Growing a garden is a great way to slow down, relieve stress, and connect with nature. While gardening can be a tricky hobby to adapt to an apartment, a balcony garden can be a no-fuss way to add extra greenery to your living space. Our team at Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, has some tips for starting a balcony garden in your Florida apartment.
The amount of sunlight your balcony gets is one of the main factors in deciding what you should grow in your balcony garden. This mostly depends on the direction your balcony faces and any surrounding architecture that might block or amplify light. Additionally, look into USDA plant hardiness zones, which categorize areas of the U.S. by temperature: Florida ranges from Zone 8 to Zone 10 based on location.
Before you start setting up your balcony garden, read about plants that thrive in your climate and those that are native to the area. No matter where you live, herbs and succulents are great low-maintenance options for beginners. It’s recommended that you pick low-lying plants since they’re less likely to get damaged by the wind. If you decide to pick taller plants, make sure they’re secured to stakes or trellises to prevent breakage.
Once you’ve figured out the best types of plants for your balcony, start planning what you’ll grow and where you’ll put them. Instead of going all out, start with just one or two plants and see how successful they are. You can keep adding plants and pots once you’re confident about your garden’s progress.
Potting soil is recommended over gardening soil for balcony gardens. This is because potting soil is lightweight and sterile, providing ideal drainage and supporting root health while still retaining moisture. If your plants are drying out quickly or you feel like you’re watering more than is necessary, you can also add mulch to help the soil retain moisture.
Opt for plant pots made of ceramic, metal, or concrete to ensure that your garden is safe and sturdy, no matter the weather. It’s recommended that you plant in large pots (1 gallon or larger) to increase stability and give your plants room to grow. This also prevents the hassle of replanting later if your plant outgrows its small pot. Since a balcony only offers a small surface area, maximize vertical space as much as you can. Fortunately, plant pot manufacturers have caught on to the growing popularity of balcony gardens, and various types of vertical planters are available at garden or home improvement stores.
Balcony gardens are more vulnerable to wind than their on-the-ground counterparts. Make sure your garden is protected from blustery days by adding trellises, screens, or netting. Another great method is to plant hedges in sturdy planters and put them around the perimeter of your balcony. This creates a natural wind shield while adding extra greenery and character to your balcony garden!
No matter which Florida city you live in, a balcony garden is a great way to add some greenery to your urban living space. Our modern apartments for rent in Gainesville, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Lakeland, Alachua, and Winter Park offer patios and balconies that are perfect for growing your very own urban oasis! Contact Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, to learn more about our properties.