10 Practical DIY Balcony Garden Ideas for Small Spaces
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 11 min read

Contents

  1. Vertical garden for space saving
  2. Balcony herb garden
  3. Hanging baskets for flowers
  4. Pallet planters
  5. DIY container pond
  6. Balcony vegetable garden
  7. Upcycled furniture planters
  8. Rail planters
  9. Window boxes
  10. DIY garden trellis

If you're an urban dweller with a tiny balcony, don't let space limitations deter you from your green thumb dreams. We have 10 practical DIY balcony garden ideas that will transform your small space into a lush, green oasis. These ideas are fun, affordable, and most importantly, doable—even in the smallest of spaces!

Vertical garden for space saving

When space is at a premium, the best way to maximize your gardening potential is to think vertically. A vertical garden allows you to cultivate a wide variety of plants, from flowers to edibles, in a minimum amount of space. Here's how you can create your own vertical garden:

  1. Select a vertical base: You can use a wide range of materials for your vertical garden base. Lattice panels, wall-mounted planters, or even an old shoe organizer can work wonders. Choose something that matches your balcony's aesthetic and can withstand the elements.
  2. Choose your plants: When it comes to vertical gardening, not all plants are created equal. Some plants thrive when grown vertically, like climbing vines, succulents, or ferns. These plants don't mind growing upwards and can create a striking visual effect.
  3. Arrange your plants: Now it's time to get creative and arrange your plants on your chosen base. You can organize them by color, type, or growth pattern. Remember to place the plants that need the most sun at the top, as they will naturally get more sunlight.
  4. Maintain your garden: Just like any garden, your vertical one will need regular care. Water your plants according to their individual needs, prune them when necessary, and keep an eye out for any pests or diseases.

And voila! You now have a verdant, space-saving garden right on your balcony. This is just one of the many DIY balcony garden ideas that can help you make the most of your small space. Stay tuned for more!

Balcony herb garden

Are you a foodie or a fan of home-cooked meals? Then a balcony herb garden might be the perfect DIY project for you. Growing your own herbs not only saves you money, but it also adds a fresh, aromatic element to your meals that can't be beat. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to do. Here are the steps:

  1. Pick your pots: Start by choosing your pots. You'll want something with good drainage to prevent water-logged roots. Terracotta pots are a favorite among herb gardeners, but plastic pots can work equally well. You can use a single large pot or a collection of small ones, depending on your space and preference.
  2. Choose your herbs: Next, decide which herbs you want to grow. Basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint are all great options for beginners. These herbs are easy to care for, versatile in the kitchen, and thrive in balcony conditions.
  3. Plant your herbs: Fill your pots with a high-quality potting mix and plant your herbs according to the instructions on the seed packet or plant tag. Make sure each herb has enough room to grow without crowding its neighbors.
  4. Take care of your garden: Place your pots in a sunny spot on your balcony and water them regularly. Most herbs prefer a sunny spot and well-drained soil, but make sure to research the specific needs of each herb for the best results.

And just like that, you've created your very own balcony herb garden. Now, you can enjoy the satisfaction of cooking with home-grown herbs while also adding some greenery to your balcony. Another win-win in our book of DIY balcony garden ideas!

Hanging baskets for flowers

Let's talk about hanging baskets for flowers. They're a brilliant way to add color and life to your balcony, while making the most of your vertical space. Plus, the hanging aspect adds an element of charm that's hard to resist. Let's get into the how-to.

  1. Select the basket: The first step is to choose your basket. Hanging baskets come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Go for one that complements your balcony's style and size. Remember, it needs to be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the soil and the plant.
  2. Pick the flowers: Next, choose your flowers. Go for bright, hardy flowers that can withstand the elements. Petunias, geraniums, and pansies are all excellent choices for hanging baskets. You might also consider trailing plants, like ivy, for extra visual interest.
  3. Plant the flowers: Now, it's time to plant. Fill your basket with a high-quality potting mix, leaving some space at the top. Plant your flowers, making sure to space them out evenly. Top up with more potting mix if needed, but ensure it's not overfilled.
  4. Hang and care for your basket: Finally, hang your basket from a sturdy hook or bracket on your balcony. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Also, deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

And there you have it, a hanging basket full of vibrant flowers, ready to beautify your balcony. It's not just a decoration, but a testament to your gardening prowess. Another great addition to your arsenal of DIY balcony garden ideas, wouldn't you agree?

Pallet planters

Ever thought about turning a simple wooden pallet into a lush, blooming planter? Pallet planters are an ingenious way to recycle and create an eye-catching feature for your balcony. Plus, they're super easy to make. Let's break it down:

  1. Get your pallet: You can often find wooden pallets at local hardware stores or recycling centers. Just make sure it's strong and in good condition. You don't want your planter falling apart!
  2. Prepare the pallet: Before you start planting, you need to prepare your pallet. Clean it thoroughly and let it dry. If you want, you can paint or stain it to match your balcony decor. But remember, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
  3. Add a backing: To hold the soil and plants in place, you'll need to add a backing to your pallet. You can use landscape fabric, a heavy-duty garbage bag, or even leftover wood. Secure it with a staple gun for best results.
  4. Fill and plant: Now, fill the pallet with good quality potting soil. Choose your plants next. Go for a mixture of colors, textures, and heights for a visually appealing look. Slide the plants into the gaps and pack more soil around them to keep them secure.
  5. Maintain your planter: Once your planter is ready, water it carefully and place it in a suitable spot on your balcony. Remember to keep an eye on it, watering and pruning regularly to maintain its looks.

There you go, an easy and creative DIY balcony garden idea that recycles old materials and adds a unique touch to your space. Plus, it's a fun way to show off your green thumb!

DIY Container Pond

Who says you need a sprawling backyard to enjoy the calming vibes of a pond? With a little creativity, you can bring that serenity right to your balcony. A DIY container pond is a unique addition to any small space and surprisingly simple to create. Let's get our hands dirty:

  1. Pick your container: Start with selecting a container for your pond. Almost anything can work—a large ceramic pot, a half-barrel, or even an old bathtub. Just make sure it's deep enough for your aquatic plants and has no drainage holes.
  2. Prep the container: Clean your container thoroughly and if it's not waterproof, seal it with a pond liner. You can find these at any garden supply store. Make sure to trim the liner neatly to the edge of the container.
  3. Fill it up: Carefully fill your container with tap water. If your tap water is treated with chlorine, let it sit for a day or two before adding plants.
  4. Choose your plants: Select a variety of aquatic plants for your pond. Consider dwarf water lilies, floating plants like duckweed, and tall plants like rushes to create depth and interest. Don't forget to add a few oxygenating plants to keep the water fresh!
  5. Arrange and care: Now comes the fun part—arranging your plants. Place taller plants at the back and shorter ones at the front for a tiered look. Once everything's in place, remember to change about 10% of the water weekly to keep it clear and clean.

And voilà! You've just created a tranquil, little oasis right on your balcony. Not only does a DIY container pond add a unique touch to your balcony garden, but it also provides a soothing ambient sound that can help you unwind after a busy day. Talk about a win-win!

Balcony Vegetable Garden

Ever thought about growing your own food but lack the space? Fear not! A balcony vegetable garden is your answer. With a few pots and the right selection of veggies, you can start cultivating your very own food source. Here's how to get started:

  1. Choose sun-loving vegetables: Vegetables need a good amount of sunlight to grow. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and leafy greens like spinach and lettuce are all great for balcony gardening. They love the sun and don't need a lot of space to thrive.
  2. Pick appropriate containers: Different vegetables require different sized pots. Tomatoes and peppers need larger pots while leafy greens can share a pot. Just ensure that all pots have sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
  3. Use high-quality soil: Soil is the foundation of your garden. You need to use nutrient-rich soil to ensure your vegetables grow healthy and strong. Consider a mix of good quality potting soil and compost for best results.
  4. Water and care: Regular watering is key for balcony gardens because pots can dry out quickly. However, don't overwater—check the soil's moisture levels first. Most vegetables also benefit from a bi-weekly dose of organic liquid fertilizer during their growing season.
  5. Check for pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and caterpillars. You can keep most pests at bay with simple DIY organic sprays made from mild soap and water.

And there you have it! With these steps, you can transform your balcony into a productive, mini-farm. Not only does a balcony vegetable garden provide fresh, organic produce, but it also makes for an engaging and rewarding pastime. So, are you ready to try your hand at balcony farming?

Upcycled Furniture Planters

Are you a fan of DIY projects and have some old furniture lying around? How about turning that old furniture into unique planters for your balcony garden? Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

  1. Drawer planters: Got an old chest of drawers that you don't use anymore? Don't toss it out just yet. You can repurpose it into a chic planter. Simply fill each drawer with soil and plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or succulents. Remember to drill some holes at the bottom for drainage.
  2. Chair planters: An old chair can make a unique planter for your balcony garden. Remove the seat, place a pot where the seat used to be, and plant away! This works best with wooden chairs, but metal ones can work too if you're careful to prevent rust.
  3. Ladder planters: If you have an old ladder, you can use it as a multi-level planter. Simply place pots on each step. This is great for small balconies as it utilizes vertical space effectively.

Upcycling furniture into planters is a creative and sustainable way to decorate your balcony garden. It gives a new life to your old furniture and adds a personal, unique touch to your balcony. Plus, it's a fun weekend project that you can be proud of. So, what do you say? Ready to roll up your sleeves and give your old furniture a new purpose?

Rail Planters

Another fantastic idea among DIY balcony garden ideas is using rail planters. They're a great space-saving solution for those with limited balcony space. Let's talk about what they are and how you can use them.

Rail planters are containers designed to hang on the railing of your balcony. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, but the idea is the same — they give you more space to grow your plants without taking up your floor space. Here's how you can get started:

  1. Choose the right rail planters: If you're buying rail planters, make sure they fit your balcony railings. They should be stable and secure. If you're up for a DIY project, you can make your own using materials like wood, plastic, or metal.
  2. Select the plants: Rail planters are perfect for herbs, small flowers, and succulents. Make sure to choose plants that fit well in the planters and can handle the conditions on your balcony.
  3. Arrange your plants: Once you have your planters and plants, it's time to arrange them. This is where you can let your creativity shine. Arrange by color, size, or species — whatever makes you happy!

Remember, a balcony garden is a reflection of you. So, don't be afraid to experiment and make it unique. Rail planters are just one way to customize your space. So grab your gardening gloves, let's make your balcony garden a green oasis in the sky.

Window Boxes

Next on our list of DIY balcony garden ideas is the timeless classic - window boxes. These quaint plant holders are a perfect way to spruce up your balcony while keeping your precious space uncluttered. Let's break down how you can use window boxes to create a beautiful mini garden.

First things first, window boxes are essentially containers that you attach to the exterior of your window sill. They're simple, versatile, and an excellent way to add a dash of green to your balcony view. Here's how you can get the most out of them:

  1. Choosing your window boxes: Like any container, window boxes come in a variety of styles and materials. You can buy ready-made ones or, for the DIY enthusiasts, build your own! Just ensure they are sturdy and can handle the weight of the soil and plants.
  2. Picking the right plants: Window boxes are typically shallow, so opt for plants with less demanding root systems. Think colourful flowers, herbs, or even some types of vegetables like lettuce or radishes.
  3. Planting and placement: Make sure your window boxes get enough sunlight for the plants you choose. The beauty of window boxes is that you can easily move them around to follow the sun!

Window boxes are a tried and true method for bringing life to your balcony. They're a testament that with a bit of creativity, even the smallest spaces can be transformed into a flourishing garden. So why wait? Start exploring the world of window boxes today!

DIY Garden Trellis

As we reach the end of our DIY balcony garden ideas journey, let's delve into a fun and interactive project - the DIY garden trellis. This nifty structure not only supports your climbing plants, but also adds a vertical element to your balcony garden. Perfect for those who love to get their hands dirty!

A garden trellis can be a real game-changer, especially when you're working with a small space. It allows your plants to grow upwards, freeing up valuable floor space. But how do you go about making one? Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Materials: You'll need some wooden stakes or bamboo poles, garden wire or string, and a handful of nails or screws. For the DIY enthusiasts, you can even repurpose old ladders or wooden pallets!
  2. Design: The design of your trellis depends on the type of plants you intend to grow. For lighter climbers like peas or beans, a simple frame with horizontal and vertical wires should suffice. For heavier climbers like tomatoes or cucumbers, you might need a sturdier structure with a grid pattern.
  3. Building: Once you've gathered your materials and settled on a design, it's time to build! Remember, the key is to ensure your trellis is secure and stable. Also, make it tall enough for your plants to reach their full potential.

So there you have it, your very own DIY garden trellis! It's an effective way to maximize your balcony garden space while adding some visual interest. So why not give it a try? After all, it's not just about the destination, but the journey of creating your unique green space.

If you enjoyed our "10 Practical DIY Balcony Garden Ideas for Small Spaces" blog post and are looking for more creative ways to utilize your small space, check out the workshop 'Creating Landscapes on Cardboard: The Process' by Shazlin. This workshop will show you how to create beautiful landscapes on cardboard, which can be an innovative addition to your small balcony garden and further enhance your outdoor space.