How to Arrange Plants on a Balcony

Containers should maximize the space and amount of sunlight to the plants.


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A balcony container garden turns a small outdoor space into a green, lush escape. A detailed plan for the container arrangement helps you maximize the space and create a visually appealing display. Choose containers that fit the space well, with a mix of sizes, colors and designs for variety. Lightweight containers filled with lightweight potting soil work best to avoid overloading the balcony with too much weight. Work with the container configuration to benefit the plants and create a functional balcony space.


Contact the landlord or condo association to check on regulations or restrictions. Ask about size limitations on containers. If you plan to hang pots, install a trellis or attach containers to the balcony railing, ask about these issues to avoid problems.


Identify the areas where you want the plant containers. The perimeter of the balcony is often best so you leave enough space for seating or other items on the balcony. Consider both floor space and vertical space.


Install a trellis along the back side of the balcony against the building if you want to grow plants that vine. Position the container at the base of the trellis so the plant grows up the wood. As the vine grows, it creates a green backdrop for the rest of the balcony garden.


Arrange larger pots at the back of the balcony. Fill in with smaller pots in front. This makes all of the plants visible while allowing all plants to receive enough sunlight.


Position sun-loving plants toward the front of the balcony where they'll receive the maximum amount of light. Place plants that need some shade toward the back where the building or balcony roof will provide them with some relief from the sun.


Hang potted plants from hooks on the balcony ceiling. If you don't have a covered balcony, install a hook onto the side of the building to hold the hanging pot. Check the shadows cast by the hanging pots so they don't block sun to lower plants.


View the plant arrangement from the balcony, the ground and from inside to see how it looks from different angles. Rearrange the containers as necessary to improve the look of the garden.

Things You Will Need

  • Trellis
  • Hooks


  • Leave enough space between the containers to allow the plants to grow well. Crowding the plants limits the amount of sunlight and air they receive and gives them less growing space.
  • Monitor the sunlight on the balcony for a few days to identify the sunniest locations.

About the Author

Shelley Frost


Photo Credits

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