18 Small Balcony Garden Ideas (Real Costs + Honest Reviews)
Last spring, my neighbor Sarah spent $847 to plant a balcony garden. After three months, she had given up on her balcony garden.
It’s not what she thought. 67% of balcony gardens fail in their first year, because they are treated like regular gardening. It’s not.
Over the last six years, I have transformed eleven balconies – from a 4×6 Philadelphia apartment balcony to a wind-battered Chicago ledge. I’ve destroyed approximately $1,200 in plants to learn what works and what looks good on Pinterest.
This guide will cut through the Instagram-perfect nonsense. Get 18 balcony gardening ideas that have been tried and tested. You will get real cost estimates, time commitments, and an honest assessment of what works in different situations. I will also share three ideas that seemed great but ended up failing miserably so you won’t make the same mistakes I did.
Learn More, How to Plant Garlic
The Container Stacking System: Double Your Growing Area
Many balcony gardening tips tell you to “go vertical”, but don’t explain how. Here’s how it works.
In March 2024, I installed a vertical garden planter ($89) from Gardener’s Supply Company on my 5×8 balcony. What was the result? In the same space that was previously occupied by a sad fern, I planted lettuce, cherry tomatos, and herbs.
Weight distribution is key. Bottom tier: Heavy ceramic pots filled with root vegetables. Middle tier: plastic containers of medium weight with peppers or tomatoes. Top tier – lightweight fabric growbags with herbs and trailing flowering plants.
Real costs: $89 per tiered stand; $45 per container; $28 for potting dirt. Total: $162. Setup time: 90 minutes
Only balconies with a weight limit of 150 pounds or more in a concentrated area will work. First, check the weight restrictions of your building. My friend Emma didn’t listen to this advice, and her condo board issued a violation.
Railing Planters that Don’t Block Your View
Standard railing plants are ugly. It’s official.
The Lechuza Balconera Self-Watering Planter (52 dollars each) is the one model I can recommend without hesitation. It’s easy to use, with the self-watering system. The sleek design isn’t cheap plastic.
In April 2023, I installed four of them on my balcony railing facing west. After two brutal Northeastern Winters, they’re still going. The water reservoir can last for up to 3-4 days in summer heat. This saved my plants when I went on a long weekend getaway.
What I grow: Cascading Petunias to create visual drama; cherry tomatoes as food. And trailing Nasturtiums, which are nearly impossible for me to kill.
The controversy: Many balcony gardening enthusiasts insist that you need expensive railing planters made of wrought iron. I have found no practical difference between the plant health of a Lechuza ($52) and an imported European planter ($140). The plants aren’t concerned about appearance.
The Herb Wall – $73 for 45 minutes of fresh basil
Vertical herb gardens may sound difficult. They’re not.
Basic anchors were used to mount three Ikea Bittergurka planters ($8.99 per one) on the balcony adjacent to my kitchen. Total cost including mounting hardware: $73. Installation time is 45 minutes and I am not good at DIY.
Current setup: Basil on top (needs the most sun), Parsley in middle and mint at bottom (spreads quickly). From May to October, I harvest 2-3 cups per week.
My local supermarket sells organic basil for $3.99 per pack. During the growing season, I consume about 2 packages per week. This is $8 per week saved, or $160 in a 20-week growing season. The system was paid off in just 5 weeks.
Warning: Do not grow mint near other herbs, unless you like aggressive root invasion. This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way, when mint overtook all of my cilantro in 2022.
Balcony Garden with Shade Tolerant Plants (For Spaces Facing North)
The truth about shade balconies is that 90% of the most popular balcony plants require 6+ hours of direct sunlight. Your balcony will not work if it faces north or is sandwiched by tall buildings.
After moving into a north-facing flat, I spent the next two years trying to figure out what thrives in shade. The winners were ferns, impatiens and coleus in containers.
I use five-gallon containers ($12 per container from Home Depot), along with premium potting mixture ($18 for 2-cubic foot bag). I grow:
- Use Maidenhair Ferns to create visual texture
- Three types of lettuce to harvest continuously
- Color without flowers: Coleus
- Coral bells are a year-round attraction
I get 4-6 salads per week from just three lettuce containers. With restaurants charging $6 for a salad, this $95 investment will yield $24-36 worth of value per week.
My mistake: I tried to force plants that love the sun to grow in the shade. Before I accepted reality, I killed tomatoes and peppers worth $240.
Self-Watering Container Revolution
I’ll save you from making my biggest mistake – hand-watering 40 plants every morning.
In 2023, I will have switched to self-watering containers for 80% of the containers in my collection. Bloem Lucca Self-Watering Planter (24 dollars for 16-inch size) has changed my whole approach. The bottom reservoir can hold water for a full week and the wicking system will pull moisture as needed.
Savings in time: I reduced my daily watering from 25 minutes to 10 minutes, twice weekly. In a growing season of six months, this is 38 hours.
Water conservation: Because nothing evaporates or runs away, self-watering containers require approximately 30% less water compared to traditional hand-watering.
What’s the downside? The downside? Do not make the same mistake I made in summer 2022.
Edible Balcony Gardens on a Budget of $200
Everyone wants to be able to grow their own food. How to grow food without spending $800, like my neighbor Sarah.
Budget breakdown:
- Four 5-gallon containers: $48
- Organic potting soil (3 bag): $54
- Cherry tomato seedlings: (4) $16
- Lettuce seeds: $8
- Bell pepper plants (2: $12)
- Herb seedlings (basil, parsley, cilantro): $18
- Liquid fertilizer – $14
- Basic hand tools and trowels: $30
Total: $200
Over the course of a season, you can expect to harvest 6 pounds of cherry tomato, 20+ salads of lettuce, 40+ meals of fresh herbs, and 8-10 peppers.
I calculated that a $200 investment would yield roughly $340 in produce at grocery store prices. This is a return of 70% in just one season.
Wind Problems No One Talks About
The guides to balcony gardening gloss over the wind. Big mistake.
I live in the 12th story. The wind gusts are regularly over 35 mph. What about standard solutions such as lightweight containers or tall plants? Complete disasters.
What works?
Heavy bottom containers. I use terracotta pans with rocks in the bottom to add weight. Then, I fill them up with soil and plants. Yes, they’re heavy. They don’t also blow over.
Low-profile plants. I switched to determinate cherry tomatoes that grow up to 3 feet tall from the standard tomato cages. Patio Princess by Bonnie Plants ($4.99) is a prolific producer without getting wind.
Windbreak screens: Along the most exposed area, I installed a 6×3 bamboo screen (42 dollars from Wayfair). This created a microclimate which increased my plant choices by 40%.
After windbreak: zero knockdowns in 2023-2024. After windbreak: zero knockdowns in 2023-2024.
Tropical Paradise Balcony Even in Cold Climates
The controversial opinion is that tropical plants are easier to grow on balconies than annuals.
I created a balcony with a tropical theme in Philadelphia, using containers-friendly options. The container-friendly items can be moved indoors during winter. The setup includes:
- Bird of paradise 15 gallon container
- Three types of elephant ear
- Canna Lilies in Large Pots
- Sweet potato vine for trailing color
- Cordyline vertical accent
Why it works: Tropical plants were designed to withstand inconsistent watering. They are more forgiving than fussy, annual plants that pout if they miss a watering day.
The system: From May to October, it is outdoors. From November to April, I keep them in my bathroom by a window facing south. During winter dormancy, I water only once a week.
Cost: $280 initial investment for large containers and plants. These same plants have now entered year three and the cost per season is under $95.
Pollinator Balcony Garden
When I noticed that my tomatoes on the balcony were not producing fruit, I became interested in pollinators. It turns out that you still need bees if you’re twelve stories high.
Native flowers in mixed containers: my pollinator-focused redesign. Specifically:
- Black-eyed Susans are perennials and return each year.
- Lavender is a favorite of bees.
- Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and produce prolific blooms.
- Catmint (drought resistant, long-blooming season).
The tomato fruit production increased by 300% when pollinator plants were added. I went from 2-3 pounds of tomatoes per plant to up to 7-9 pounds.
Unexpected benefit: After adding native milkweed, I saw my very first monarch butterfly.
Seasonal Rotation Strategy
Seasonal rotation is what sets apart amateur balcony gardeners and experts.
Many people plant in May, and then accept what happens. I plant in three different rotations.
Early spring (March – April): Cool season crops such as lettuce, peas and spinach. They thrive at temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Summer (May – September): Tomatoes and peppers. Basil, too. Heat-loving annuals.
Fall (September-November): Return to cool-season crops. Kale, mums, and chard for visual interest.
Time investment: 2 to 3 hours per plant rotation. Extra yield: I get 8-9 months production with this strategy instead of the standard 4 to 5 months.
Vertical Trellis For Climbing Vegetables
Space is a precious commodity. Grow up and not out.
I secured a 6-foot bamboo fence ($28) to my balcony wall using L-brackets. Current inhabitants:
- Sugar snap peas (spring)
- Cucumbers in the summer
- Pole beans (late Summer/Fall)
Yield: A 6-foot trellis yielded 4 pounds of sugar snaps peas and 12 cucumbers. Bean harvests continued through September.
The trick is to plant at the bottom of a 15″ container using quality potting soil that has been enriched with compost. As the vines grow, train them onto the trellis.
Failed attempt: I grew indeterminate tomato plants on a trellis back in 2022. The tomatoes grew to be too heavy, and the whole setup collapsed in mid-season. Keep to lightweight climbers.
The Microgreen System for the Impatient Gardener
When I first started, waiting 65 days for tomatoes made me insane. Microgreens made me a new person.
On a shelf that is dedicated, I use plastic nursery trays ($12 per 10-pack). I grow microgreens of radish and broccoli. They are harvested in 7-14 day.
Spread seeds over soil and water lightly. Cover for 3 days. Uncover, then place in bright sunlight. Harvest when the plants are 2-3 inches tall.
Yield: Each tray yields approximately 4 ounces. If you buy seeds for $0.85, they are worth $16 at $4 per ounce.
What this means: I can always grow and produce something.
Balcony with Succulents and Cactus (Low Maintenance Option)
I maintain three balconies on behalf of elderly clients who are unable to water them daily. What’s the solution? Drought-tolerant plants.
I use a mix of succulents in shallow pots with good drainage. Brands I trust are Costa Farms succulent mixtures ($24 per 6 plants) and Bonsai Jack’s Succulent Soil ($17 for 2 quarts).
Schedule: Watering every 10-14 days in the growing season. In winter, watering is done once a month.
Ideal for: People who forget to water their plants, frequent travellers, and balconies with hot sun where everything else is burning.
Warning: Overwatering is more deadly than underwatering. Wait another day if you are in doubt.
Privacy Screen Living Wall
My balcony looked directly into the living room of my neighbor. Awkward.
Solution: Create a living privacy screen by using vines that grow quickly on a trellis. I installed a wood lattice ($35 at Lowe’s), and planted:
- Clematis flowering beauty
- Boston ivy fast coverage
- Morning Glories: Seasonal Color
Timeline: During peak season, full privacy can be achieved in 6 weeks.
Total cost: $87 including plants, lattice and mounting hardware. Compare this to privacy screens that cost $300-600.
Maintenance: Weekly watering, and monthly pruning is required to keep the plant contained.
The Fairy Light Garden to Create Evening Ambience
Atmosphere is as important as functionality.
Solar-powered LED string light (Brightech Ambience pro solar lights, $45) was wrapped around my balcony railings and larger plants. Solar panels charge at night and the lights turn on automatically.
What this does: Turn your balcony into a living area that you can use.
My balcony has changed dramatically. I used to only use it during the day, but now spend 2-3 hours on it most evenings in summer.
Solar lights are still working perfectly after 18 months. Zero electricity cost.
Kitchen Scrap Regrowth System
This idea may seem gimmicky, but it actually works quite well.
On my balcony, I grow green onions, celery and romaine lettuce from kitchen scraps. Method: Place root ends in water for 5-7 days until roots form, then transplant into soil.
Success rate: Green Onions: 95%. Celery: 70%. Lettuce: 60%.
Value proposition: Minimum investment (basically for free), educational, if you have children and you can get 2-3 extra harvests with the vegetables you bought.
Regrown vegetables will never be as robust as their original counterparts. Who cares if you get free food?
Learn from my mistakes: The Failed ideas
Failed Idea No. 1:
Aquaponic balcony systems. In 2021, I spent $340 for a balcony aquaponics system. The setup was complex, the pump had failed twice and it proved difficult to maintain fish water quality in a variable temperature environment. After three months, I gave up.
Failed Idea No. 2:
Strawberry tower. Instagram makes those vertical strawberry planters appear amazing. The top pockets are dry instantly, while the bottom pockets remain wet. I picked exactly 14 strawberries, before it all turned into a moldy mess.
Failed Idea # 3:
Automatic drip irrigation. I installed an automatic timer system that cost $180 and was connected to my sink. The system worked for six weeks, but freezing temperatures caused the connections to crack and flood my balcony. Use self-watering containers.
Smart Container Combos that Look Expensive
Here’s a secret: strategic container combinations can make an inexpensive setup look like it was designed.
I arrange three containers with different heights (18″,14″, and 10″) into odd-numbered groups. The formula is:
- Tall accent plant at the back (cordyline elephant ear ornamental grass
- Middle flowering plant (geraniums and calibrachoa).
- Sweet potato vine (bacopa), trailing plant.
Cost per cluster: $40-60, including containers and plants.
Visual impact: People ask me all the time if I hired an expert designer. I didn’t. I just followed the thriller-filler-spiller principle.
Balcony Composting to Plant Health
The controversial take: small-scale composting on balconies works without creating odor issues.
A Maze Worm Farm (89 dollars) is tucked into the corner of my balcony. The kitchen scraps are put in and worm castings are produced. These castings are the best fertilizer that I have ever used.
Capacity: Processes approximately 6 pounds of kitchen waste each week.
Monthly output: 1 pound worm castings.
No smell if you don’t eat meat, dairy products, or oils. I’ve run this for 14 months without any odor complaints.
What I wish I knew before starting
Start small. I had 47 containers in my first balcony garden. Within two weeks, I was overwhelmed.
Beginners should start with no more than 8-12 containers. Before expanding, master the basics. Before tackling more difficult vegetables, focus on the easy ones like herbs, lettuce and annuals that have proven to be successful.
Budget realistically. It costs between $300 and $500 to create a quality balcony garden. Sarah’s $847 failure was the result of shortcuts.
Accept losses. Even experienced gardeners can lose up to 30% of their plants in a season. That’s normal. Plants that are thriving make up for those that are not.