No yard? No problem: How to create the perfect balcony garden

Urban garden c/o lifeonabalcony.com

You might be living floors away from the ground but there’s nothing stopping you from growing a fruitful garden in the sky – Shannon Cooke explains how…

With over 200 parks, gardens and woodlands spread across its hilly landscape, Sheffield is the greenest city in the UK.  Yet, with most of its city centre occupants renting in towering apartment blocks, you’d have thought that there’d be little opportunity to be green-fingered.

However, thanks to a bunch of worldwide urban gardeners, it has been proved that you can turn even the smallest of balconies into a leafy green paradise. But, where should a wannabe Titchmarsh even start?

1.       Choosing the right containers…

Whether you prefer traditional terracotta or the quirkier recycled tin, all containers have their strengths and weaknesses. Most large ceramic containers dry out the soil quicker than an average plastic planter - meaning your crops will need watering more frequently. But then again, who wants to look at a drab plastic container? It’s all a matter of personal choice and what suits you best.

If you opt to use recycled items such as cans, tins and old boots, just make sure they are safe for food growing. This is something Mark Smith (author of Vertical Veg blog) can’t emphasise enough. “Don’t use anything that has contained paint or chemicals. Even old tyres have toxins which will seep into the soil and contaminate your plants.”

Supposedly size isn’t everything, but when it comes to plants the usual case is that the bigger the container the bigger the crop. The pot can hold more nutrients in the soil and distribute water more evenly. However, large pots are also a pain to move around. Smaller pots will give you more room to work with but you’ll be more limited as to what you can grow in them.

Drainage is also important when choosing containers. Having holes in the bottom of your planters will let excess water flow out and help to prevent root rot and over-watering. Neil Grant (Owner of Ferndale Garden Centre and BBC Radio Sheffield’s gardening expert) suggests elevating your plants as well. “Use pot feet on your containers. By lifting plants off the ground it helps unneeded water escape even easier.”

However, in the spirit of being good tenants, remember to put saucers under your elevated plants. It will prevent water dripping into the morning coffee of your neighbours below.

2.       Understanding your plant’s needs…

Before buying plants you need to understand your balcony’s own unique microclimate. You must know how many hours of direct sunlight your plot will get each day and use that knowledge to choose suitable plants – let’s rule out growing bananas right now.

With the ability to lessen yields by up to 30%, windy conditions are an urban gardener’s worst enemy. “Up North you definitely need a wind break to protect your plants,” says Mark, whose blog documents his five-year journey of developing his container garden. The best types don’t block out all the wind, but half of it. Garden mesh and the more attractive willow windbreak are particular favourites.

 Choosing the right soil is also important. Although most plants will be fine with an all-purpose mix, certain plants – succulents and berries - need a more acidic soil to provide them with the nutrients they need.

3.       Choosing your plants…

Now you know how to prepare for your seedlings, it’s time to choose what exactly you want to grow. Katie Bowie (author of A True Love of Mine blog) recommends easy to grow herbs like basil, sage and thyme for first timers. But flowers such as fuchsias, primroses and begonias are also good starter plants and prefer shadier conditions – perfect for most balconies.

If you’re hoping to attract wildlife to your balcony this spring, consider adding some bulb plants to your collection. Hardy plants, like daffodils, snowdrops and irises can withstand the chilliest of northern springs. All of these will also provide nectar and pollen for insects waking up from their wintery slumber.

No matter what plants you choose, Neil advises visiting your local garden centre. “We’d never sell plants that aren’t suitable for this season,” he says, “If you have any questions about why we don’t stock a certain type, come and ask us. There’s always a reason.”

4.       What about vegetables?

“I’ve had great luck with snap peas and jalapenos,” explains Ann Fontaine (author of Clumsy Wife blog), “They’re both simple and reliable growers.” With the majority of their shoots providing their first crop within three weeks, peas are an easy way to see the fruits of your labour fast.  The perfect confidence builder before moving onto something more complex.

Vegetables like beetroot, potatoes and carrots act as the perfect next step. Many people use metal dustbins and even laundry bags to grow these root favourites. As long as your containers are at least 10L deep and you fertilise and water your crops regularly you can’t go far wrong.

Neil recommends growing salad items too, especially leafy greens as they thrive in shadier conditions. But berries and other fruits have the potential to flourish “Tumbling tomatoes grow well on balconies. You just have to have at least three hours’ direct sunlight each day.”

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All that’s left for you to do now is get started and develop your little green paradise. However, I leave you with the advice of Katie Bowie. “Be prepared for lots of things to die before you figure out what you’re doing. I started out with some simple herbs and just winged it from there.” Plants are living things and sometimes don’t do what we expect them to. Just persevere, don’t be afraid to try new things and, most importantly, enjoy your new balcony garden.

Ann Fontaine - The Clumsy Wife

Katie Bowie - A True Love of Mine

Mark Smith - Vertical Veg

Neil Grant - Dyche Ln, Coal Aston, Dronfield S18 3BJ - 01246 412763