You may have finally decided to start on a new hobby and spend your time wisely and creatively. What if you don’t have a yard and live in a small condo or apartment? You may have access to a patio, rooftop or balcony where you can plan to grow different types of vines, flowers, perennials, herbs and veggies. But it is not easy to achieve the desired results since it requires hard work, knowledge and some skills.

Plants to choose

If you are a first-timer, then industry experts suggest growing low maintenance balcony plants. You can come across lots of them on the reputed web portals. Low maintenance, here means, you are to invest less time, effort and patience to grow them. They just need occasional care. Go by expert instructions and can enjoy the results.

Top things to consider before starting balcony/rooftop gardening

  • Building code: First find out if your condo or apartment building permits growing plants on balconies or terrace. Some communities have rules to be followed. The same goes for those staying in rented apartments or houses. In this case, you also need to check up with landlord if he/she doesn’t object to it. Also keep in mind that vegetables and flowers will attract pests or birds. You may choose to buy fruit plants online.
  • Building weight-bearing capacity: This is another aspect to be taken into consideration especially if the building you reside in is an old one. Find out if the rooftop or balcony can bear the extra weight of plants grown in pots filled with soil. Do understand that ceramic and terracotta pots are very heavy. This might mean switching on to fabric grow bags mixed with mixture of lightweight soil, fibreglass or plastic containers or rice pots.
  • Water for plants: Some plants do require watering every day while others on a couple of days or so. Find out from where you will get the water source from to use it for your terrace or balcony garden. You may consider self-watering pots or drip irrigation. A watering can is also a wise investment. What about excess water flowing out from the plants? Will it flow on the neighbours down below and annoy them? Use trays or saucers under the plants.
  • Types of plants suitable for terrace or balcony gardening: Once the site for your garden is identified, the first task will be to find out the most appropriate plants to grow here. Buy something that will grow in your region to the optimum, based on available soil, climate, moisture, etc. You can consider buying seasonal plants online.

Budgeted options

Whatever be your budget, you are sure to get something or the other to start your new garden. But what you cannot substitute is your effort, hard work and dedication, the results of which are sure to more than satisfactory and praiseworthy.