularly fertilizing to maintain nutrition.
Understanding Soil and Watering
Learning basic maintenance
Regularly trim, maintain plant shape, check for pests, and remove with soap and water or by hand. Keep the balcony clean and adjust maintenance according to the season, such as watering more in summer and less in winter.
Learning basic maintenance