Looking to spruce up your outdoor spaces and get your green thumb going this spring? In this ApartmentGuide article, we unlock the secrets to transforming even the smallest balcony or garden space into a flourishing oasis. From selecting the perfect plants to mastering the art of nurturing them, we will embark on a botanical adventure where creativity meets practicality, and where the beauty of nature becomes an integral part of your outdoor sanctuary. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Palm Springs, CA, or a house in Boston, MA, check out these tips to help you get started.
Tips for your balcony or garden areas
1. Create a container garden
Creating a container garden for your outdoor balcony or garden areas is a great idea because it maximizes space utilization, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of gardening even in limited areas. Container gardening also offers flexibility, enabling you to easily move and rearrange plants as needed, while adding beauty and greenery to your outdoor space.
There are many different vegetables that you can grow, but homegrown food company Dogwoods and Dendelions recommends lettuce. “If you would like to start vegetable gardening in a small space, lettuce is the perfect vegetable to grow. You can grow a good bit of lettuce in a single container and harvest from it over several months. Lettuce will even grow with just moderate amounts of sunlight.”
There are also many different herbs you can choose from. Ashley Joyce of Bend Urban Gardens states, “For apartment dwellers with small balconies or small patios, whether in full sun or partial shade, we’d recommend setting up a small container garden with cold hardy perennial herbs like oregano, thyme, ‘Arp’ Rosemary, and chives.”
2. Add water to your space
Adding water to your outdoor space is great because it creates a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Additionally, water features such as fountains or ponds can attract wildlife.
“The sound and motion of naturally flowing water brings your environment to life and soothes your primal soul. Add a small, self-contained water waterfall to your balcony, courtyards, or patio. Add aquatic plants and bring your space to life,” remarks pond and water feature company Rocky Mountain Water Gardens.
3. Choose compact and productive plants
Choosing compact and productive plants is beneficial because they maximize space efficiency in small gardens or balconies and often require less maintenance and are easier to care for.
“If you have a small garden or an apartment balcony, you can still grow a variety of plants by choosing compact and productive ones that thrive in limited space. For instance, herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary are excellent options as they provide fresh flavors for cooking and also help repel pests. Additionally, compact varieties of cherry tomatoes, peppers, and dwarf varieties of beans or peas are ideal for small spaces and offer a steady supply of fresh produce,” states kitchen garden planners Tasty Harvests.
Plants and flowers for your small space
1. Dwarf pink kangaroo paw
“This plant likes full sun and dry areas. It’s great for a sunny porch and pairs perfectly with succulents. Its long bloom time starts early in the year and again late in the season when other plants aren’t blooming.
2. Heuchera ‘Wendy’
“This small plant sends up a showy pink cloud of flowers early in the spring. Great for those areas that get a combination of shade and sun,” shares consulting arborist Bo Firestone.
3. Succulents
Indoor gardening supply Garden Wizard Shop states, “For small apartment balconies or garden areas, consider incorporating succulents like aloe vera or jade plants. These low-maintenance options thrive in containers and provide a touch of greenery without overwhelming limited space. Happy gardening.”
“For apartment renters with limited outdoor space, succulents are an excellent choice. These low-maintenance plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them versatile for any balcony or garden area. Their ability to thrive in small pots with minimal watering requirements makes them perfect for busy urban dwellers seeking greenery without the hassle. Sedum spurium ‘Tricolor’ in particular is a favorite of mine,” adds Woods Creek Nursery.
3. Thyme
“For apartment renters with limited outdoor space, consider growing thyme in a strawberry jar,” remarks home and garden decor shop Little Baja. “Thyme is a versatile herb that adds flavor to dishes year-round and maintains its vibrant green foliage even during colder months. Utilizing the multiple pockets of a strawberry jar maximizes space efficiency, allowing for a bountiful herb harvest in a compact setting.”