No yard? No problem. Let your green thumb guide you while transforming your balcony into an inviting spot for entertaining and relaxing.
Enhance Your Balcony
Rough cost estimate: $1,630 (Does not include labor costs, the cost of plants, or applicable taxes, which vary by market.)
Outdoor furniture: $995
Accessories: $345
Containers: $290
Rough time estimate: 1 weekend
The clever design of this table (above) allows you to attach it to balcony railings with no drilling required. You can use it for a potting bench or a buffet and then fold it down later to save space.
Raise your balcony to new heights with our suggestions for small-space gardening and outdoor entertaining. Adding weather-resistant furnishings and the proper plants to a balcony will enhance a high-rise lifestyle. Plants help cool surrounding air, block dust, and absorb urban noise. In addition, a space decorated with bright flowers, lush foliage, and stylish accessories will provide functional screening while improving the view from your indoor living quarters.
This balcony is furnished with items inviting comfortable relaxation: chairs and tables, a chaise longue, a rug, and a fan. Color and texture come into play with plenty of soft pillows and lush greenery. All combine to create a spot perfect for entertaining friends or winding down with a favorite magazine.
Good To Know
Take the measurements of your balcony with you when you shop for outdoor rugs, chairs, and tables to make sure your space will be able to accommodate them.
Before You Dig
Our tips will help you rise above the unique challenges of balcony gardening.
Investigating
Consult building management about height limitations, weight restrictions, and attaching hardware to balcony rails or walls.
Access
Remember that every pot, plant, or bag of soil must be carried to the balcony. Consider a hand truck for moving heavy objects, or ask Lowe’s delivery service for help ferrying supplies.
Attaching
Position planter boxes on the inside of your balcony rails, and never set pots directly on the railing. Reduce balcony weight load by attaching items to the building walls if allowed.
Exposure
Evaluate sun and wind patterns. Keep in mind that walls and windows retain and reflect heat and light, which can effectively change the climate zone of your balcony.
Pots
Choose lightweight containers, and select a soilless planting mix that weighs 60% less than garden soil.
Planting
Fill the bottom third of pots with small, inverted plastic pots to reduce the volume—and the weight—of the soil. Add a shovelful of compost or garden soil to enhance soil’s moisture retention. Blend in water-retention polymers (#91231) and slow-release fertilizer.
Water
If you don’t have an outdoor spigot, attach a hose to an indoor faucet, or use a watering can. A coil hose (#112315) easily fits into tight spaces, a water wand (#228754) customizes water delivery, and drip irrigation (#191775) makes watering a snap.
Mobility
Place large containers on plant caddies with casters (#190466) if you have plants that must overwinter indoors.
Storage
Consider storage options for tools, extra soil, pots, and hoses. A hose reel or storage bench can be eye-catching and durable.
Good To Know
Know your balcony’s maximum weight load before adding large pots. Containers filled with wet soil are heavy. A halved barrel filled with wet soil tips the scales near 200 pounds.
Big City Style
1. A coat of bright paint turns this cedar container into an eye-catching element.
2. For table decoration, tuck succulents into frosted-glass pendant shades from the lighting department. Put the group on a tray and display it with appetizers.
3. A small side table can make your outdoor space more
comfortable, giving you and guests a spot to rest a drink or a book.
4. Take advantage of your balcony’s view by adding furniture that will allow you to dine outdoors. Choose furnishings that complement the style of your building.
5. Be creative with planters. This planter serves as a handy storage spot for a hose.
Set up an outdoor fan, ice down some drinks in an empty planter, and then pull up a comfy chaise for a relaxing afternoon alone or with friends.
Another clever use for a planter!
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