Want to grow plants but don’t have much space?
Vertical gardens are a great solution for apartment balconies. You can create a lush green oasis without taking up too much room. These gardens let you enjoy nature even in small urban spaces.
Let’s look at some fun ideas to get you started on your vertical gardening journey.
1. Hanging Mason Jar Planters
Mason jars make charming planters for a vertical herb garden on your apartment balcony. Simply attach a few jars to a wooden board or metal frame using sturdy wire or clamps.
Fill each jar with soil and beginner-friendly herbs like mint, basil, or thyme, and add drainage holes to the lids. Hang the garden on a sunny wall for easy access to fresh herbs and a rustic touch outdoors.
2. Wall-Mounted Wood Planter Box
These ready-made planters come fully assembled and are designed to hold soil securely without the hassle of building—perfect for herbs, succulents, and small flowers, especially plants with shallow roots.
Simply mount the box to a sturdy wall, water regularly, and enjoy a fresh, natural accent that maximizes your vertical space.
3. Ladder Shelf Garden
A ladder shelf garden is a stylish way to display plants vertically on your balcony without taking up much floor space.
This setup lets you showcase different plants at varying heights, and it’s easy to reposition for the best sunlight. It adds both function and visual interest to small outdoor spaces.
4. Vertical Succulent Garden
Succulents are low-maintenance plants that thrive in small spaces. You can create a living wall of these hardy plants using a wooden frame or repurposed items.
Try arranging the plants in patterns or using different colors and textures. You can even make a cactus-shaped cutout for a fun, artistic touch.
5. Pocket Garden
Want a stylish vertical garden that’s easy to set up? A pocket wall garden is a great option. These ready-made fabric or felt pocket planters attach to a wall or fence and hold multiple plants in one compact design.
They’re lightweight, durable, and perfect for herbs, flowers, or small greenery. Just fill the pockets with plants, hang it up, and enjoy instant vertical style with minimal effort.
6. Gutter Garden
A gutter garden is a clever way to grow plants on your balcony. You can mount old rain gutters on your balcony railing or wall to create rows of planters.
This setup is perfect for small herbs and shallow-rooted plants like lettuce and spinach. Make sure to drill drainage holes in the gutters to prevent waterlogging.
7. Recycled Bottle Garden
Turn old plastic bottles into a unique vertical garden. Cut the bottles in half and poke holes for drainage. Hang them on a fence or wall using strong string or wire.
Fill the bottles with soil and plant herbs, small flowers, or succulents. This eco-friendly option adds a pop of green to your balcony while reducing waste.
You can paint the bottles or leave them clear. Arrange them in fun patterns or rows. Water your bottle garden regularly and watch your plants thrive in their recycled homes.
8. Wooden Crate Tower
A wooden crate tower is a fun and rustic way to grow plants vertically on your balcony. Stack old wooden crates on top of each other to create a tiered garden structure.
You can secure the crates together for stability. Fill each crate with soil and plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or small vegetables.
9. Trellis with Vines
A trellis with climbing vines is a great way to add vertical interest to your balcony garden. Choose a sturdy trellis that fits your space and attach it securely to a wall or railing.
Pick fast-growing vines like clematis, jasmine, or morning glories. These plants will quickly cover the trellis, creating a lush green backdrop.
10. Wire Grid Garden
This versatile option lets you customize your plant layout.
Start by attaching a wire mesh panel to your balcony wall. Choose a sturdy grid that can hold the weight of potted plants.
Hang small pots or containers from the grid using S-hooks or clips. Mix and match different plants to create an eye-catching display.
11. Over-the-Railing Planter
These ready-made planters hang securely over balcony rails and feature multiple planting pockets or tiers.
They’re great for herbs, flowers, or trailing plants and instantly add greenery without using up floor space or requiring installation.
12. Vertical Hydroponic Tower Garden
A vertical hydroponic tower lets you grow herbs and leafy greens without soil, making it perfect for small balconies.
Its tiered design maximizes space, while the built-in water system keeps plants hydrated automatically. It’s a great option if you want a high-tech, mess-free way to enjoy fresh food in a compact space year-round.