Gardening had almost become a lost art, especially among those who live in large cities, like Vancouver or Victoria, but recently, it has been making a comeback.
Many of us are choosing to spend less time inside on screens and more time outside connecting with nature, and the benefits are endless. A small vegetable garden promotes healthier eating, reduces stress and improves immunity, and surrounding yourself with beautiful plants and flowers is not only good for your mental health, but also the environment by helping pollinators like bees and butterflies to thrive.
But converting a small patio or outdoor space comes with its own challenges. That’s why we’ve gathered our top six balcony garden tips.
First Step to a balcony garden: Audit Your Space
If you’ve already caught the ‘gardening bug,’ you know how tempting it can be to rush out to the garden store to buy all the pots, planters, soil, seeds and plants. But that often creates frustration and overwhelm. So before doing that, take a step back and really have a look at your outdoor space.
The best way to create a plan is to start with a blank canvas, so the very first thing you will want to do is to declutter your outdoor space. Remove all items that are currently on your patio and organize them into smaller groups – furniture, garden items (pots, planters, etc), and tools, for example. Sweep up any dust or debris and wash or wipe down siding, if possible and clean your windows.
Now, you can measure your balcony to determine how much usable space you have for plants. Consider if you will be adding a seating area, and where and how much space that will take up. Look at the items you have just removed and determine whether any of them can be used in your new space, or if you will be donating them.
Make note of sunlight, and exposure to wind and traffic. This will help determine the best types of vegetables and/or flowers for your space.
Go Up to Maximize Growing Space
Vertical gardening is the best way to maximize your space and increase your growing area without sacrificing precious patio space. Hanging baskets, trelisses, tiered plant stands and hanging bags are fantastic options to grow beautiful flowers, herbs, strawberries, tomatoes and peppers.
This Garant Modular Garden is a great addition even to the smallest spaces.t more time to set up this organizational system at the beginning, the rewards are more than worth it.
Incorporate Multi-functional Furniture
To help stay organized in your small patio, think function first when choosing patio furniture. A patio storage bench is a great place to store all of your gardening tools, watering cans, fertilizer and extra soil, or a small outdoor storage cabinet is a great addition to any outdoor area!
Use Space-saving Plants
Choosing the right plants for your space can make all the difference. As noted in your space audit, be sure to pick plants and flowers that will tolerate the light, wind, and moisture conditions.
There are many varieties of compact plants, flowers, and herbs that will thrive in containers.
Veggies
- Lettuce: Little Gem, Tom Thumb, Garden Babies, Oakleaf, Black-seeded Simpson
- Tomatoes: Tiny Tim, Red Robin, Micro Tom, Patio, Little Bing
- Strawberries: Alpine Strawberries, Eversweet, Tristar, Albion
Herbs
Almost all herbs can be successfully grown in planters, and combining various herbs in one planter is a great way to save space. Just be sure to group them according to their watering and sunshine needs.
- Drier soil, lots of sun: Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary and Sage
- Moist soil, some shade: Chives, Parsley, Cilantro
Flowers
The best flowers suited for hanging baskets and smaller containers are Petunias, Begonias, Marigolds, Geraniums, Impatiens, and Salvias.
Again, make sure to take into consideration your space and the flowers’ needs. Some thrive on direct sunlight, while others need less heat and more shade.
To plan the perfect small patio garden, head down to one of the local nurseries, like Gardenworks and speak with the employees. You can also check out Hunters Garden Centre, or DH Garden Centre Kitsilano in Vancouver, or Elk Lake Garden Centre or Russell Nursery in Victoria. Garden Centre employees are so knowledgeable and more than happy to help answer your questions.
Coordinating Containers
Using matching pots in coordinating colours creates consistency, resulting in a cleaner, more organized appearance.
Use the rule of odd numbers and group planters into 3s or 5s rather than pairs to create a more natural look. Consider using small tables or blocks to elevate a few of the planters, creating a more visually appealing look.
Prevent Overcrowding
Spend some time researching and learning about your plants and their needs. Pruning plants, deadheading flowers, decluttering unused items and rotating seasonal flowers will help keep your patio garden setup fresh and looking great.
Still struggling to see the potential in your small outdoor space? Contact our team of professional organizers today and let us help you organize your small Vancouver or Victoria balcony garden.
