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A great home reno project to do this summer is turning your balcony area into a garden. In this post, we share ideas for turning your balcony into a garden and ways to get the most out of your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for dine al fresco, take in a fantastic view, or just grab some sun, these simple tips and tricks can help you create the space you want using pots, window boxes, and other plant containers.

Below we offer balcony garden ideas that are perfect for people who live in apartments, have dogs, or are looking to be more eco-conscious. Create a fresh new garden!

Apartment balcony garden 

Sometimes living in an apartment, especially within a busy city, can make you feel disconnected from nature. If you need a nature escape, consider creating your own urban jungle. Here are some tips for creating an apartment balcony garden:

• Create privacy with a vertical garden: Use a trellis planter box so that plants can grow up the woodwork or add hanging plants to a lattice to make your space more private. Growing tall plants, such as snake grass, can also help you create a plant wall.

• Add comfy furniture: Choose furniture that is both durable and comfortable for relaxing. If your balcony is small, you may want to pick furniture that is versatile. For example, a chair that is conducive to both lounging and eating.

• Install mood lighting: Use string lights or lanterns to illuminate your space and cultivate a soothing atmosphere.

• Add a rail garden: A great way add plants to a balcony, especially if your short on space, is by installing a Gail garden. You can attach the side or bottom of the planter to the railing with screws or you can use over-the-rail brackets or straddle-style planters.

Eco-friendly balcony garden ideas

As we become more aware of climate issues, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our footprint or even opportunities to have a positive impact on the planet. By making conscious choices it’s possible to create a sustainable balcony garden. Here are some ways to create an eco-friendly balcony garden:

• Plant an herb or veggie garden: Use your outdoor space to cultivate an herb or vegetable garden. Many herbs and veggies do well in planters and are easy to care for. Growing some of your own food will give you access to fresh, healthy food while saving you a trip to the store, which may require burning fossil fuels. Plus, herbs and vegetables that are sold at the store are often wrapped in plastic, so you’ll also avoid adding to the massive plastic pollution problem.

• Upcycle materials: Creatively transforming unwanted materials into useful ones will help save resources and items from ending up in the landfill. Sadly, each day, 80,000 acres of forests disappear from the earth and more than 20,000 tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean.

• Add a compost: You can fertilize your balcony garden with your own compost! By adding a small compost bin to your balcony, you can avoid purchasing commercial fertilizer, which can be expensive and contain harmful chemicals. Notably, more than 28 percent of what is thrown away is food scraps and yard waste that could be composted and used for fertilizer. If you're new to composting, it's a good idea to do some research to ensure you're doing it correctly. For example, you might want to read this article on composting bread, which provides some helpful tips on how to compost this often-overlooked food waste.

• Install solar panels: Power your balcony or even other devices in your home by harnessing the power of the sun.

Dog-friendly balcony garden ideas

Your pup likely also wants to enjoy your outdoor space! Here are several tips for making your balcony safe and comfortable for your dog:

· Make sure all plants are pet-safe: Some of the many plants that are safe for pets, are American rubber plants, orchids, Boston ferns, and Christmas cacti. These plants all make gorgeous and safe balcony garden additions.

· Install turf: For an extra touch of greenery and to make your fur friend feel extra comfortable, considering adding faux grass or turf. You’ll, of course, want to make sure your pet understands it is not a bathroom!

· Invest in removable furniture covers: Choose cushions with zip-off covers are easy to toss in the wash! This way you’ll never have second thoughts about cuddling with your dog on the furniture.

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