Gardening on a balcony is a growing trend that pairs perfectly with our popular small garden sets, helping you create a lush, livable retreat in even the tiniest of spaces.
Urban gardening is booming, and nowhere is that more visible than on balconies and apartment buildings. With limited space and creative ambition, more people than ever are transforming their balconies into lush green escapes, bursting with personality and plant life. Whether you’re in a city high-rise or a compact flat, there’s plenty you can do to grow a garden in the sky.
At Lazy Susan, we’ve spent years helping customers make the most of their outdoor spaces — especially balconies, terraces, and compact patios. Our expertise in designing stylish, space-saving furniture means we understand the unique challenges of small-space living, from awkward layouts to limited square footage. So, the Lazy Magazine team are diving into some inspiring tips to help you turn even the smallest outdoor space into a thriving balcony garden.
1. Make the most of vertical space on a small balcony garden
Balconies often lack floor area, but they’re rich in vertical potential. When you grow upwards instead of outwards, you multiply your planting space without sacrificing square footage.
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Wall-mounted planters, hanging pots, trellises, or balcony railings can all be used to bring greenery to every level of your space.
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Use rail boxes, ladder shelves, or stackable plant stands to display herbs, trailing plants, and colourful flowers.
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Try a living wall or vertical garden kit for a dramatic, foliage-filled feature.
2. Choose plants that thrive on balconies
Balcony environments vary widely — from sun-drenched to deeply shaded, breezy to sheltered. Understanding your balcony’s microclimate is the key to selecting the right plants.
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South-facing balconies with direct sun love sun-lovers like lavender, succulents, tomatoes, or strawberries.
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North-facing or spaces in partial shade? Go for ferns, ivy, begonias, or herbs like mint and parsley.
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Windy upper-floor balconies may need hardy plants like grasses or dwarf shrubs in weighted pots.
Make sure your containers have good drainage, and use quality potting mix to support healthy root growth.
This is also where compact furniture like our bistro sets shine — small enough to fit easily, while letting your plants be the star of the show.
3. Create a cohesive balcony design
Design is still important — but think green haven first, then style to complement it. Start with your plants, then layer in furniture, textiles, and decorative elements to create a space that feels like a retreat.
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Group plants by height and texture to create depth and visual interest.
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Mix in edibles and ornamentals — a few pots of basil and cherry tomatoes can coexist beautifully with petunias or geraniums.
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Choose compact, stylish small garden sets to anchor your space — they not only provide a practical spot to relax or dine, but also help define the layout and bring structure to your balcony garden.
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Add an outdoor rug, cosy cushions, or lighting to turn your garden into a real extension of your living space.
You don’t need much. Even a small seating area, like the one created above with our bistro set, can anchor your balcony and make it more inviting.
4. Be smart about limitations and year-round interest
Space isn’t the only challenge — consider structural limits, rental rules, or weight restrictions. Large terracotta pots filled with soil can be surprisingly heavy, so:
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Opt for lightweight planters made from resin or plastic and select plants that will thrive in them.
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Plan for year-round interest by mixing evergreen plants with colourful annuals and seasonal blooms — this ensures your balcony stays green and inviting, even in colder months or when certain plants go dormant.
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Use lightweight stackable furniture or pieces with storage or fold-away features
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Install privacy screens or awnings to manage sun and wind exposure
The goal is to make your garden both beautiful and functional — and that starts with working with your space, not against it.
5. Take inspiration and follow top tips from the pros and social media
The popularity of balcony gardening has skyrocketed since lockdown, and events like the Chelsea Flower Show now feature entire categories dedicated to small space gardens. RHS Director Helena Pettit put it perfectly: “Any space, whether inside or out, can be turned into a garden sanctuary.”
Instagram hashtags like #balconygarden or #smallspacegardening offer thousands of ideas. YouTube is another treasure trove — check out channels like Decor Puzzle (below) for fresh takes and clever hacks:
Our final thoughts...
Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how our customers incorporate greenery into their balconies to create beautiful, functional outdoor retreats. That experience, paired with thousands of customer photos, feedback, and design stories, has given us valuable insight into what works when it comes to gardening on a balcony.
You can transform your balcony into a thriving green space with our quick and easy gardening tips:
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Check Light
Know how much sun your balcony gets to choose the right plants. -
Pick the Right Pots
Use containers with drainage and consider space-saving vertical options. -
Choose Smart Plants
Grow herbs, greens, or flowers that match your light and space. -
Use Good Soil
Go with light, well-draining potting mix, not regular garden soil. -
Water Properly
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry—don’t overdo it. -
Feed Your Plant
Use liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks during the growing season. -
Save Space
Use shelves, hanging pots, and railing planters to grow more. -
Block the Wind
Add mesh or grow sturdy plants if your balcony is breezy. -
Mind the Weight
Use lightweight containers and decor to avoid overloading the balcony. -
Make It Yours
Add a bistro set or lights to turn it into a relaxing green escape.
We know how to help people transform even the smallest spaces into something truly special. But a good balcony garden is more than just outdoor furniture and decor — it’s a way to connect with nature, improve your wellbeing, and make your home feel alive. Whether you’re growing herbs, flowers, or just soaking in the greenery on a Lazy Susan bistro, it all adds up to a more joyful, inspired space.
If you’ve created a green oasis using any of our small garden sets, we’d love to see it. Share your photos with us through our Do Some Good campaign and help spread the inspiration.
