10 Brilliant Balcony Garden Ideas

You don’t need a significant plot of land—or even a quarter acre—to have a stunning garden. There’s plenty you can do with just a few square feet of outdoor space if you have the right products or DIY skills. Read on for 10 ideas for compact gardening, whether your dream balcony involves showy florals, edible herbs and veggies, or a mix of botanicals.

Those with extra-small balconies may believe that they don’t have enough space to garden, but this slim-profile three-tier box planter is the solution that proves them wrong. Perfect for ornamental flowers or a miniature herb garden, this planter is made from weather-resistant cedar and can be purchased stained or unfinished. Installation is a breeze because the planter simply rests on the edge of a balcony’s railing. The dimensions are 30 by 5 by 5 inches. Available on


Etsy

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The Raised Nest Planter from West Elm can be used indoors or out and features a self-watering system. The recyclable polyethylene planter is resistant to chipping, fading, and mildew, and it rests on sturdy steel legs. It’s also double walled, which helps regulate temperatures. At 36 by 18 by 36 inches, this is a great pick for slightly larger balconies. Choose from three colors: Slate, Alpine White, and Weathered Terracotta. Available from


West Elm
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Rather than opting for one large planter, consider getting a trifecta of containers that can be easily moved and rearranged as needed. This is a great choice for beginner gardeners who might need some trial and error before figuring out the ideal placement for their herbs, flowers, or other botanicals. Terra-cotta planters are perfectly on trend and will also look great indoors during the cooler months.

For larger balconies or patios, why not go all out with flowers and greenery to transform your urban oasis into a pint-size English countryside? Create a floral border with an array of planters, and feel free to mix and match for a natural, wild look. This effect can be built up over time by adding new plants and containers every year.

You don’t need a full backyard to have a rose garden. Beginners can purchase container roses to jump-start the process and then add on as they gain confidence. Choose a couple of different varieties based on the amount of light that your balcony receives each day. Generally speaking, roses do best when they get plenty of sun and are planted in well-drained soil.

If square footage is an issue, consider using hanging planters to take advantage of your balcony’s vertical space. These are excellent accessories for teeny-tiny balconies because they don’t take up valuable real estate needed for a grill or patio furniture. This crocheted plant hanger from Etsy is fashionably retro and comes with a small terra-cotta pot. Available on


Etsy

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Metal planters lend a cool, industrial look to any outdoor living space. This set of three, crafted from galvanized metal, varies in size, and each planter sits on a stand, which makes gardening easier on your back. The largest pot is 10.2 inches tall (25 inches high with the stand). The smallest measures 8 inches tall (19 inches high with the stand). The trio of planters can be clustered together or placed around your balcony, depending on the available space and your preferences. Available on


Etsy

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Tiered planters are excellent space-saving solutions for smaller balconies. They allow urban gardeners to maximize their growing space by stacking several planters on top of one another while ensuring they all still get plenty of sunlight. Tiered planters come in a variety of styles and sizes and are suitable for herbs, leafy greens, and decorative plants. Some can be wall mounted for even greater space efficiency.

Add a pop of color to your balcony with a set of brightly hued metal planters. Detachable hooks make it easy to hang the containers over the edge of a narrow railing, so they’re perfect for the typical balcony. These planters are available in a range of bright or pastel shades as well as white, and they’re made from durable metal to stand up to the elements. Available on


Amazon

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Bring a farmhouse aesthetic to a city balcony with the standout Gracie Oaks hanging planter. Two terra-cotta pots (5.5 inches in diameter) are cradled in a metal frame topped by a whimsical bird. The frame comes with a 23-inch chain, and the pots have predrilled holes for optimal drainage. This hanging planter is recommended for indoor use, so make sure it’s placed in a covered area, protected from the elements. Available from


Wayfair
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Adding flowers to your backyard deck will make for some beautiful scenery when looking out your windows. Even if you have a sunroom with a screened in porch, incorporating potted plants will make your view so much better.