Balcony Gardening: Grow Your Own Oasis (Even if You’re a Beginner)

Posted On September 11, 2024

Living in a condo, especially in a big metropolis like Toronto, is a delicate balance of what you want and what you can squeeze in.  

Unless your condo is a top-end unit, we are talking about a compact (maybe even tiny) living area where space is at a premium. If you are one of those lucky enough to have a balcony, we have some ideas on how to create a green oasis. Your own zen space for when you need something green (and we do not mean your Kale smoothie!).

We start with the basics – choosing the right plants, optimizing the available space, and maintaining a healthy garden. After all, it is no fun to end up with dying plants after spending time, effort and money. 

This guide will walk you through the essentials of coaxing your piece of the concrete jungle into a vibrant green sanctuary. Nothing beats the pure joy when you create a flourishing balcony garden. 

First, the Things You Cannot Change! 

By this, we mean factors that are specific to your balcony over which you have no control. 

If you live in Toronto, there are four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Plants that can thrive in these conditions will be a priority unless you can move plants indoors during extreme weather. 

Balcony Orientation 

The direction your balcony faces will determine how much sunlight it receives, exposure to wind, and what plants will flourish.  

Generally speaking, south-facing balconies get the most sunlight, making them ideal for sun-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. North-facing balconies get comparatively less light, so shade-tolerant plants like ferns and some types of lettuce are best.  

East-facing balconies bask in the gentler morning sun while west-facing balconies are exposed to the hotter afternoon sun, making them suitable for a mix of sun and shade-tolerant plants. 

The sun reflecting off glass windows can intensify the heat, as will the exterior construction material (concrete vs. wood), potentially burning delicate plants. Overhangs and taller buildings in the immediate neighbourhood can throw shade on your balcony (literally!). 

Strong winds are fairly common on balconies on higher floors. They can dry out the soil, rip flower petals and leaves, and even knock over plants. You can use balcony windbreaks to protect the fragile plants.  

Available Space 

Balconies usually have limited space, so it’s essential to plan the layout carefully.  

Be creative and use vertical gardening, hanging baskets, and tiered plant stands to maximize the space. Growing plants in containers allows you to move plants around and optimize their exposure to sunlight. 

Aside from the climate conditions and the building location, there may be building-specific regulations that you need to keep in mind.  

Check your condo’s regulations handbook for weight restrictions and rules regarding what you can hang from balcony railings and walls.  

Now, the Fun Part – Choosing Plants! 

This is where you have to tell yourself not to be trigger-happy and slow down. It is easy to get carried away by the sheer variety of plants available and spend more than you want to.  

However, you need to select the right plants for your balcony garden, depending on how much time and work you can dedicate to it. You can choose to grow edible or ornamental plants, or a mix of the two.  

Here are some suggestions: 

Growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs can be incredibly satisfying and make your wallet happy too. Easy-to-grow plants like cherry tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, and radishes, and herbs like basil, mint, and parsley, are good choices. You can also grow dwarf varieties of fruits like strawberries and blueberries that easily thrive in containers. 

If you prefer a colourful garden, opt for flowering plants or bright foliage. Petunias, Geraniums, marigolds and petunias are hardy and thrive in sunny conditions. 

Ferns, begonias, and hostas are very tolerant of low light. Sedum, lavender, and some ornamental grasses are gritty survivors and come back year after year. Dwarf conifers or boxwoods bring in some texture and year-round greenery. 

You can also play around with a mix– just read up on complementing plants to ensure that you don’t end up killing them. For example, marigolds are excellent friends of tomatoes. They help protect tomato plants from pests like whitefly, thrips, aphids, etc. On the other hand, rosemary and mint require very different growing conditions, so it is best to plant them separately. 

What will Your Plants Grow In? 

This is the part that needs a little more attention. Your plants need to grow healthy and for that, the right size of container and soil quality are very important. 

Let’s discuss the containers first. 

Containers  

Both practicality and aesthetics play equal roles when choosing containers for your balcony garden. 

The size should match the plants’ needs. Use large, deep pots for deep-rooted plants like tomatoes. Herbs and lettuce can be grown in smaller and shallow containers. 

Lightweight in nature, plastic and fibreglass containers are easy to move around and long-lasting too. Another portable and easy-to-store option is grow bags made of fabric and similar materials. 

Space-saving containers such as hanging baskets, railing baskets, and tiered planters are excellent choices for smaller balconies.  

Any container you choose must have proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can damage roots. As a precaution, you can add a layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom. Raise the pots off the ground using pot feet or stands to improve air circulation and drainage. An added advantage is that it is easier to clean, too. 

Keep in mind the weight of the containers, especially when wet, and ensure your green space is in line with any building regulations related to balcony gardening. 

Soil or Potting Mix 

The right potting mix is crucial for a verdant balcony garden.  

A high-quality, lightweight potting mix that is specifically formulated for container planting is recommended. A well-balanced mix of topsoil, vermiculite, and compost can create the optimal growing environment for your balcony plants, providing better aeration and water retention than the commonly used garden soil.  

For healthy vegetables and herbs, use a mix enriched with compost or organic matter, ensuring that your plants receive all the necessary nutrients. A slightly more expensive option though it pays off in higher yields is to use high-quality soil for the top 6-8 inches of the container. 

You cannot fill it once and forget about it – container soil needs an annual refresher/replacement. Large containers can survive by replacing at least a third of the soil each year.  

Ongoing Care Routine 

Now that everything is in place, make sure you develop a routine, especially for watering and pest control. 

Balcony gardens require regular watering, though it is a good rule to always check the soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time for a drink of water. 

In summer, you might need to water daily, especially for plants in small containers. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, reducing water loss through evaporation. 

Soil in containers tends to fall short in nutrients quickly. Use a water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. For edible plants, research and use organic fertilizers like compost tea or fish emulsion to keep your produce chemical-free. 

One advantage of a balcony garden is that the plants are less prone to pests. But they are not 100% safe.  

Regularly inspect your plants for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. You can usually spot them on the undersides of leaves or by noticing stunted growth or yellowing foliage. 

If you notice them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, both of which are safe for edible plants. Insects such as ladybugs are natural pest predators. Include pest-repellent plants like marigolds alongside your vegetables. 

In addition to watering and pest control, spend some time pruning and removing dead leaves to encourage robust growth. Spacing plants appropriately ensures good air circulation around plants, key to preventing fungal diseases. 

Seasonal Maintenance 

Different seasons require specific care – these strategies will keep your balcony garden healthy year-round. 

Spring and Summer are the main growing seasons. Start planting once the danger of frost has passed, typically in late May. Focus on watering, fertilizing, and managing plant growth. Deadhead flowers and harvest vegetables regularly for continued production. 

As temperatures drop, you can start preparing your garden for the cooler weather of Fall. This could include moving sensitive plants indoors, switching to cold-tolerant varieties, or mulching containers to insulate roots. 

For those with hardier plants, including evergreens, ensure they are well-watered before the first freeze of the Canadian winter. Protect containers by wrapping them in burlap or moving them closer to the building for added warmth.  

Sustainable Practices 

If you can spare the space, you can include eco-friendly choices in your garden.  

Use a rain barrel to collect water. Practice deep watering to encourage deeper root growth – this reduces the need for frequent watering. Group plants with similar water needs together to optimize water usage. 

You can also consider installing a small compost bin to recycle kitchen scraps into compost. Vermicomposting, which uses worms to break down organic material, is a space-efficient option for condo dwellers. 

Create a Cozy and Inviting Haven 

Your balcony garden can be much more than just a place to grow plants—it can also be a relaxing retreat to unwind.  

Place comfortable seats and use string lights to turn your garden into a magical outdoor living space. Use colourful planters and garden features like a small water fountain or a bird feeder. 

A balcony garden is a soul-fulfilling way to connect with nature, grow your own food, and beautify your living space. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, the satisfaction of nurturing plants in the midst of an urban space is truly unmatched.  

So, roll up your sleeves, grab some supplies, and start transforming your balcony into your personal green oasis!