Small Space Gardening - Tips and Tricks to Make The Most

Imagine stepping out on your balcony with a cup of coffee, and you feel that your balcony could be better—at least more than just a place to dry clothes. All my life I have had small balconies where I could never have the garden I wanted until I figured out that I was doing it wrong.

After some research, I am now able to successfully grow small plants that make my balcony beautiful and give an illusion of space. Now you may ask, How do you make the most of a very small balcony? I usually get hanging planters to utilise the majority of the space, and along with that, I usually set up a small herb and flower garden.

Why Balcony Gardens?

You can grow useful herbs like mint and tulsi that you’ll use in the kitchen. Or you can fill your space with flowers that brighten up even the dullest days. The best part? You don’t need a green thumb to get started. With the right plants and a little care, you can make the most of your little space. 

Let me share my top 5 herbs and flowers that are easy to grow, look great, and fit perfectly on a balcony.

My Top 5 Herbs for Small Spaces

Herbs are the best place to start. They’re small, grow quickly, and you can use them in your cooking. Plus, they smell amazing.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary is a superstar herb. It smells incredible, and its needle-like leaves are perfect for cooking. I keep mine in a sunny spot where it gets lots of light. It doesn’t like too much water, so I let the soil dry out before watering again. In winter, I move it closer to a wall to protect it from frost. Once you brush past rosemary, you’ll never want to live without it.

Mint (Mentha)

Mint, our beloved pudina, is a little wild—it loves to grow fast. I learned to plant it in its own pot because it spreads like crazy. It likes a bit of shade and lots of water, and it’s perfect for green chutney, teas, or mojitos. If you keep trimming it, mint will keep giving you fresh leaves all season.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is tiny but tough. It loves sunshine and doesn’t mind if the soil gets a little dry. I grow it in a pot on my balcony railing, where it spills over the edge and looks beautiful. Thyme is a great herb for roasting veggies or seasoning meats.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives, a close relative of garlic, are a must-have for small spaces. They’re easy to grow and don’t need much attention. Their tall, green leaves are perfect for snipping into salads, Chinese dishes, and scrambled eggs. 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil, a close relative of Tulsi, is probably my favourite herb. It’s super fragrant and grows fast. It loves warmth and sunlight but hates soggy soil, so make sure your pot has good drainage. If you pinch off the flowers as they appear, the plant will keep growing fresh leaves. Here's a small infographic of more plants you can grow:

My Top 5 Flowers for a Colorful Balcony

Flowers are like happiness in plant form. They make your balcony feel alive and add a pop of colour. These are some of my favourites for small spaces.

Petunias (Petunia)

Petunias are bright and cheerful. They bloom in all kinds of colors and look amazing in hanging baskets. They love sunlight and need regular watering, but avoid getting the leaves too wet - it can lead to mildew. Pruning (removing old flowers) will keep them blooming all season.

Geraniums (Pelargonium)

Geraniums are hardy plants that don’t need a lot of fuss. Their bright blooms stand out, and they can handle a little neglect if you forget to water them. I grow mine in simple terracotta pots, which look great and keep the roots happy.

Marigolds (Tagetes)

Marigolds, our favourite sacred plants, are super easy to grow and come in bright yellow and orange colours. They’re great for keeping pests away, which makes them perfect for beginner gardeners. Marigolds love sunny spots and need just a little water to thrive.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender smells like pure relaxation. It grows best in sunny spots and doesn’t need much water. I keep a pot near my balcony door, so I smell it every time I step outside. Bonus: it attracts bees, which is great if you’re growing other plants nearby.

Trailing Verbena (Verbena)

If you want a cascading plant for your balcony, verbena is the way to go. It blooms in purple, pink, and white and looks stunning spilling out of hanging baskets. It loves the sun and doesn’t mind a bit of heat. Just water it regularly, and it’ll reward you with non-stop flowers.

Here's a video for you:

Let’s Get Growing!

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your balcony garden, this is it. Pick a few herbs or flowers, grab some pots, and see what happens. You don’t need to be perfect at it - plants are pretty forgiving. Once you see how much joy they bring, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

Share your progress with me - I’d love to see your balcony transformations. Let’s make our cities a little greener, one balcony at a time. 

If you enjoyed this, here's what you'll enjoy too:

Peace Lily - Why you should have peace lily at your home

Bringing Life & Energy into your Home with vastu shastra plant