April 7, 2025
- Gardens provide a feeling of rejuvenation and tranquility to a home and are beneficial for mental health. Nevertheless, nowadays, residing in a standalone house is challenging and living in a condominium is becoming increasingly favored. The primary concern in apartments within condominiums is the absence of open space for a garden. When purchasing a home, you aim to achieve everything perfectly, such as obtaining a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy or selecting high-quality furnishings. So why feel disappointed about lacking a green area?
- If you possess a rooftop, patio, terrace, or balcony, you can still cultivate numerous plants and have a lovely green nook in your home. Balcony gardening is enjoyable and there are several creative methods to develop a serene space indoors. It requires only some planning and essential knowledge about the conditions and, naturally, the plants.
- Let’s go over some fundamental tips that can assist you in creating
- Society Rules
Every condominium implements specific guidelines established by the society that oversees the maintenance and other operations. Prior to initiating preparations for a balcony garden, it is crucial to review the rules and regulations to ascertain any potential restrictions. Certain buildings prohibit the cultivation of fruits and vegetables as they attract pests and birds. Therefore, in buildings with such regulations, only flowers and plants will be permitted. - Water Outlet
When you plan to have plants, the most essential requirement is water. Regular watering is necessary, and having a water outlet is vital, as hauling buckets of water from within the house is neither practical nor easy. If there isn’t a water tap, the selection of plants will be altered. Some plants can be self-irrigating. Just as homeowners insurance is essential for a house, water is critical for the plants. The right amount of water is what will guarantee the plants thrive.
Another concern associated with plants is the potential for water to drip onto the floor below or outside, which can lead to complications. Ideally, saucers should be placed under the pots to catch any excess water that can be disposed of later. - Check the Feasibility
Balconies are designed to hold only a certain amount of weight. It is not advisable to overload balconies with ceramic or terra cotta pots as these tend to be heavy. Instead, you should opt for lighter options such as fiberglass or plastic pots. - Choose the Plants Carefully
After deciding on the pots and soil, the next significant consideration is selecting the right plants. Not every space is suited for plant growth, so it is essential to make thoughtful choices to avoid wasting space. The growth of the plant will depend on the sunlight that particular area receives. You should choose the plants based on the sunlight available. For instance, plants like lettuce and spinach require minimal sun, as do some herbs.
Then there are low-light plants such as ferns and begonias, as well as plants like cacti that can flourish on a sun-drenched balcony when properly watered. Recognizing the sun’s intensity is crucial because often we overlook that numerous plants require at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Additionally, if you plan to cultivate some vegetables, be wary of the pests and birds that may come, as they can not only ruin the plants and vegetables but also mess up the area. - Heat on the Balcony
In addition to sunlight, there are other elements that can raise the temperature of the balcony, and excessive heat is detrimental to the plants. Many balconies feature outdoor air conditioning units that expel warm air. If the plants are situated too close to the unit, they are likely to perish. Another cause of excessive heat is the sunlight reflecting off the windows. This also warms the space, causing plants to wilt. For such balconies, tropical plants or succulents make a wise choice. - Choose Your Decor
If you wish to savor your morning tea or coffee in this part of the house, design the area so that it includes a small seating arrangement. You can incorporate wind chimes or fountains to enhance the soothing ambiance. Having an electrical outlet to play music could be beneficial as well. - Vertical Gardening
Contrary to popular belief, a large balcony is not necessary to create a balcony garden. What is most effective in a limited space is vertical gardening. Options include railing planters, stack planters, hanging baskets, and vertical wall planters. Certain plants such as air plants and succulents are visually appealing and thrive well when grown vertically. Wall pockets present another excellent idea where various plants can be cultivated. - Hide The Railing
If you’re not situated on a very high floor, privacy might be a concern, making it difficult to enjoy the balcony. In such situations, concealing the railing with climbing plants like jasmine or ivy is an excellent solution. This also enhances the visual appeal of the area, creating a serene and tranquil space for relaxation. - Check the Wind
Balconies located on higher floors often experience strong winds, which can harm the plants during summers or extreme winters. In these cases, it is advisable to implement measures to shield the plants from wind. In extremely hot conditions, relocating the plants to a spot where they are less exposed to sun and hot winds may help minimize damage. - Time Available
Gardening requires both time and money. Before you establish it, you should assess the time you can dedicate to gardening. Maintaining the area and watering the plants is essential, and if you believe you cannot manage it daily, you should have someone else available to assist. Additionally, harvesting vegetables before they spoil is crucial. Therefore, keeping an eye on the area is vital.
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