Balcony Gardening - An Oasis In The Sky

Urbanisation is on the increase and a phenomenon is seeing a huge number of people

turning to urban-gardening, turning their stamp-sized balcony into a sanctuary in the sky. This isn't somewhere you can pat down a few inches of top soil or roll out the turf so what should you do to transform this space into you own little paradise?

An important detail to check before you dump an entire forest on your balcony is how much weight it can actually support. You could try and contact someone who manages or maintains the building and they may be able to give you a rough guide but the exact amount will be listed in the building specifications which most owners/landlords should own. Most balconies have a maximum weight allowance greater than the combined weight of the maximum number of people who can fit on the balcony, if you can work that out, that should be a good guide.

Plan out your use of space, this might seem unnecessary because there isn't much of it but you don't want to render your balcony completely useless by cramming it full of pots. If you want to maximise floor space consider boxes that can hook onto the ledge of your safety rail or think about fewer, larger pots that can be planted with a selection of different plants. This will give the illusion of more space than having many small pots cluttering the floor. Plastic pots will minimise weight and can be bought in any size and with the effect of zinc, aluminium or terracotta. Long thin pots will also allow you to plant along the boarders of your balcony rather than just taking up each corner.

When it comes to filling your pots, fill the first quarter with terracotta or polystyrene balls to aid drainage, also drill some small holes on the side about 2cm from the bottom, this will mean that you can place the pot directly on the balcony without having to raise it for drainage. Instead of common garden soil, use a potting compost as this will contain all the nutrients your plants will need.

Finally, chose your plants. Although it is tempting to go for flashy, exotic plants, it is far more practical to buy some sturdier, all year round plants like ferns, ivy or small conifers if you want a base of permanent greenery on your balcony. At the right time of year plant the seeds of something seasonal like marigolds, petunias, fuchsias or geraniums to add some colour by. Raising them from seed will give you the chance to add a personal touch to the garden and when it is finished you will be able to forget about the hustle and bustle that surrounds you and drift off into a world of serenity.

by: Tom Doerr

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