Today the word “Eco” is frequently used. Words like "eco-friendly," "eco-living," "environment conscious," and so forth are frequently used in our daily speech, underscoring the need for us to change our way of life to preserve the environment for future generations. All our green spaces have been engulfed by urbanisation, which has turned them into a concrete jungle. The living areas of today are considerably smaller than the homes of 20–30 years ago, and we fill every square inch of space with our stuff, leaving no room for even a few potted plants. 

We now have the option to fit a garden on our balcony thanks to the numerous space-saving techniques that have been made possible by technological innovation. Living in an apartment does not necessarily prevent you from practising your gardening techniques. To create a tranquil and welcoming outside environment, in my opinion, turning our balcony into a flower bed, a vegetable patch, or possibly a combination of flowers, herbs, veggies, and ornamental plants, is a great idea. 

This area is frequently used by people to store items before being transformed into a permanent storage space. First and foremost, anything that is unneeded needs to be removed from the balcony. Take an inventory of the things stashed there and then organise them using smart storage solutions to keep your balcony orderly. Install wall hooks, shelves, or storage boxes to store gardening tools, cushions, and other items. Then, carefully examine your balcony, taking into account its design, size, and any applicable limitations or rules. Measure the space's size and create a thorough layout that includes the furniture and décor options 

This decision should be made based on several factors – your preferences, obviously, but also on how much space you have and how much sun your balcony is getting throughout the day. There’s a wide variety of flowers, aromatic plants, edible greens, and veggies you can grow on your patio. Here are some of the most popular and easiest to grow plants, even for beginner gardeners.

3. Design the layout :
Depending on your goal, you may choose between a horizontal or vertical arrangement. Wall-mounted planters and vertical gardens may make the most of available space. Climbing plants on trellises can increase privacy.

4. Pick right sized containers: 
Pick containers that complement the size and design of your balcony. In order to avoid waterlogging and damage to the floor, make sure they have drainage holes as well as the plant water collection tray. To make it visually appealing, choose a combination of hanging baskets, pots, and planters.

5. Choose your plan :
Invest in plants that are suitable for your balcony’s lighting conditions, wind exposure and temperature fluctuations. Consider using a mix of different plant types, such as herbs, flowers, vegetables, succulents depending on your preferences and purpose. Always make sure to group plants together considering their compatibility in terms of light and water requirements.

6. Soil preparation : 

Buy a well-draining potting mix suitable for container gardening. You can add organic compost or coco coir to improve soil structure and water retention. 

7. Planting :
Plant your chosen plants carefully into their selected containers, ensuring enough space for roots to grow. Always follow the planting instructions for each plant and water them thoroughly after planting.
 
8. Maintenance and care :
Regularly water your plants according to their needs considering factors like temperature, humidity, rain etc. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust your watering routing accordingly. Prune deadhead flowers regularly to encourage healthy growth of the plants.
 
9. Decorative elements :
Consider installing additional elements to enhance the ambiance of your balcony garden such as decorative lights, hanging lanterns, solar powered fixtures. You can also upgrade the flooring with deck tiles or outdoor rugs. These can add warmth, texture, and a touch of style to your balcony. Try incorporating decorative elements like artwork, wind chimes, or small sculptures to personalise your urban oasis. Consider using water features or a small tabletop fountain for a soothing effect. 

Remember to check local regulations and guidelines for balcony modifications and ensure the safety of your setup. With creativity and attention to detail, you can transform your balcony into a tranquil urban oasis that provides a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. Spend time in your balcony garden to experience the tranquillity it provides. You will notice how plants respond to their environments depending upon how you care for them. You can also experiment with various seasonal plants to give a more dynamic appeal to your garden.  

Some plants that you can grow on your balcony 

Herbs:  For a tiny garden that focuses on your everyday cooking needs, herbs like basil, rosemary, sage, mint, parsley, and oregano are ideal alternatives. They have a wonderful scent and are easy to get if you want to mix up some salad or pasta, make lemonades, or make herbal infusions.
 

Peppers : These are yet another fantastic option. When taken care of, they produce a good output and thrive in restricted growth areas. They can give your yard a decorative touch since they come in a variety of colours. 

Cherry tomatoes : They are a nice option, but they require enough sunlight to bloom. To facilitate better growth of these plants, create cages and design the area appropriately. 

Strawberries : They can be cultivated in hanging pots or regular pots. Do some research before planting because certain types produce fruit all year long. 

Golden Bamboo : They offer decent protection from nosy neighbours. They will endure all year long because they are perennials. 
 

Succulents : They use less water, use less space, and flourish in warmer environments. 

Fuchsia : These look stunning in hanging baskets and come in lovely pink and purple tones. 

Mandevilla : They are lovely and simple to care for. They grow well in warm settings and are simple to maintain. 

Roses : Bring a variety of hues if you love roses. But keep in mind to routinely spray them for pests and fungus infections. Roses may live for many years in a balcony garden with the right care. 

Asiatic lilies : They grow well in containers and are available in a wide range of colours. 

Coleus : It does not bear flowers but its colourful leaves can add beauty to your garden. 

Petunia : Plant them in pots on stands or hanging baskets to bring colour to your garden. They obviously require less irrigation. What more could one want? 

Once you have planned your garden, decided on the plants, the next most important thing to do is invest in a good set of gardening tools. 

Planter pots : Buy them in different sizes, shapes and colours. You could even think of a theme and purchase them accordingly. 

Potting soil : There are different types of soil and potting mix available in the market for different kinds of plants. Do your research and then purchase good quality soil bags and potting mix. Some plants grow in all kinds of soil and some thrive only in a particular kind of soil. 

Watering can : You can either buy a watering can or a plant mister to ensure the right amount of irrigation. Not all plants need to be watered heavily. 

Sprayer : To spray fungicides or other solutions to rid the plants of pests and insects. 

Tool Set : Garden scissors, a mini-rake and a mini plant trowel. 

Manure or fertiliser : Either in liquid form or powdered form as plants growing in containers have limited soil at their disposal. 

Seeds and saplings : Buy good quality seeds if you wish to have a good quality produce. If you are an amateur, work with saplings instead of seeds. 

By creating a garden in your living space, you are not only improving the quality of your life but also are contributing to supporting the ecosystem. The declining green cover undoubtedly threatens the existence of some important species of flora and fauna and by doing your bit, you can contribute to the well-being of these organisms. Additionally, greenery in your balcony, creates a harmonious and nurturing space that brings nature into your everyday life. Whether it's for the visual appeal, health benefits, or personal connection with nature, having plants on your balcony can greatly enhance your living experience in an urban environment. And because you have invested a lot of time and money in setting up your garden, you must ensure to enjoy it to the fullest. Just by spending a few minutes in your garden reading a book or meditating or even relaxing with some soulful music can destress you greatly thereby increasing your productivity.