A narrow balcony is not a garden. But it is more than enough to grow herbs, flowers, and even a few small vegetables, provided you choose your plants carefully and use the space effectively.
The main constraint of a narrow balcony is not a lack of light. It is the available floor space. In a space only 70 or 80 centimeters deep, you cannot place multiple planters on the floor without blocking the walkway. The solution: go vertical. Use the railing, the walls, and the vertical space.
Use the railing as your main growing area
On a narrow balcony, floor space is too valuable to fill with multiple planters. The railing should be your priority growing area. This is exactly what Extra Terrasse Balconnières make possible: powder-coated steel containers that hook onto the top bar of the railing without drilling or screwing, available in two sizes and six colors. You can line up as many as you like along the entire length of the balcony without sacrificing any floor space. Rosemary, thyme, lavender, chives, and parsley: herbs are ideal candidates.
Choose plants suited to containers
For a narrow balcony, choose plants with shallow root systems: radishes, herbs, strawberries, and sedums. Also choose compact or dwarf varieties: balcony cherry tomatoes, basil, nasturtiums, and pansies. And trailing plants: ivy, lobelia, and trailing petunias, which grow vertically along the railing without taking up any width.
Choose plants based on sun exposure
The orientation of the balcony largely determines what you can grow there. A south-facing balcony offers many possibilities: tomatoes, peppers, lavender, and agapanthus. A north-facing balcony requires different choices: hostas, ferns, begonias, parsley, or chives, which tolerate partial shade. If the balcony is exposed to the wind, choose hardy, short-stemmed plants and secure the planters firmly to the railing. The Extra Terrasse Balconnière mounting system is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including wind at height.
Manage watering on a narrow balcony
On a narrow balcony, railing planters are exposed to wind and sun on all sides, which accelerates evaporation. In the height of summer, daily morning watering is often necessary for the most water-demanding plants.
Plant combinations that work well together
A few combinations for an Extra Terrasse Balconnière:
- Rosemary, thyme, and oregano together (similar water and light requirements, a hardy Mediterranean trio);
- Basil, parsley, and chives (the classic cook's trio);
- Ivy and blue lobelia (a visually striking trailing combination);
- Avoid planting mint with other plants: it is invasive and deserves its own Balconnière.
In summary
Growing plants on a narrow balcony is primarily a question of available growing space. By making the most of the railing and using suitable Balconnières, you can create a real hanging garden, even in a space only 12 centimeters deep.