Indoor Gardening - Part IV

Add as a preferred source on Google

As the cities continue to grow, space constraints are increasing. The space around us is decreasing and so people have started living vertically these days, which explains the existence of many high-rise apartments. And one of the major drawbacks of this vertical living is that it leaves very less scope for gardening. If you are one among the many living in apartments and yet are very fond of having plants around you, then balcony gardening is just for you.

A balcony garden allows those with limited space to enjoy gardening, albeit on a different scale.

Many types of gardens can be created on balconies. With some floral colours, a balcony can be converted into an entertainment center just right for relaxing. Turf, small shrubs, and dwarf trees can be used to create a suburban landscape in miniature above the ground. If not, then, balconies can even be used for growing vegetables and fruits by having flowering fruit trees and container-grown herbs and vegetables in your living space.

So, if you too want to convert your balcony into a beautiful garden, then read on.

Planning

• Before you start converting your balcony into a small garden, make sure your building management is fine with your idea. Not all apartments allow balcony gardening.
• Once you get the 'go ahead' from the building management, learn how much weight your balcony can handle. If your balcony cannot handle too much weight then avoid placing shrubs in your balcony as these will need huge pots and much soil thus increasing the load on your balcony.
• Next think about how you will water your plants. Is there a tap or valve nearby? Or will you carry buckets of water to your balcony to water the plants? Think about the most convenient way to water your garden.
• Once you water your plants, make sure there is scope for water to drain away. Ideally, there should be a sloped floor with a drain. Otherwise excess water may drip to your neighbour below. Plant saucers will help but they should be emptied after watering so that your plants are not sitting in water.

What to plant?
Before deciding on the plants you want to see in your balcony, make note of two things. The weather and how exactly do you want to use your balcony space.

• Evaluate the climatic conditions properly. Learn towards which direction is your balcony facing? Note how much sun the area receives and for how long. If the balcony is recessed, does direct sunlight reach it at all? If it is an open balcony, are there chances that the plantings will be subjected to strong winds and scorching sunlight? What if it rains?
  Decide on the plants that can best adapt to the weather conditions in your balcony. Too delicate a plant might just dry up in the sun or might just be uprooted by the strong winds.
• How do you want to use your balcony area? Are you looking for a colourful relaxation area or just privacy from an adjacent high-rise? If you want a natural screen from the scorching sun or do you want an outdoor dining room? Or do you want to divide a large area into several rooms? If nothing else are you planning to grow some vegetables or do you just want to add some life to the otherwise dull balcony? Decide on what you want and then select the plants.
  For example, if you want a colourful relaxation area then have flowering plants around you in your balcony. Shrubs, which can grow quite taller, will help you get some privacy. You can grow vines in the hanging pots and let them touch the ground. This way you can have a screen protecting you from the sunlight.

Containers
Now this is the most important thing. The containers or the pots play a very important role in completing the look for your balcony.

Hanging baskets
These baskets, which carry plants within them, are hung to the ceiling. Make sure the ceiling can support the weight of these baskets. The weight will again increase when you water the plants so do not hang huge baskets. The hanging baskets help in adding more colours to the balcony. Plants when hung from the roof will make for a beautiful sight not only for the people in the balcony but also for people looking from the outside. These baskets also save space on the floor. Hanging baskets are ideal if you have a small balcony.

Wooden containers
Wooden containers are becoming popular these days, especially in the metros. More and more people prefer wooden containers these days as they add to the look and feel of the garden. Also these wooden containers come in all shapes and sizes hence you can select a container of ideal size to fit in your balcony. Besides, apartment managements these days too advice for wooden planters as they are safe and not very heavy.

Clay containers
These are very common and people have been using clay containers for decades now. Clay container gardening often is the easiest solution. Pots and planter boxes come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, take up little space and are movable and easily maintained.

Plastic containers
These days containers made of plastic are in trend. These are easy to handle, cheap, last long and come in many shapes and sizes. Unlike the clay containers, plastic pots retain water for long hence there is no need to water the plants often.

Plants can dramatically change the way your balcony looks and feels. Water the plants regularly and ensure that they are healthy. Also keep your balcony clean and dry.

So get down to business.