How to Grow a City Garden on a Balcony

Draw a detailed sketch of the balcony on graph paper, including existing features you have to work around. Step out into the balcony at different parts of the day to determine the amount of sunlight it receives, and note it on the graph, to ensure the plants you select thrive in those areas.

Draw features you want to include in your balcony garden, such as a lattice trellis along the railing to provide growing space for climbing plants and increase privacy. Include the locations of plant containers on the sketch. Depending on personal preference and available space, place the larger pots along the edges of the balcony and the smaller ones in front, or create plant arrangements comprised of a taller pot surrounded by smaller ones throughout the space.

Mark the locations of hanging baskets and planters along the balcony ceiling or ledge to make use of vertical space. Decide the plants you want to grow in the pots, depending on their sunlight requirements. Work out the possibilities of your balcony garden on paper until you are satisfied with the outcome.

Mount a bamboo or wood lattice trellis along the balcony railing. Either anchor its feet in plant pots filled with soil, or secure its sides to the balcony walls with hooks. Sow seeds or plant seedlings of climbing plants in the pots so they spread over the trellis.

Bring your plant containers to the spots on the balcony according to their locations on the sketch. Install metal plant hangers or hooks along the ceiling or ledge of the balcony for hanging plant baskets.

Fill each pot with quality soil until two-thirds of the way. Plant your desired plant seedlings in the middle of the pot and backfill with soil. Install bamboo or wood trellises or cages into the pots to support climbing plants.

Provide regular water to the potted plants to keep them from drying, especially during prolonged periods of drought. Feed the plants with a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.

Inspect the plants for signs of common pests, including aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, caterpillars and spider mites. Treat the pests with a jet of water from a hose or a low-toxicity insecticide. Snip off damaged parts of the plants with sterilized pruning scissors and discard plant clippings to maintain their appearance.