listen here to the planning your balcony garden audio version of this post
Now is the time to lay the foundation for your space. As you keep reading, this entry asks you to consider some key points that will help you
- to determine how you will use the space
- think about the types of features you would like to incorporate in the space and
- to narrow your focus so you can get started.
Using this information will help you to lay the foundation for your balcony garden for many seasons to come. Here are some questions worth answering before you invest your time, effort and money in creating your space -
You have a balcony now what are you going to do with it?
Your Balcony
How do you use your balcony now? Who uses the balcony now? What is the size of your balcony? How much space would you like to dedicate to planting?
Just who uses your balcony?
Light
How does the light travel on my balcony? How many hours of direct sunlight does the balcony receive each day? Which direction does my balcony face?
How does the sun change throughout the day in relation to your space?
Your Budget
How much money would you like to invest initially? over a period of time?
Furniture
Can you fit and/or do you want a small patio table and chairs to enjoy your space? or perhaps a hammock?
Containers
What types of containers will you use for your plants? fixed or movable? small or large? what shape and size will they be – rectangular window boxes, square pots, round pots, hanging baskets or hay feed baskets?
Locally made pots - Cost around 1 euro each
Maximizing Your Space
Using your railing, overhang and/or vertical space -
Do you have a wall on your balcony that you can plant vertically with a planter that you can build or using half-round hay baskets or maybe just some inexpensive wire mesh to apply to your exterior wall? Can you use window boxes on your window ledge or with metal supports on the railing? Do you have an overhang that you can hang baskets from?
Clematis beginning its journey upwards!
What to plant
Veggies, flowers, herbs, annuals, perenials, small shrubs -
Bachelors Button
Do you want to grow your own food? Or would you like big bunches of colorful flowers? or perhaps a combination of both? Will you buy plants that are already started or grow your own from seeds?
Features
Would you like to create a focul point with a small fountain? or a small birdbath?
Attracting Aliens 
Would you like to attract birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects to your balcony?
Do you want to attract butterflies?
Now that you have answered these questions you are ready to begin to create the balcony garden of your dreams. Measure up your space and get out your pencil and paper and create a sketch – dream, imagine and create. The beauty of gardens are their adaptability and organic nature that can be changed easily. The point is that if you do not like something it can be changed easily as you go or season to season.
Remember, you do not have to decide everything at this moment but thinking about these things will help to guide you in the process or creating a lush useful space that you can enjoy for years to come. Read the next posts which delve futher into each part of the process.
Happy balcony gardening!
Many of your plants have produced seeds and many have even hardened off now. They can be stored in jars, paper bags, envelopes or foil packets. Leave some on your plants for the birds too! My preferred method is jars because not only do seeds stay dry and fresh, you can stack them and they look pretty too! No need to rely on outside sources when nature provides the seeds for you. In the spring when planting, even if you have excess you can share and exchange with your neighbors as well.
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