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Feb 27th, 2015

Start thinking about a balcony garden

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Spring will soon be in the air, which means it’s time to start thinking about getting your balcony garden back! Hazelview Properties can show you how and when to do this, recommend plants and local shopping suggestions to make the most out of your balcony garden.

Start Planning

Before starting your balcony garden you will need a plan. Be sure to first check with building management for any balcony use guidelines. After you are given the go-ahead you’ll need to learn about the proper growing conditions for your desired plant types such as temperature, sunlight required, water needed and more. Be sure to choose your seeds wisely, thinking about things like climate considerations, if these plants will eventually live in containers, watering requirements and more. SproutRobot is a helpful online source that can help you find the right plant type for your lifestyle.

Start Inside

Get a head start on your balcony garden by starting the process inside when spring first starts. Some plants, like tomatoes, will need to be planted indoors in a greenhouse type environment before being transplanted outside. You can easily pick up a small greenhouse starter kit for your plants to give them an early start inside. A full Guide to Indoor Gardening is available from Real Simple for more tips and tricks. Canadian Tire is only a five-minute walk from Hazelview’s Lower Sackville Apartments and is a great place to purchase supplies, containers and get expert advice on your balcony garden.

What to Grow

Your balcony’s conditions such as exposure to sun and wind will help determine the best vegetation for your garden. Fruits, vegetables and herbs are great for container gardening as they don’t require too much space, are lightweight and can be started off inside. For container gardens that last throughout the winter and summer months, look for warm-weather annuals that bloom throughout the summer and have foliage that still remains active during winter. Plants such as geraniums, marigolds, begonias, and scarlet sage are all great choices that will last the entire year with proper care.

Design

When it comes to designing your balcony garden, the same basic principles apply on a balcony as they do in a traditional yard. For more visual interest, try using a variety of container types and plant sizes to create enhanced depth and dimension. Layer flowers with taller plants in the back and smaller ones in the front to avoid visual clutter.

Embrace the changing warmer weather by getting your balcony garden ready for spring and summer.