Do you live in a tiny apartment, but dream of having a luscious garden full of flowers and plants? It can seem like an impossible task, but a beautiful balcony garden can be achievable if you know how to do it. With just a few pots and touch of creativity, you can make a beautiful oasis to enjoy all year round. Here are my top tips for creating a small garden on your balcony:

1. Check the rules – This is the first (and often most overlooked!) step. Make sure you get permission from your landlord before you start planting. If you own your apartment, check the rules regarding greenery overhanging the balcony. Being informed is very important.

2. Consider your balcony’s exposure to sun and weather – Different plants grow in different climates and degrees of sunlight. If your balcony is always in full sun, full shade or is subject to strong winds, you’ll have to be mindful of the greenery you choose.

3. Design the layout – Draw it out before you start hauling in the pot plants. Is there enough room? Where do you want to place each plant? Framing the balcony with flowers and plants allows for outdoor tables, benches and chairs to sit in the centre. Pot plant shelves are also a great space-saving idea, and your local hardware or garden store will have many styles to choose from.

4. Consider using trellises and vines – This is a great way to get tons of greenery in a small space. Check with your landlord or building coordinator first.

5. Get creative – A lot of new gardeners don’t know that you can plant different types of plants all in the one pot! This saves space and allows you to have more colour and variety. Try your hand at some herbs; they tend to grow well in pots and are a useful addition to your kitchen.

Do you have a balcony garden? Share your tips below!