17 Balcony Garden Ideas for Small and Compact Places

City life comes with a long list of benefits. You’re always surrounded by interesting places and people. And — if you live in an apartment or condo — you never have to deal with the hassle of lawn care.

For green-thumbed individuals, though, living in the city can be a major sacrifice. Without a backyard, cultivating a green space to call your own can feel impossible.

Despite what you might assume, gardening does not require access to physical land. Take balcony gardening for example, which relies exclusively on containers to grow flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more.

Keep reading for the top balcony garden ideas that will inspire how you utilize your outdoor living space this summer.

1. Mix and Match Your Pots

Create visual interest on your balcony by combining pots of different sizes, colors, and textures. This approach allows for a dynamic display while efficiently using space. Consider using a unifying element, like a consistent color theme or plant type, to bring cohesion to the diversity.

A small balcony garden with various potted plants, including flowers and leafy greens, arranged along a tiled floor — Source: @acciogreens via Instagram

A sunlit balcony garden with various potted plants, including tall snake plants, hanging pots, and lush greenery — Source: @tapovan_farms via Instagram

Small balcony garden with potted plants, hanging baskets, and a wooden floor, bathed in warm sunlight with a city view in the background — Source: @berlinbalcony via Instagram

2. Install a Vertical Garden

A vertical garden is an excellent solution for space-limited balconies. Utilize wall-mounted planters or a trellis to grow plants upwards. This not only saves floor space but also adds a lush, green backdrop. Focus on plants that thrive vertically, such as ivies or certain herbs.

A small balcony with a wooden chair and table, decorated with various potted plants and flowers on shelves and window ledge — Source: @indian_dream_home via Instagram

Cozy balcony with colorful hanging pots, plants, cushions, and a tray with a teapot, cityscape view in the background — Source: @inam18.home via Instagram

Balcony garden with wooden shelves holding terracotta pots of herbs, peppers, and leafy greens against a rustic brick wall — Source: @laine.rudolfa via Instagram

Lush balcony garden with white shelves filled with potted plants, herbs, and flowers, creating a cozy green space with a wooden floor — Source: @leobarocco via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a wooden plant stand, potted herbs, a table with coffee and snacks, and a polka-dotted chair cushion — Source: @my_perfect_places_ via Instagram

Modern balcony garden with vertical shelving, potted herbs, succulents, and orchids, complemented by minimalist decor and wall art — Source: @thegreenmisfit via Instagram

Cozy balcony with potted plants, ladder shelves, and a blue-themed dining setup, overlooking a lush cityscape and distant hills — Source: @diy.homestyling via Instagram

3. Hang Macrame Planters

Macrame planters offer a stylish and space-saving way to display plants. Hang them at different heights to create a tiered effect, which provides ample air and sunlight for each plant. They are perfect for small balconies, adding both greenery and artistic flair.

Balcony garden with hanging and potted plants, creating a lush green space next to sliding glass doors — Source: @mygreendecore via Instagram

Lush balcony garden with colorful hanging planters, potted greenery, a blue wooden table, and a macramé lamp, overlooking the city — Source: @manisha_ajmani via Instagram

Cozy balcony with wicker chairs, table with snacks and drinks, potted plants on railing, and warm string lights on yellow wall — Source: @mylittlehappines_foodiefamily via Instagram

4. Build DIY Climbing Poles

For climbing plants, DIY poles made from bamboo or metal rods can be both functional and decorative. They support the growth of plants like jasmine or morning glory, turning your balcony into a private, fragrant oasis. Arrange them in a way that guides the plant growth without overcrowding.

Urban balcony garden with various plants in pots, trellises, and raised beds, brick wall and tiled floor in the background — Source: @mays.balcony.garden via Instagram

Small condo balcony garden with lush green squash plants, a wooden trellis, and potted herbs, creating a cozy urban growing space — Source: @pixelet via Instagram

Lush balcony garden with potted and hanging plants, vibrant greenery, and flowering vines, creating a tropical retreat with a city view — Source: @gardeningupbeat via Instagram

5. Label Your Herb Pots

Organize your herb garden with labeled pots. This not only aids in identification but also adds a charming aesthetic. Use chalkboard paint or stick-on labels for easy updating. Group herbs that require similar care to simplify maintenance.

Small balcony garden with labeled pots of coriander, mint, parsley, fennel, rosemary, and basil set against a cityscape backdrop — Source: @mysunshinecorners via Instagram

6. Repurpose Glass Aquarium

Transform old glass aquariums into miniature greenhouses for your balcony. They are ideal for growing delicate plants or creating a small ecosystem. Their transparency allows for maximum sunlight and adds a unique, modern touch to your garden setup.

Modern balcony garden with glass terrariums, lush greenery, potted plants, and a small water feature, creating a serene urban oasis — Source: @iesza_lovenlife via Instagram

7. Hang Planters on The Railing

Utilize balcony railings to hang planters, freeing up floor space. This approach is perfect for small balconies. Select railing-compatible planters and ensure they are securely fastened to withstand weather conditions.

Cozy balcony with green turf, colorful cushions, a small table with a yellow lantern, potted plants, and wall macramé decor — Source: @supriya_j.kapoor via Instagram

A small balcony with colorful flower pots on railings and ledges, a pink cushioned bench, and patterned pillows — Source: @maysa.tasarim via Instagram

Various potted plants and hanging baskets on a wooden balcony at night, with a metal railing in the background — Source: @mangosiah via Instagram

A balcony with vibrant flowers in pots, hanging on a black metal railing, overlooking residential buildings and greenery — Source: @mini_balcony via Instagram

Small balcony garden with pots of herbs, vegetables, and tiered planters, a wooden trellis supports climbing plants — Source: @serene_notserene via Instagram

8. Transform Wooden Pallets into Planters

Convert wooden pallets into rustic, space-efficient planters. They can be stood upright for a vertical garden effect or laid flat to house multiple plants. This repurposing project adds character and is an eco-friendly gardening solution.

DIY wooden pallet planter on a balcony with sunflowers, colorful flowers, and fresh herbs like basil, mint, and chives against a brick wall — Source: @d_l_v_k via Instagram

Colorful balcony garden with potted plants, wooden furniture, blue and teal accents, and a cozy seating area with patterned cushions — Source: @fischermichi via Instagram

9. Layer Potted Plants With Wood Panels

Arrange wood panels or shelves to layer potted plants, creating a multi-tiered garden effect. This method allows for more plants in a smaller area and can be arranged to ensure each plant receives adequate sunlight.

A vibrant collection of various potted plants on a balcony, with lush green leaves and colorful flowers in decorative pots — Source: @crazyplantlady11 via Instagram

10. Choose Versatile Plastic Pots

Lightweight and durable, plastic pots are a practical choice for balcony gardens. They come in various designs and colors, making them easy to match with your balcony’s theme. Remember to check for adequate drainage to promote healthy plant growth.

Urban balcony garden with potted tomato plants growing in containers against a brick wall, creating a lush green space with a city view — Source: @grow_some_green via Instagram

A balcony garden with various potted plants, some hanging; wooden floor, glass railing — Source: @thebalancingact_in via Instagram

11. Diversify Your Plant Arrangement

Arrange plants at various heights and positions to create a dynamic, visually appealing garden. Utilize hanging planters, floor pots, and wall-mounted options. This not only maximizes space but also ensures each plant gets its required light and air circulation.

Minimalist balcony garden with potted herbs and flowers, wooden chairs with cushions, and a scenic countryside view through glass railings — Source: @herbsforapocalypse via Instagram

Stylish balcony garden with potted white flowers, a cozy black chair, and a scenic marina view under a soft sunset sky — Source: @my.home.at.the.loft via Instagram

12. Personalize with DIY Painted Pots

Personalize your garden with DIY painted pots. This is a great way to add a splash of color and creativity. Use outdoor paints to ensure longevity and choose colors that complement both your plants and balcony decor.

A vibrant balcony garden with various plants in colorful pots, arranged under a green canopy — Source: @lovegardening27 via Instagram

A sunny balcony garden with potted plants, including a palm and blooming red flowers, next to a railing — Source: @anisha_food_flavours via Instagram

13. Set Up a Floating Shelf Garden

Install floating shelves to house small plants, herbs, or succulents. This sleek, modern approach saves floor space and can turn an empty wall into a vibrant garden area. Ensure shelves are securely mounted and choose plants that suit the available sunlight.

Colorful balcony with vibrant potted plants on shelves, pink cushioned chair, hanging leaves, and festive bunting decoration — Source: @mysa_thehomedecor via Instagram

Balcony garden with various potted plants on shelves and floor, red window frame, and cityscape in the background — Source: @sherry_kuriyal via Instagram

Balcony with potted plants on shelves against a brick wall, showcasing lush greenery and colorful flowers under a cloudy sky — Source: @thenorthanna via Instagram

Colorful balcony garden with potted plants on shelves and a railing, featuring lush greenery, a bonsai, and a decorative wind chime — Source: @cosy_decors_on_a_budget via Instagram

Vertical balcony garden with hanging plants, wooden wall planters, potted greenery, and a wooden shelf filled with vibrant foliage — Source: @elle_skygarden via Instagram

14. Use a Ladder for Plant Display

A ladder plant stand provides a unique vertical gardening solution. It’s perfect for displaying a variety of plants in a compact space. Arrange plants in a way that allows each to receive adequate light and care.

A variety of potted plants and herbs displayed on a white, three-tiered stand and surrounding floor against a yellow wall

Balcony with gray patio furniture, potted plants, flowers, and a wooden plant stand bathed in sunlight — Source: @sabina_1505 via Instagram

15. Grow Tomato Plants in Pots and Containers

Tomatoes are surprisingly well-suited for balcony gardens. Use large pots or containers with good drainage and place them where they’ll receive plenty of sunlight. Regular watering and staking or caging will support their growth.

Tomato plants growing in pots on a sunny balcony, with ripe red and partially ripened green tomatoes

Tomatoes of different colors growing in planters on a balcony, next to a wicker basket filled with picked tomatoes

16. Grow Strawberries in Planters

Strawberries thrive in balcony settings when grown in planters or hanging baskets. They require regular watering and lots of sunlight. This approach not only saves space but also adds a delightful and edible element to your garden.

Potted strawberry plants with ripe red strawberries hanging over a wooden balcony railing

17. Decorate with Garden Statues

Introduce garden statues to add a decorative touch to your balcony garden. Choose a statue that reflects your personal style and complements the size of your balcony. Position it as a focal point or tuck it amongst the plants for a whimsical effect.