Sustainable Balcony Garden Ideas For Small Apartments

Everybody likes to have a little bit of greenery around them, but living in small apartments often leads to limited opportunities. But with a little tweak here and there and an added touch of creativity, you cannot only hold onto your dream but also live it.

By turning simple but sustainable balcony garden ideas into a reality, you can transform your balcony into a lush, green space that brings nature right to your doorstep. Plus, going the eco-friendly way helps you minimize waste, conserve resources, and even grow your own fresh produce.

Let's get started on beautifully designing your balcony garden.

1. Vertical garden

Who said small balconies don't make big gardens? If you're short on horizontal space, go up!

By installing shelves or wall-mounted planters, you can easily create a vertical garden that makes use of every inch. Moreover, you can use the ceiling to hang various coloured pots and plant flowers in them, which grow downwards to make the garden look like something out of a fairytale.

The biggest advantage of using balcony garden ideas like these is that they don't take up floor space, allowing you to place chairs and a small table for your morning reading and evening coffee sessions. Plus, you get to use the walls in an effective way instead of letting them go to waste.

A different approach: Use an old ladder, attach some pots to it, and let your plants climb up as they grow.

2. Put to work your old containers

Sustainability starts with how you source your materials. Instead of buying brand-new plastic pots, why not use items you already have at home? From recycled bottles and jars to old wooden crates and discarded kitchen storage boxes, you can repurpose any of your old containers for creative balcony garden ideas. This is one of the simplest yet effective ways to utilise small balconies for gardening.

The only trick required here is to choosing containers that are the right size for the plants you want to grow. You also need to take care that they have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, or else your plants will not survive long. If unsure, you can take the help of a gardener or visit your nearest nursery to help make holes in the containers.

By using old containers for your balcony garden plants, you are not only recycling and reducing waste, but you can also move the plants around if needed.

A different approach: Use a wooden crate to double up both as a planter and a seater with a cushion on top. Don't forget to play with innovations when exploring balcony garden ideas.

Tip: Always look for flats in Guwahati and other such urban cities, which prioritise the well-being of both residents and the properties in the best possible way.

3. Grow herbs

Imagine stepping out onto your balcony and plucking fresh basil, mint, or tomatoes right from your garden for your next meal. Ah! Imagine the satisfaction of growing your own herbs. Isn't the thought itself so wonderful? Your balcony garden plants do not have to be limited to flowering plants alone.

Growing edible plants not only saves money but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with buying packaged produce. And guess what? You don't even need a large space to grow them - a few small pots or containers can work wonders. The opportunities with balcony garden ideas are endless if you know how to play it right.

A different approach: If your balcony doesn't receive enough sunlight to support the growth of these edible plants, place solar-powered grow lights on the walls or shelves near the plants. These lights charge during the day and provide a gentle glow that supports plant growth in the evening.

4. Garden composting

Composting is a great way to reduce waste and provide your plants with nutrient-rich soil. By simply setting aside a dedicated compost bin in the corner of your balcony, you can redirect your kitchen organic waste to nutrients for your balcony garden plants. This not only reduces food scraps but also helps you grow healthier plants in the long run.

You can start your composting process by using compostable kitchen items like fruit peels, coffee grounds, and vegetable scraps. Turn the collected compost pile once every two weeks to keep the decomposition process intact and maintain suitable oxygen flow. Composting is an innovative step for balcony garden ideas that is both sustainable and rewarding.

A different approach: If there are children in the house, teach them about the process and involve them in it. Dedicate a specific day in a week to collect organic waste and add it to the pile. This is a great way to introduce an effective waste management system at home.

Read this blog for tips on correctly segregating dry and wet waste at home.

5. Organic fertilizers

These days, there are numerous brands selling fertilisers and pesticides for your plants. However, an important step to be implemented in balcony garden ideas is to improve the health of these plants. Buying and using chemical fertilisers and pesticides is not only harmful to the plants but also your health because whether you are adding it to the soil or consuming the fruits and herbs after it has been used, in both cases, you are coming in direct contact.

Opt for organic or natural alternatives to feed your plants and keep pests away. You can also create your own organic fertilizers using kitchen waste, such as banana peels or eggshells, or use neem oil as a natural pest repellent. These are not only effective, but are also gentle on the plants, leading to better health for your balcony garden plants.

A different approach: Native plants are ideal for sustainable gardening as they are adapted to the local climate and require less water, pesticides, and fertilisers. Research the plants native to your area, and add them to your balcony garden for a low-maintenance, eco-friendly solution.

6. Companion planting

Companion planting is one of the most effective and sustainable methods for balcony garden ideas for small balconies in apartments. It is an excellent strategy for small spaces as it maximises your garden's utility and productivity.

In layperson's terms, companion planting involves pairing specific plants together to create a mini eco-system where the plants support each other and benefit each other's well-being. This not only supports growth but also naturally minimizes pest problems.

Suggested pairings:

• Basil + Tomatoes (enhance each other's flavour)
• Mint + Cabbage family (mint discourages aphids (small insects) from growing on plants)
• Chives + Carrots or Lettuce (chives repel pests and improve flavour)

A different approach: When it comes to implementing balcony garden ideas, the options are limitless. Use trailing herbs like oregano along the edges of containers to create a cascading effect that saves space and adds a unique visual appeal to your balcony garden.

7. Creating your plant's own watering system

Watering your plants efficiently is crucial in sustainable gardening. To do it right, it is essential to not overwater them, starve them, or even waste water. You can create a small irrigation system with a drip watering setup or use a self-watering pot to ensure each plant gets the right amount of water, reducing waste and keeping plants healthy.

Alternatively, you can also place a small barrel to collect rainwater. This is a great eco-friendly option for reducing water waste and repurposing rainwater for watering your plants.

A different approach: Mix and match different textures and colours of drought-tolerant plants (Succulents, Lavender, and ornamental grasses) to create a stunning, low-maintenance green space in your strategy for balcony garden ideas. These plants are also perfect for small spaces because they need less water and maintenance.

Quick tips to maintain healthy balcony garden plants

Your plants are like your babies. Just like a child, they require proper care and nurturing to grow into healthy plants. These are some of the tried and tested tips to ensure the best care and loads of love for them:

• Use a spray bottle for delicate plants to avoid overwatering. Regularly check soil moisture to prevent unnecessary watering.
• Trim dead or yellowing leaves to encourage more foliage growth. Pruning regularly boosts the health of the plant and encourages new leaf growth.
• Use compost or organic fertilizer every few weeks to keep your plants well-nourished.
• If your balcony receives uneven sunlight, rotate plants every few days to ensure each plant receives a balanced amount of light.
• Move plants closer to walls during heavy rain or strong winds.
• Place small stones or broken pottery at the bottom of containers for better airflow before adding soil.

Leaving you and your plants with some final thoughts

Creating your mini green world with sustainable balcony garden ideas is a wonderful way to connect with nature and bring beauty into your everyday life.

Remember, creating your balcony garden doesn't require a lot of space or money. All it needs is a little bit of creativity, care, and love. At a time when we all often feel rushed and disconnected from nature, a balcony garden offers a peaceful escape, a chance to reconnect with nature, and a reminder that even small spaces can hold big dreams.

These are small but meaningful steps to not only create a sustainable environment and support a greener world but also to practice being more responsible for your actions toward the planet.

Let us promise to be a little more mindful of our habits and contribute more consciously towards the well-being of the planet.

So, roll up your sleeves and experiment freely but sustainably. Happy gardening! ??

Also, check out the latest properties from Uttarayan Group, reliable builders designing sustainable and comfortable flats in Guwahati.