A garden on the balcony is the perfect solution for cultivating vegetables, aromatic herbs, and small fruits in the city.
Even if you only have a few square meters of space, it is still possible to organize a green, productive, and sustainable corner that can bring great satisfaction.
Here is a guide that indicates step by step how to create a garden on the balcony, what tools we need, and what mistakes we should avoid.
Evaluation of space and exposure
Firstly, it is essential to observe your balcony and assess its size and characteristics.
Sun exposure is a critical factor in choosing the type of plants to grow:
- a south-facing balcony will have a lot of direct sunlight and will therefore be ideal for fruit vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants
- a north-facing balcony will be more suitable for growing hardy aromatic plants and leafy vegetables like salads and spinach.
Another important factor to consider is the wind: very windy balconies might require windbreaks or barriers to prevent more delicate plants from suffering.
Choosing containers: pots, planters, and vertical gardens
Not all containers are the same, and the choice of the most suitable container depends both on the available space and on the plants you want to grow.
Deeper pots (at least 30 cm) are essential for vegetables with long roots like tomatoes and zucchinis.
Planters, on the other hand, are excellent for salads, strawberries, and aromatic herbs.
If space is limited, an effective solution is the vertical garden made using shelves, adapted pallets, or pockets hung on the walls.
There are also modular systems on the market, specifically designed for urban vertical gardening.
Which plants to choose for a balcony garden
Not all plants adapt well to pot cultivation, but many species are perfect for a balcony garden.
Among the aromatic herbs, the following are essential:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Mint
For vegetables, excellent choices are:
- Cherry tomatoes, datterino tomatoes, and dwarf tomatoes
- Salads (baby lettuce, arugula, lamb's lettuce)
- Chili peppers
- Zucchini (if space allows)
- Green onions and radishes
- Strawberries and raspberries (in hanging pots)
Soil and fertilization
The quality of the soil is crucial for the success of the garden.
It is advisable to use a specific soil for gardens, enriched with compost or worm castings to provide the necessary nutrients.
Moreover, good drainage is essential: it is appropriate to place a layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pots to prevent water stagnation.
Fertilization can be done with certified organic fertilizers, which guarantee products allowed in organic farming.
Irrigation: how and when to water
Water is obviously essential, but too much water is one of the main enemies of a balcony garden.
Plants in pots tend to dry out faster than those in the ground, especially in summer.
It is advisable to water early in the morning or in the evening, avoiding the hottest hours.
A great solution is drip irrigation, which allows for a constant and efficient water supply.
There are also specific irrigation kits available on the market for balcony cultivation.
Crop rotation and plant intercropping
Even when cultivating on a balcony, it is useful to apply crop rotation and intercropping techniques.
Changing the type of plants from season to season helps prevent soil depletion and the spread of diseases.
Some particularly beneficial combinations are:
- Tomatoes and basil (basil keeps some pests away)
- Lettuce and radishes (exploiting different spaces and growth times)
- Strawberries and garlic (garlic protects strawberries from fungal diseases)
Protecting the balcony garden: insects, diseases, and weather
Plants in pots are more vulnerable compared to those in the ground.
It is very important to regularly check for the presence of plant pests such as aphids or scale insects, intervening with natural remedies like nettle macerate or potassium soap.
Protection from the weather is also of fundamental importance; indeed, in places heavily exposed to wind, rain, and hail, it is advisable to install transparent covers or temporary tarpaulins.
Creating a garden on the balcony is not just a rewarding hobby, but a tangible way to connect with nature, reduce environmental impact, and enjoy fresh, organic products.
With a bit of organization and the right care, even the smallest balcony can become a green oasis from which to obtain aromatic herbs and zero-mileage vegetables.