Become The Architect of Your 3-D Balcony Garden

Let's Get Creative! Be intentional about how to make the best use of your available space. Broaden your vision beyond just a simple row of pots. Consider using the walls, railings, and any overhanging ceiling to provide a structure on which a creative gardener can suspend hanging planters or frames to create a three-dimensional result.  

Here are some ideas for taking advantage of the environment: 

• Repurpose an over-the-door shoe rack or acquire a pack of fabric pocket planters to utilize the walls. Make sure to cut some small drainage holes if using something with plastic pockets.
• Have an old step ladder hanging around cluttering up your space? Balance a couple boards horizontally across the steps to create a tiered planter.
• Use or make a trellis for beans or other vining plants to grow vertically on, reducing their overall footprint in the garden.
• A good general rule of thumb is to plant taller crops like corn and pole peas to the north so that they won't shade shorter plants.
• Planter boxes that hang over the top of your railing can be purchased at many hardware or garden supply stores. They can also be constructed by drilling a few holes in a plastic container and stringing zip ties through, if you’re more of a DIY sort of person.

General Tips:

• If your balcony is made of a wooden or porous material, make sure to elevate containers on wooden blocks or use saucers to prevent draining water from rotting or damaging the surface.
• You will have to water regularly, regardless, but a layer of mulch (wood chips, leaves, or similar chunky organic material) spread across the surface of your soil will significantly reduce the rate of water evaporation.
• Container plants will need to be fertilized often to encourage new growth and replenish the key nutrients in the soil. These nutrients are depleted by plant growth as well as through exposure to the wind and rain. You will want to fertilize your balcony garden every few weeks to counter this loss. For edible plants, pick an organic fertilizer and follow the directions on the package as to how much/how often to apply. Some examples of types of fertilizer you might choose include bonemeal, fish emulsion, compost, seaweed, and alfalfa meal.

There is nothing more satisfying than eating food from your own garden. These books can help make your edible gardening a success.

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