When you live in an apartment, any form of outdoor space is a luxury not everyone is lucky to have. However, considering how square footage is more valuable than gold these days, it shouldn’t be surprising that these urban outdoor spaces are, in most cases, tiny. With that said, most people are at a loss when it comes to utilizing that awkward extension of their homes. Even though tiny balconies are a bit challenging in terms of functionality, it is still possible to turn them into something both practical and attractive.How, you might be wondering? The answer to this question is always - with plants! So, without further ado, here’s how to turn your small balcony into a garden.

Invest in plants that can withstand the conditions

If you’re moving to Toronto from afar, or if you don’t have much experience with plants, you will have to do some research on plants that will be able to thrive on your balcony. Besides Toronto’s weather, you should take your balcony’s microclimate into consideration as well. To do that, simply go outside at different times of the day. Here are a few things you should observe:

· the amount of sun your balcony gets,

· how windy it is,

· whether it’s shielded from rain and snow.

Once you get the answers to these questions, you can move on to the exciting part - choosing plants for your balcony garden! If you want to avoid turning your green oasis into a graveyard, it might be a good idea to stick to native plantsthat do well in containersor plants that can withstand the conditions your space provides.

Make sure to opt for a few evergreens, as they will keep your balcony looking snazzy all year long. If you choose to add more sensitive plants, remember to move them inside when it gets too cold. However, if your apartment is not much bigger than the balcony, it might be a good idea to add variety and color with annualsas they will complete their life cycle before the harsh winter arrives.

Keep your balcony clutter-free

Many people are used to using their balconies as storage spaces for bikes, tools, boxes, and many other things they don’t want visible in their homes. However, considering how clutter and small spaces don’t go hand in hand, you will probably have tofind a different solution for your belongings. If you want to keep the mess out of your house and have a beautiful balcony garden, it might be a good idea to turn to experts for help. Toronto has many reputable local movers, and besides helping you relocate and move in, they can also assist you in packing and storing the contents of your little outdoor shed. Once everything is out of the way, your urban oasis will finally be able to reach its full potential.

Don’t go overboard with colorful pots and containers

For plant enthusiasts, pots and containers are like shoes and bags. There are many different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns available on the market, making you want to buy more every time you visit the store. However, interior designers usually recommend sticking to one or two colorswhen it comes to small spaces, be it furniture, decoration, or in this case, planters.

Monochrome planters will make your small balcony look put-together.

Neutrals are always an excellent choice since your plants will be in charge of providing more vibrant hues. You can opt for something more exciting as well, but make sure not to go overboard.

Be creative about plant placement

If you want to turn your small balcony into a garden, the most challenging step will be finding space for your plants. While plant shelves and holders look amazing, they likely won’t fit on your humble balcony. However, don’t despair - this is where you can let your creativity run wild.

Going vertical is your best bet when turning your small balcony into a garden.

Depending on the layout and type of your outdoor space, you can put planters on your railings, create a vertical garden on your wall or even hang a few plants from the ceiling.

If you are a renter, among many questions you should askyour landlord, make sure to ask whether it is okay to drill a few holes. Although it is possible to hang or attach things without drilling, safety should be your priority, especially on the balcony.

Keep your garden low-maintenance

Having a garden on your tiny balcony means you won’t have much space to move around. Because of this, it might be a good idea to focus on creating a low-maintenance garden.

Stick to plants that don’t require excessive watering, and avoid anything that needs to be pruned or trimmed. By opting for easy-care plants, you won’t have to spend hours tending to them and cleaning the mess. Thus, you will have more time to spend enjoying your creation.

Add furniture

Once you’re done with the gardening part, it might be a good idea to create a hang-out nook to fill the remaining space. Your best bet here is to opt for custom built-in seating or folding chairs and a small folding table. Even though you likely won’t be able to seat many people on your tiny balcony, you will still get the opportunity to enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon tea while enjoying the greenery.

A couple of chairs and a small table should be more than enough

Don’t forget about decoration and lighting

To make your balcony pleasant not only for plants but also for yourself, don’t forget to add some decoration and lighting. Even though this is an outdoor space, it is still a part of your home, so there is no reason not to make it cozy and comfortable. You can spruce things up by adding an outdoor rug, colorful pillows, or even a curtain or canopy to shade you from the sun.

If you want to turn your small balcony into a garden that is as stunning during the night as it is during the day, be sure to add plenty of lighting. Solar lamps and string lights are an excellent choice, but make sure they are water-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. More complex light fixtures are an option as well, but again, you will need to get a green light from your landlord if there is any hole-making involved.

Meta description: Want to test your green thumb but are unsure where to start because you don’t have much space? Read this article to learn how to turn your small balcony into a garden.