18 Small Balcony Garden Ideas for Apartment Renters

ByJennifer
Railing planter boxes overflowing with petunias, basil and trailing flowers on a sunny apartment balcony

No yard? Grow one on your balcony. These 18 small balcony garden ideas work for US apartments in sun or shade.

Before you start

  • Check the sun: 6+ hours suits veggies; less suits leafy greens and ferns.
  • Mind the weight: use light pots and potting mix, not soil.
  • Plan for drainage: saucers protect neighbors below.

18 ideas to try

1. Railing planters

Railing planter boxes overflowing with petunias, basil and trailing flowers on a sunny apartment balcony
Railing planters
  • Hook boxes over the rail.
  • Herbs and flowers fit well.
  • No floor space used.

2. Herb garden on a ladder

Wooden plant ladder with terracotta pots of basil, rosemary, mint and parsley on a sunny apartment balcony
Herb garden on a ladder
  • Basil, mint and parsley.
  • A stepped plant stand.
  • Snip while you cook.

3. Tomatoes in grow bags

Cherry tomato plants heavy with red and yellow fruit growing in fabric grow bags on a sunny apartment balcony
Tomatoes in grow bags
  • Fabric bags are light.
  • Cherry tomatoes love sun.
  • Add a cage for support.

4. Vertical pocket planter

Freestanding felt pocket planter full of lettuce, strawberries and herbs on a small apartment balcony
Vertical pocket planter
  • Felt pockets on a frame.
  • Lettuce and strawberries.
  • Freestanding, no drilling.

5. Shade garden with ferns

Shady apartment balcony garden with lush ferns, hostas and pink begonias around a wooden bench
Shade garden with ferns
  • Perfect for north-facing balconies.
  • Ferns, hostas and begonias.
  • Lush and cool.

6. Hanging basket flowers

Hanging baskets overflowing with pink and purple flowers above a wooden chair on a sunny apartment balcony
Hanging basket flowers
  • Hang from a sturdy frame.
  • Trailing petunias and fuchsias.
  • Color at eye level.

7. Lemon tree in a big pot

Dwarf Meyer lemon tree full of lemons in a large white pot on a sunny Mediterranean-style apartment balcony
Lemon tree in a big pot
  • Dwarf citrus loves sun.
  • Bring inside in winter.
  • Smells amazing in bloom.

8. Tiered plant stand

Tiered metal plant stand full of colorful flowers and succulents against a brick wall on an apartment balcony
Tiered plant stand
  • Many pots, small footprint.
  • Mix colors and textures.
  • Easy to move.

9. Succulent garden for hot sun

Southwest apartment balcony with cacti and succulents in terracotta bowls, a sling chair and desert mountain view
Succulent garden for hot sun
  • Low water, high heat.
  • Great in Arizona and Texas.
  • Shallow bowls look modern.

10. Salad greens in a trough

Galvanized trough planter of lettuce and leafy greens hung on a balcony railing beside a metal watering can
Salad greens in a trough
  • Lettuce grows fast.
  • Pick leaves as needed.
  • Fits a narrow space.

11. Pollinator flower pots

Pots of lavender, salvia and colorful zinnias with a butterfly beside a white chair on a sunny apartment balcony
Pollinator flower pots
  • Lavender, salvia and zinnias.
  • Bees and butterflies visit.
  • Bright and cheerful.

12. Upcycled container garden

Herbs and flowers growing in upcycled wooden crates and tin cans along a narrow apartment balcony railing
Upcycled container garden
  • Old crates and tins as pots.
  • Drill drain holes.
  • Cheap and charming.

13. Strawberries in a hanging tower

Hanging tiered planter full of ripe strawberries above a rattan chair on a sunny apartment balcony
Strawberries in a hanging tower
  • A tiered strawberry planter.
  • Saves floor space.
  • Fun summer harvest.

14. Self-watering planters

White self-watering planters with tomatoes, peppers and herbs on a modern high-rise apartment balcony
Self-watering planters
  • A water reservoir underneath.
  • Less daily watering.
  • Great for busy renters.

15. Cozy garden seating nook

Rattan chair tucked among potted palms, ferns and flowers in a lush apartment balcony garden with a cup of tea
Cozy garden seating nook
  • A chair inside the greenery.
  • Your own mini park.
  • Feels peaceful.

16. Drip tray and tidy watering

Tidy apartment balcony garden with potted plants on saucers, a copper watering can and gloves on a wooden shelf
Drip tray and tidy watering
  • Saucers under every pot.
  • A small watering can.
  • Keeps floors and neighbors dry.

17. Fall mums and pumpkins

Railing planter box with purple ornamental kale, yellow mums and mini pumpkins on a rainy fall city balcony
Fall mums and pumpkins
  • Swap summer annuals for mums.
  • Add mini pumpkins.
  • Color into November.

18. Winter evergreens in pots

Dwarf spruce and boxwood topiaries in tall gray planters lining a narrow city balcony beside a teak bench in winter
Winter evergreens in pots
  • Dwarf conifers stay green.
  • Add lights in December.
  • Hardy in cold states.

Quick answers

What can I grow on a small apartment balcony?

Herbs, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, peppers and flowers all grow well in containers.

How do I garden on a shady balcony?

Choose ferns, hostas, begonias, impatiens and leafy greens that handle low light.

More balcony and patio ideas

Browse the full Balcony & Patio collection. You may also like: 18 Small Balcony Ideas That Turn Your Apartment Balcony Into an Outdoor Room, 19 Balcony Privacy Ideas for Renters (No Drilling Needed), 18 Cozy Fall and Winter Balcony Ideas to Enjoy Your Balcony Year-Round.

Jennifer writes about small apartment decorating on a budget at FrugalFlat, with practical layouts, affordable updates and renter-friendly options. Check product instructions, surface compatibility and your lease before starting a project.

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