Do you want to add some plants to your home but don't have a garden? If you live in an apartment and have a balcony, then you don't need a garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs! There are many planters available that are designed specifically for use on a balcony, and these can add some greenery and nature to any apartment block.
Choosing the best balcony planters can be confusing as you need to consider material, weight, and the amount of sunlight available. That's why we’ve done the research for you and picked the Raised Planter Box with Legs by Foyuee as our favorite. It's sturdy, easy to assemble, and easy to move. We’ve also put together a 10 best list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide reviewed by a master gardener and homestead blogger to help you make your choice!
Quick List - Top Balcony Planter
Gardening and wildcrafting food for her family, Amy grows in a variety of gardens including hydroponic, raised beds, containers, and in the ground. As a master gardener, she has successfully gardened across the country.
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Before buying a balcony planter, there are a few points you should take into consideration, such as its size and weight. You should also decide where you want to put it on your balcony. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
One of the most important considerations when choosing a planter for your balcony is what will happen when you water your plants. You will need to regularly water your plants to keep them alive and prevent them from drying out, and this can cause an overflow of water.
If the water overflows, you run the risk of causing rot on balconies made from wood. There’s also the possibility of the excess water running off the balcony and falling onto your neighbor’s balcony below or even onto passersby on the street.
A drip tray is a simple way to solve this problem. Some planters will come with one already in the pot, but you may need to buy one for others. This will catch any excess water, and it needs to be regularly emptied so that the tray doesn’t overflow.
You can cut down the amount of water that escapes by lining your planter with an absorbent material, such as coir or hemp. You could also use hydrogels, or water-retaining crystals, in your soil. Some planters have their own internal water tanks that will catch excess water.
Both of these hydrogels and water tanks absorb a great deal of water and then slowly release it back into the soil. This makes self-watering planters and hydrogels a great idea for cutting down on excess water and keeping your plants watered if you’re away for a few days.
Any balcony can have a planter, but that doesn’t mean that they can all have the same planters. You need to take into account the circumstances of your own balcony to make sure you get the right one.
The direction of your balcony is very important. A south-facing balcony will get more sun than a north-facing one, so you need to take this into account to be successful at planting something on your balcony.
Many vegetables need at least eight to ten hours of sun, so a north-facing balcony won’t be suitable for these. Instead, consider planters that are ideal for flowers such as begonias, impatiens, and dogwood. These will all be compatible with low-sun conditions and planters such as hanging baskets.
Terra-cotta pots and planters are very common, but when filled with soil, these can become very heavy. Depending on how big your balcony is, it may have to carry both the weight of the pot and your own weight when you water it or tend to it. Make sure that your balcony is strong enough to carry this weight!
If you live several stories from the ground, you need to be extra careful of what effect the wind can have. Hanging planters or a trellis may not be the best idea as they run the risk of being caught in the wind and damaged, or at worst, ripped away from the balcony to possibly cause injury.
Weighted pots are a safer choice as they are less likely to be affected by the wind. However, if you do go for hanging planters or a trellis, make sure they are securely fastened to the balcony and that the plants are also secure.
Planters come in a variety of materials, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
A terra-cotta planter is heavy and solid, so they won’t get blown away no matter how wild the wind is. They can look great, come in a variety of designs, and are very absorbent. However, you will need to check that your balcony is strong enough to take their weight, and they can be difficult to move.
If you live in a cold part of the country that suffers through harsh winters, you may want to avoid terra-cotta as it can crack in freezing temperatures. They can also get dirty very quickly. Resin and ceramic share many of the same properties of terra-cotta.
Plastic planters are lightweight, making them easy to move and a good choice for small balconies that can’t take much weight. They come in a wide range of colors and styles, and you can get smart plastic pots that will self-water. They can retain water, but your plant roots may outgrow smaller plastic planters and need replanting.
You can purchase metal planters, but you can also repurpose them from their previous uses. Metal planters can look great and be lightweight, making them easy to move. However, they’re not always the most durable in cold weather and can rust with time.
Wooden planters can be heavy too, so again be careful with the weight of your balcony. Wood can rot if it gets wet, so make sure that it is correctly lined inside and treated on the exterior to prevent this.
You will find a wide variety of planters in wood, such as plant grids, trellises, or raised beds. As wood is a natural material, it can look great and sympathetic when covered in plants.
There are a wide variety of planters that can be used on your balcony. The best choice for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as space and your preferences.
Raised planters are planter beds that are set on legs and are above the ground. If you suffer from back pain, they’re a great option as you won’t need to bend over to water them!
You can easily put a drip tray underneath to catch any excess water. This type of planter is especially good for a small vegetable garden, but could get damaged by the wind.
Hanging baskets can be attached to your balcony railings or from the eaves. They’re not usually very large, but they can be used for smaller plants such as herbs, strawberries, or succulents.
You must ensure that they are securely attached using screws or brackets so that the wind won’t knock them loose. These types of planters can dry out quickly, but you still need to ensure that any excess water won’t drip to the ground below.
These come in all shapes, sizes, and materials but share the feature of being placed on the floor. Water drainage is an issue with this type of planter as they will have drainage holes underneath, leading to water easily pooling underneath. Make sure you have a drip tray or an absorbant material underneath.
Much like hanging baskets, a vertical garden can make great use of small spaces. These can be well-structured planters such as trellises that are attached to a wall, or simply consist of a few pots drilled in any arrangement you wish. Water drainage is an issue with these, but they can offer maximum flexibility.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Foyuee Raised Planter Box With Legs | ![]() | A Large Planter That's Easy to Assemble and Move | |
2 | Outland Living Five Tier Planter Box | ![]() | A Tiered Stand That Keeps Your Plants Steady | |
3 | Ogima 10 Piece Hanging Flower Pots|10 Pack | ![]() | A Colorful Set of Hanging Planters | |
4 | La Jolíe Muse Hanging Planters for Outdoor Plants|2 pack | ![]() | A Sturdy Pair of Hanging Planters | |
5 | CobraCo English Horse Trough Planter|HTR36-B | ![]() | Natural-Looking Planters That Can Attach to Railings | |
6 | Mr. Stacky Five Tier Planter Pot | ![]() | Separate Layers Ideal for Small Plants | |
7 | Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed | ![]() | Simple but Functional Raised Garden Bed | |
8 | Fox & Fern Self Watering Plant Pot | ![]() | A Pot With Effective Drainage and a Simple Design | |
9 | Emsco Group Rail Planter|2444D | ![]() | Brighten Up Your Railings With This Planter | |
10 | Coogou Multi Layer Plant Shelf | ![]() | Display a Variety of Plants With This Shelf |
This raised planter box is made of metal with an anti-rust coating. The bed is large enough for several vegetables or plants, and it has a drainage hole for excess water. There is a shelf underneath that can be used for additional plants or storing tools, and the planter can be easily moved due to its wheels.
According to reviews, some buyers didn't receive any instructions with their planter. The color was also closer to gray than black, they found. However, most reviewers say it's easy to assemble and can be easily moved. They praise the planter for being sturdy and easy to tend to due to its height.
With this item, you get five planter boxes that all measure 22-inches long. They're made from BPA-free plastic and don't have any drainage holes. The planter boxes are neatly displayed on a five-tier stand, making it easy to tend to them all without putting any strain on your back.
The lack of adequate drainage was an issue for some reviewers. Others had problems with the metal parts of the stand, saying they arrived warped. However, most reviewers say it is easy to assemble and to drill your own drainage holes. They also like that the planters are sturdy, and the stand is firm and steady.
These 10 metal pots come in a variety of bright colors. They are all the same size and have a drainage hole at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. Each pot has a removable hook, so you can hang the pots on railings or fences. You can also take off the hooks and place them on a floor or shelf.
Before buying these, make sure you check the measurements as a few reviewers were surprised by their small size. However, the vibrant colors are very popular with most reviewers, saying it's easy to tell each plant apart. Reviewers also like that they're easy to assemble and attach to fences or railings.
These two hanging planters come in three neutral colors. They can be used indoors or outdoors, and there are four drainage holes in the bottom of each planter to drain water. Each planter hangs from three pieces of rope that can be adjusted, and the planter material can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Several reviewers report that the ropes used to hang the planters didn't come knotted, and they struggled to knot them correctly so the planters could hang. However, most reviewers praise their sturdiness and design. Reviewers also love that the planters come with plugs for the drainage holes to control the amount of drainage.
With this planter, you get both the metal frame and the natural coco liner. This liner helps retain water in the soil, too. This planter can be placed on a flat surface, but it also comes with adjustable brackets so it can be mounted on railings.
When fully loaded with soil, some reviewers found that the brackets alone weren't enough to secure the planter to their railings. There are also reports of the metal rusting after a couple of years. However, reviewers say these planters are easy to use and attach to railings. They also like the natural, rustic look of the planters.
This planter has five tiers and a saucer at the bottom. It's ideal for smaller plants, such as strawberries and herbs. The plastic layers are separate but are designed to be stacked. This allows water to filter down from the top layer to the bottom.
Some reviewers say that the water distribution is too uneven, noting that the bottom layer can flood. Overall, though, many reviewers like that it's easy to assemble and very compact. Several report that they have had great success growing strawberries in this planter!
This wooden raised garden bed has a simple but functional design. It comes with a liner for the garden bed and has three holes in the bottom to drain any excess water. The bed is 30 inches tall so that you can easily tend to your plants while keeping them off the ground.
Some reviewers report that this planter didn't last very long and broke after one season. However, most reviewers praise this garden bed for being easy to assemble and stable. They say that it can hold a large number of plants and is easy to tend to due to the height.
This simple-looking planter consists of a pot and a matching saucer. The saucer fits inside the bottom of the pot, hiding it away. Excess water is collected in the saucer and then fed back to the plant. This can keep your plant watered for up to two weeks automatically.
A few reviewers say that the pot's material feels cheap, and others report this pot cracking over time. However, many reviewers like that it's lightweight and stylish. They praise this pot for its effective drainage and say it's perfect for large plants or small trees.
This simple planter is made of plastic and is available in several colors. It is designed to fit onto a railing, and the bottom is shaped to make this easier. It's also compatible with railings of different thicknesses. The planter measures 24 inches long and has drainage holes on the bottom.
Attaching this planter to a railing can be tricky for thicker railings, reviewers say. Even though it comes with hardware to clamp it in place, people say it's difficult to use. However, most reviewers like that this planter is durable and looks great on railings. Some people note that it survived storms and heavy winds.
If you're looking for a stylish but flexible way to display your plants, this wooden stand is a great idea. It has several tiers at different heights that are suitable for planters or other decorations. It's also designed to ensure that all plants receive enough sunlight.
Some reviewers say that it wasn't easy to make the stand secure. However, other reviewers recommend waiting to tighten the screws until it's fully assembled will make it steady. Most reviewers like that it can hold a good number of differently-sized plants. They also appreciate that it displays their plants in a stylish way.
If you're looking to have plants on your balcony, then there may be a few more items you need to get the best from your plants. We have some recommendations that will soon make your balcony overflowing with greenery!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Foyuee|Raised Planter Box With Legs
No. 2: Outland Living|Five Tier Planter Box
No. 3: Ogima|10 Piece Hanging Flower Pots|10 Pack
No. 4: La Jolíe Muse |Hanging Planters for Outdoor Plants|2 pack
No. 5: CobraCo|English Horse Trough Planter|HTR36-B
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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