How to Start a Balcony Garden: A Beginner's Guide
A simple step-by-step guide to starting a balcony garden — choosing pots, plants, light and watering, even if you rent.
Small-space gardening made simple
Grow something, even if you only have a balcony.
Simple, practical guides for growing herbs, vegetables and plants in small spaces — written for complete beginners.
Featured guide
Simple guides for your garden
What Can You Grow on a North-Facing Balcony?
A north-facing balcony gets little direct sun, but plenty still grows there — the best shade-tolerant herbs, greens and plants to try.
How to Water Balcony Plants Without Making a Mess
Simple ways to water balcony containers without drips on the neighbours below — drainage, saucers, self-watering pots and a routine.
The Best Vegetables for Small Containers
The easiest vegetables to grow in small pots on a balcony — how much space, sun and container depth each one needs.
How Deep Do Pots Need to Be? A Simple Container Depth Guide
How deep containers need to be for herbs, salad, root vegetables and larger crops — a quick reference for choosing pots.
How Much Sun Does Your Balcony Really Get?
How to measure the sunlight your balcony gets, what full sun and partial shade mean, and which balcony directions get the most light.
New to gardening?
Start here. You don't need a garden, expensive equipment or previous experience.
- 01 Understand your space
- 02 Choose your first plants
- 03 Plant and grow
Browse by topic
Getting StartedFirst steps, planning, and working out how much light and space you have.HerbsGrowing herbs in pots — the easiest place for a beginner to start.VegetablesGrowing vegetables in containers on a balcony or patio.Balcony ProblemsShade, wind, tight space, building rules and pests — and what to do about them.Containers & SoilPots, depth, drainage, potting mix and feeding.Seasonal GuidesWhat to sow, plant and do in the garden each season.