When springtime finally starts to bloom after the long and arduous winter, it’s a welcome sight. Plenty of people with green thumbs flock to pick out the best and brightest to fill in their gardens. If you live in an apartment, container gardening is the perfect alternative to in-ground planting. And now, it’s easier than ever to start with so many pots and tools to choose from online, and in your local garden centre.
At Accora Village, renters can enjoy access to private outdoor spaces like balconies and patios, offering an ideal setting for starting a balcony garden. In this guide, we’ll provide you with renter-friendly tips on how to build a flourishing outdoor green space.
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Benefits of Container Gardening
There are many benefits to container gardening, including:
- Portability: It’s easy to move pots around to ensure they are getting enough sunlight. If you’re constantly switching up your patio layout or freshening up your decor, you appreciate the ability to move these plants around, too. Adding just a few containers could go a long way in creating your own mini oasis within your balcony or patio.
- Positive wellness benefits: Creating your own green space has positive wellness benefits, as research states that exposure to gardening can improve mental and physical well-being. Not to mention, certain plants can also counteract the effects of air pollution.
- Low-commitment: Unlike a regular outdoor garden, container gardening doesn’t involve digging, tilling, or permanent changes, making it ideal for renters. It’s also a lot easier to spot plant disease or pest damage and get it under control.
What Grows Well in Containers?
Ready to get your hands dirty, but don’t know where to start? Here are some easy starter plants that thrive in various conditions, and do especially well in containers:
- Herbs: Basil, mint and parsley are beginner-friendly and fast-growing. Growing your own herbs is a sustainable way of gardening, as it can reduce your grocery bill and use the nutrient-rich soil from your compost, saving you potential trips to the store.
- Vegetables: Growing vegetables like cherry tomatoes, lettuce and peppers can also save on your grocery bill. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than a fresh garden salad featuring produce you’ve grown yourself!
- Flowers: Flowers like marigolds, pansies, and petunias bring varying pops of colour and attract pollinators. They bloom all summer long and really liven up a space.
Renter-Friendly Gardening Tools
To simplify your container gardening experience, having gardening tools that won’t take up too much space can help make the experience more enjoyable and easier to do.
- Compact Tools: A hand trowel, small pruners, and gloves are all you need to get started.
- Self-Watering Planters: Reduce upkeep and keep plants hydrated—even if you’re busy in the summer.
- Temporary Trellises: Use freestanding or removable supports for climbing veggies and flowers.
Tips for Gardening in Small Spaces
To make full use of your limited space, consider:
- Plant Sizing: Look for “patio” or “balcony” labels for space-optimized plants.
- Water and Lighting Needs: Group plants with similar sunlight and watering needs for easier maintenance.
- Almanac Recommendations: Follow the Ottawa planting calendar for the optimal time to start seeding and when to put your herbs, veggies, or flowers outside.
- Vertical Gardening: Use wall planters, hanging baskets, or railing-mounted boxes to fill your walls rather than floor space.
- Shelves or Bookcases: Placing your containers on these furniture pieces is great for herbs and blooming flowers.
- Compact Containers: These compact options are stackable, foldable, or can be hung, making the most of every corner.
No matter the layout of your apartment, incorporate thoughtful, functional storage both inside and out to enhance your decor and put together creative garden layouts.
Balcony Garden Safety
If you intend to decorate your balcony or patio with herbs, flowers, or plants in the warmer months, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Hang Plants Carefully: If you decide to place your containers on your balcony or patio railing, ensure they’re facing inward so they don’t risk falling or dripping water on those below you. Avoid placing plants on property fencing as it could damage it.
- Protect From the Wind: Use stable bases, group containers together, or tuck them into sheltered corners if outside.
- Drain Standing Water: Place trays or saucers under pots to prevent leaks and keep the area clean, but be sure to dump them after a heavy rain.
- Don’t Overload your Balcony: We recommend using lightweight pots to ensure you do not go over the weight limit for your balcony. Contact the Resident Portal to ask about balcony weight limits at Accora Village.
Get Started with Your Green Oasis
Container gardening is a low-stress method of incorporating gardening into your apartment space. It’s an enriching experience to bring nature to your home, regardless of its size. Whether you’re hoping to start growing fresh basil and cherry tomatoes or starting a small colourful garden on your balcony, Accora Village’s homes are the ideal rentals to grow your roots.
Get a head start this summer and check out some of our Accora Village properties here.
