Is it your first time growing an apartment garden? The good news is that you can plant endless options on your apartment patio, and there is no better time than now to start your home garden. Read on to learn more about the plants you can grow in your small space.
The Benefits of Growing Plants On Your Balcony
Growing an apartment garden has many benefits, and you should consider filling up the empty balcony with the goodness of plants. Apart from doing it as a hobby, growing plants on your balcony give your apartment a touch of greenery, adding to its aesthetic value. There is nothing better than gazing at beautiful plants amidst the concrete jungle.
Not forgetting the health benefits plants provide, including increasing the air quality around your house. The joy of growing an apartment garden involves interacting, and taking care of it can be an excellent way to de-stress and relax. There’s a way breathing fresh air and spending time with nature makes you unwind and improve your physical health.
How to Utilize the Smaller Space
You can make the most out of your small apartment patio, and here are tips on utilizing the small space.
(i) Plan your patio layout
Before growing your apartment garden, you must first plan the layout of your patio by outlining where you will place your balcony furniture and decor items. Try rearranging the patio and find a layout that appeals to you. Once you figure this out, you can start bringing in your gardening essentials.
(ii) Use hanging planters and stands
Using hanging planters and stands is one of the best ways to utilize a smaller patio since they will not take up any floor space. You have different options, such as railing planters, trellis, or fitting a small shelf. You can also opt for train vines on the patio railing.
(iii) Consider your balcony’s climate
Before choosing your plants, you must consider your balcony’s climate. Is your balcony sunny or windy? Choose plants that will grow well depending on your apartment patio, and go for plants best suited for abundant sunlight or can survive strong winds if it’s sunny.
(iv) Start small
If it’s your first time growing an apartment garden, it doesn’t hurt to start small with a few plants on small containers so that you can get the hang of it and gradually add more plants to your garden.
Starting small also prevents overwhelming the space, especially when you’re dealing with plants that bloom and the leaves or flowers become bigger.
Five Plants to Grow on Your Apartment Patio
Growing an apartment garden makes the space more inviting, whether you have a small apartment patio or a sizeable sun-drenched balcony. However, you must choose plants that adapt well to the climate of your patio. The following are some of the plants that will grow well on your apartment patio:
1. Hydrangea
You can never go wrong with planting these beautiful shrubs in planters on your patio. The best variety is the dwarf ones, and ensure that your large container is made from a material that won’t crack or freeze during cold seasons. The Hydrangea thrives with abundant sunlight and watering, and it’s effortless to maintain.
2. Herbs
Growing herbs is the perfect low-maintenance choice to add to your apartment patio. And the best part? You can always pluck a bit off for your cooking. Herbs easily fit on small pots and grow very fast. If you have a sunny patio, consider planting rosemary, thyme, or sage, whereas dill, mint, and parsley are good choices for a shady balcony.
3. Succulents
Succulents are hands-down the easiest plants to maintain especially if you always forget to water plants. These plants survive best in warmer climates and are excellent if your patio gets plenty of sun. Consider stocking up on the sempervivums or sedums which thrive in the outdoors. Don’t overdo the watering because they will rot, so you can water them when the soil is dry or once a month.
4. Fuschia
Fuschia is a showstopper and a magnet for butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds. These stunning flowers work well with a hanging basket and look like a fancy chandelier. Fuschia has different varieties that grow into beautiful shades of purple and pink. These flowers grow well in a shaded patio because it stops blooming when it’s too hot.
5. Begonias
Begonias come in different varieties, and Rex and angelwing are the showiest types, with gorgeous foliage and vibrant blooms. Begonias thrive in shady patios with consistent watering. This plant is easy to maintain and grows very fast, and you only need to snap off the withered blooms to keep it tidy.
Working With Your Apartment Patio
Growing an apartment garden benefits your health, well-being, and your balcony’s beauty. Even with limited space, you can transform your patio into a lush and beautiful garden. Hydrangea, herbs, succulents, Fuschia, and begonias are some of the best and easy-to-grow plants on your apartment patio.